MsEllie Martin

Current work:

• Using ferroelectrics / piezoelectrics and piezoelectric-antibody bioconjugates for novel medical applications including antiviral therapy (using human cytomegalovirus as a proof-of-concept), gene editing, and cancer stem cell (CSC) differentiation therapy. Piezoelectrics are materials capable of producing an electric field when subjected to mechanical stress such as ultrasound (and vice versa). While they have historically been used for sensing and energy production, recent applications include tissue engineering, neuron stimulation, cancer treatment, and bacteria treatment. My work aims to expand on this list.

Prior work:

• Developing a low-cost biomimetic technology for solar photovoltaic (solar panel) cooling and water desalination to enhance energy output, inspired by transpiration in leaves. Imperial (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/clean-energy-processes/)
• Investigating microbial transcriptome expression in an anaerobic fluidized-bed membrane bioreactor (AFMBR) designed to produce biomethane from wastewater. Understanding the hypothesized role of sulfur-reducing bacteria as a key component, particularly in the context of electron transfer on a granular activated carbon surface. Imperial (https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/po-heng.lee)
• Investigating transcriptome expression of coral algal symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) to better understand the genetic basis behind coral bleaching (a phenomena largely driven by climate change: over the last three decades, the world has lost half of its coral reefs). Also using this data to investigate the role of bacteria as a "second symbiont" to the coral-algae system. University of Miami (https://www.cnidimmunitylab.com/)
• Simulating the molecular self-assembly of organic photovoltaics (promising solar cell materials known for their lightweight, flexible, low-cost nature) to evaluate their structure, performance potential, and processing conditions for enhanced electron transfer. National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), Boise State University (https://www.boisestate.edu/coen-cmelab/)