Fusion of Biological and Computer Sciences
I occupy the space between the biological and computer sciences. My understanding of both fields allows me to translate and communicate either in terms a lay person or specialist in each field can understand. Being fluent in both areas of study gives me unique insight that helps me in finding and solving problems that span both fields.
My current work is at NCI in immunology and cancer research. In addition to working with cells and biological materials, I am developing software tools to better manage and utilize the data collected in day to day operations of my lab. Hopefully, this will put the information about the laboratory operations and treatments at the fingertips of the researchers and clinicians. This should lead to the ability to answer complex questions about the biomaterials stored and analyzed.
♣ My work on the Center for Microbiological Ecology Image Analysis System has included: development of tools in the software suite, improving existing tools, collecting data, and data analysis. My most important contributions have been to identify problems in the tools or procedures and to devise effective solutions.
♣ Other work on the projects has included: reworking the user interfaces in such a way that they are more agreeable to the target end users, writing documentation aimed at explaining how to use the tools effectively, and devising methods that address issues that commonly occur in the course of working with the suite.
Projects Include:
CMEIAS Color Segmentation: Identified a deficiency in the algorithm at the heart of the application that rendered it incapable of extracting data from a significant number of image qualities and types. The solution implemented for this functionality allowed for increased accuracy and handling of non-ideal inputs.
CMEIAS Quadrat Maker: Found a subtle defect in the output that prevented the product of this application from being used directly in subsequent analysis. Rebuilt the various output functions to meet the specifications of the other suite software and remain compliant with international standards.
CMEIAS Size Border Cluster Analysis: Discovered major faults with the core algorithm that could be likened to a faulty heart valve in that they weren’t likely to cause noticeable problems so long as the work load wasn’t strenuous. However, the program is supposed to be able to handle large data sets, so the rectification of these deficiencies was paramount.
