Sofiya Ismagilova

• Topic: Liver Cancer Vaccine Prototype Development
• One of 11 applicants chosen out of over 1,100.
• Designed and executed an independent project to engineer liver cancer vaccine prototype using exosomal tetraspanins (CD63, TSPAN3) as scaffolds for therapeutic and neoantigen display.
• Presented a scientific poster at 4 national conferences and was awarded C.A.R.E.S. Poster Award.

PI: Ameya Kirtane

• Topic: mRNA Vaccine Cargo Sequence Optimization Using Neural Network Model
• Designed and tested mRNA sequences encoding extremotolerant-organism proteins and evaluated optimal 5’UTRs for enhanced translation.
• Data collection and analysis to evaluate efficacy of nano-carriers for mRNA and small-molecule therapeutics.
• Working on 1st-author publication; presented poster at UMN Fall Symposium.

PI: Theresa M. Reineke

• Topic: Engineering Polymeric Nanocarriers for Vaccines & Therapeutics; Antibody-Guided Targeting
• Investigated physicochemical parameters of micelle storage, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency
• Developed micelle formulations for targeted mRNA delivery to T cells and ovarian cancer models
• Engineering Bispecific T-Cell Engager constructs.
• Developed ternary mixed micelles with tunable biodistribution
• Performed in vitro and in vivo transfection assays
• Working on 1st author manuscript
• Co-authoring 3 manuscripts
• Presented 2 scientific posters at UMN Summer & Fall Symposiums

• Enhanced strategic decision-making using macroeconomic forecasting models.
• Produced professional reports and presentations summarizing analytical insights for clients.
• Designed algorithms and implemented performance-critical modules using C++.
• Optimized quantitative tools for client-specific credit risk evaluations and analytics.
• Contributed to analytical deliverables used in quarterly reports for 10+ major clients,

• Enhanced morphological analysis through expert mouse handling and tissue dissection.
• Conducted genotyping and confocal imaging for comprehensive molecular analyses.
• Analyzed fluorescence data effectively using ImageJ and confocal microscopy techniques.
• Facilitated accurate quantification of structural data in research projects.

• PI: Dr. Fumiaki Katagiri
• Authored a research paper draft on Salicylic Acid Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana analyzing pathway regulation and its role in plant immune responses.