Mohammad Julker Neyen Sampad: Graduate Student Researcher
Lab / Organization: Applied Optics Group at UCSC
During my fellowship year, I was a part of the research based on solid-state nanopore integrated optofluidic devices. There were two major research projects I worked on. The first project was to develop an on-chip, high-throughput single-molecule analysis platform by incorporating a programmable feedback circuit with nanopore integrated optofluidic device. The second project I participated in was to increase the detection rate of single-strand DNA with melanoma cancer gene (BRAFV600E) by selectively delivering target particles near the nanopore detector. My current research is still focused on solid-state nanopore integrated optofluidic platform. However, I have been modifying the platform for analyzing ultra-low concentration of viral nucleic acid and protein particles in bodily fluid solution. Also, I have been working on integrating FPGA with optofluidic diagnostic platforms in order to monitor particle flow in real-time as well as get a short sample to answer time. I am very proud to mention that I was a part of that high-priority research works initiated by the UCSC research community to minimize the COVID-19 spread. I have utilized optical trapping assisted capture rate (TACRE) method for faster detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from human nasal swab in nanopore integrated optofluidic platform. I am thankful to my research advisor, Professor Holger Schmidt for giving me the opportunity. It is really motivating to see my own research work have a great impact on the recent life-saving efforts. I think this will help me further with my impactful research works. My post graduation plan is to get further exposure to advanced diagnostic tools for biomarker detection. As a career goal, I would like to be a research scientist either in a renowned research institute or company.