Alejandra Dau Martinez

Mentor: Dr. Gürol Süel Dissertation: Biomechanics of Biofilm Dispersion - Studied the underlying mechanisms of cellular differentiation and the transition to multicellularity in bacterial biofilms through a direct and conceptual approach - Studied biomechanics of biofilm dispersion through microfluidic, microscopy and genetic methods - Developed, optimized and reproduced protocols based on literature under laboratory standards - Analyzed and quantified microscopy data on Python and ImageJ - Prepared preliminary material for publication

- Developed proof of concept of an intimate hygiene product enhanced with probiotics as a preventive treatment against yeast infections by Candida sp. - Led a 3 person team on idea conception and protocol development

- Functionalized gold nanoparticles with an HPV conserved DNA sequence for the development of an affordable and accessible HPV Biosensor in the context of developing countries such as Mex - Led a 3 person team on developing and optimizing protocols based on literature - Analyzed and quantified UV-Vis data based on physical and optical properties of DNA and gold nanoparticles - Poster presenter at International Materials Research Congress 2022

- Conducted bibliographical research on the effects of gamma radiation on clients' products for a company implementing gamma radiation as sterilization method mainly focused on export produce. Potentially saving clients millions of pesos by reducing product waste.