Logan Kaler
Biophysicist
Hyattsville,MD
Summary
Biophysicist with over 9 years of research experience specializing in immunofluorescence staining and microscopy. Demonstrated success in scientific communication and mentoring, complemented by strong skills in MATLAB programming and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proven ability to apply innovative and analytical methods to address complex biological challenges.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
9
9
Years of Research Experience
10
10
Peer-reviewed Articles
4
4
Peer-reviewed First Author Articles
Work History
Post-Doctoral Fellow (ASEE & NRC)
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Washington
11.2023 - Current
- Conducted advanced research on cellular processes, contributing to innovative naval applications.
- Optimized immunofluorescence staining and imaging protocols, enhancing precision in intracellular analysis.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to design experiments and enhance methodologies.
- Developed MATLAB workflows, streamlining processing times for large data sets.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Maryland
College Park
01.2019 - 08.2023
- Investigated mechanisms of influenza and respiratory viruses penetrating airway mucus, resulting in three first-author papers and five co-authored publications.
- Quantified host-pathogen interactions using multiple particle tracking on fluorescent microscopy videos, enhancing understanding of viral mechanisms.
- Cultured and maintained mammalian cells in air-liquid interface as a reliable in vitro mucus source.
- Developed and maintained eight MATLAB codes for data processing and analysis, streamlining workflows for lab members.
- Trained three graduate and two undergraduate students on laboratory techniques and MATLAB coding.
- Presented two platform talks and three posters at conferences focusing on influenza-mucus interactions.
- Maintained shared lab microscopes and coordinated microscopy training sessions for lab personnel.
- Communicated research progress in weekly meetings and individual discussions with principal investigator, ensuring alignment on project goals.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Maryland
College Park
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Administered quizzes and lab practicals to effectively gauge and improve student understanding.
- Graded and returned exams and lab practicals efficiently to uphold academic standards.
- Coordinated with instructor to align lab sessions with learning outcomes for timely student evaluations.
- Facilitated weekly lab sessions to enhance student comprehension of fundamental body systems.
Undergraduate Researcher
Bay Path University
Longmeadow
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Conducted research on biochemical and structural features of protein acetyltransferases, leading to design of novel proteins.
- Explored biochemical and structural features of protein acetyltransferases, resulting in two comprehensive theses.
- Performed bacterial cell culture and biochemical techniques, enabling successful protein production and purification.
- Displayed research findings on protein acetyltransferases through two conference posters, enhancing academic discourse.
- Research earned two institutional research awards and one research scholarship.
Student Learning Assistant
Bay Path University
Longmeadow
08.2015 - 05.2018
- Collaborated with faculty member to assist in general chemistry classes, enhancing learning experience for 30+ students.
- Hosted exam review sessions and maintained weekly office hours, providing targeted support for student success.
- Conducted review sessions to reinforce key concepts, facilitating deeper understanding and retention of material.
- Supported professor in implementing rigorous teaching and learning experiences.
Undergraduate Tutor
Bay Path University
Longmeadow
08.2015 - 05.2018
- Conducted one-on-one tutoring sessions for undergraduate students to enhance understanding of general chemistry, pre-calculus, and calculus concepts.
- Clarified complex topics for students with diverse comprehension levels, enhancing overall understanding.
- Assessed student progress and provided regular, actionable feedback to foster academic growth.
- Coordinated tutoring appointments and recorded materials covered to ensure tailored support for each session.
Student Note Taker
Bay Path University
Longmeadow
01.2015 - 12.2017
- Created organized notes for students with accommodations in six courses to enhance their learning experience.
- Delivered notes on schedule to academic support coordinator for timely distribution to students.
- Assisted students by providing clear and organized notes during lectures.
- Collaborated with faculty to ensure accurate representation of course material.
- Used technology to create and distribute digital note files efficiently.
Education
Ph.D. - Biophysics
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 08.2018 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA 08.2014 - 05.2018
Skills
- Microscopy techniques
- Mammalian and bacterial culture
- Immunofluorescence staining
- Protein purification
- Gel electrophoresis and SDS-PAGE
- MATLAB and Python programming
- Data analysis
- ImageJ software
- CellProfiler software
- GraphPad Prism software
- OriginLab software
- Microsoft Excel
- Project management
- Collaborative problem solving
- Training and mentoring
- Scientific communication
Affiliations
- Biophysical Society Education Committee Member, 2021-Present
- Biophysical Society Member, 2017-Present
Accomplishments
- Outstanding Research Assistant Award, 2023 - University of Maryland
- NIH T32 Host-Pathogen Interactions Training Grant Trainee, 2021
- Graduate Student Summer Research Fellowship, 2021 - University of Maryland
- Jacob K. Goldhaber Travel Award, 2020 - University of Maryland
- Biophysical Society Education Committee Travel Award, 2018
- Dean’s Fellowship, 2018 - University of Maryland
- Women in STEM Honors Excellence in Research Award, 2018 - Bay Path University
- Maroon Key Honor Society Member, 2017 - Bay Path University
- Biomedical Research Award, 2017 - Bay Path University
- Stern Scholar, 2016-2018 - Bay Path University
- Women in STEM Honors Program, 2014-2018 - Bay Path University
- 1897 Founders Scholarship, 2014-2018 - Bay Path University
Publications
- S. Di Benigno, V. Edwards, S. Mathur, A. Boboltz, E.M. Engle, L. Kaler, M.A. Scull, G. Duncan, L.-C. Wang, D.C. Stein, W. Song, W., Female sex hormones enhance gonococcal colonization at the endocervix by modifying cervical mucus. Preprint on bioRxiv at https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.14.670271 (2025).
- L.I. Kaler, M.C. Robitaille, J.A. Christodoulides, P. J. Calhoun, J.M. Byers, M.P. Raphael. Directing Cell Phenotype: Quantitative Single-Cell Migration Assay Leveraging Tunable Extracellular Surfaces. Langmuir (2025). 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c05135
- V.K. Lam, J.M. Byers, M.C. Robitaille, L. Kaler, J.A. Christodoulides, M.P. Raphael. A self-supervised learning approach for high throughput and high content cell segmentation. Communications Biology (2025). 10.1038/s42003-025-08190-w
- L. Kaler, E.M. Engle, M. Corkran, E. Iverson, A. Boboltz, M.A. Ignacio, T.Yeruva, M.A. Scull, G.A. Duncan. Mucus Physically Restricts Influenza A Viral Particle Access to the Epithelium. Advanced Biology (2025). 10.1002/adbi.202400329
- Y. Zhang, S. Li, K. Loch, G.A. Duncan, L. Kaler, R. Pangeni, W. Peng, S. Wang, X. Gong, Q. Xu. pH-Responsive Mucus-Penetrating Nanoparticles for Enhanced Cellular Internalization by Local Administration in Vaginal Tissue. ACS Macro Letters (2023). 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00639
- D. Song, E. Iverson, L. Kaler, A. Boboltz, M.A. Scull, G.A. Duncan. MUC5B mobilizes and MUC5AC spatially aligns mucociliary transport on human airway epithelium. Science Advances (2022). 10.1126/sciadv.abq5049
- L. Kaler, K. Joyner, G.A. Duncan.Machine learning-informed predictions of nanoparticle mobility and fate in the mucus barrier. APL Bioengineering (2022). 10.1063/5.0091025
- L. Kaler, E. Iverson, S. Bader, D. Song, M.A. Scull, G.A. Duncan. Influenza A virus diffusion through mucus gel networks. Communications Biology (2022). 10.1038/s42003-022-03204-3
- D. Song, E. Iverson, L. Kaler, S. Bader, M.A. Scull, G.A. Duncan. Modeling airway dysfunction in asthma using synthetic mucus biomaterials. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering (2021). 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01728
- R.S. Linssen, G. Chai, J. Ma, A.B. Kummarapurugu, J.B.M. van Woensel, R.A. Bem, L. Kaler, G.A. Duncan, L. Zhou, B.K. Rubin, Q. Xu. Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Increase Airway Mucus Viscoelasticity and Slow Mucus Particle Transit. American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology (2021). 10.1165/rcmb.2020-0168OC
- E. Iverson, L. Kaler, E.L. Agostino, D. Song, G.A. Duncan, M.A. Scull. Leveraging 3D Model Systems to Understand Viral Interactions with the Respiratory Mucosa. Viruses (2020). 10.3390/v12121425