Leipzig Bioengineering Group

Biography

In 2015, I received a bachelor’s degree in Toxicology from Ashland University. Immediately following, I began at the University of Akron to pursue my Ph.D. co-advised by Dr. Shriver (Chemistry) and Dr. Leipzig. My primary research interests are regenerative medicine and bioanalytical chemistry. Stem cells and their behavior have always been particularly interesting to me. Therefore, I enjoy the challenge of uncovering what drives neural stem cell differentiation at the molecular level. When not in the lab, I like reading, music, coffee and being with friends and family.

Education

B. Science, Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio, 2015

PhD, Chemistry, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 2020

Awards

Ashland University Department of Biology/Toxicology Outstanding Senior Award

Ohio State University Department of Pharmacology Undergraduate Summer Fellowship

Publications/Book Chapters

1. Bertman, K.A., Abeywickrama, C.S., Baumann, H.J., Alexander, N., McDonald, L., Shriver, L.P., Konopka, M. and Pang, Y. (2018). A fluorescent flavonoid for lysosome detection in live cells under “wash free” conditions. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 6(31), 5050-5058.
2. Abeywickrama, C. S., Baumann, H. J., Alexander, N., Shriver, L. P., Konopka, M., & Pang, Y. (2018). NIR-Emitting Benzothiazolium Cyanines with Enhanced Stokes Shift for Mitochondria Imaging in Live Cells. Organic & biomolecular chemistry.16, 3382-3388.