About Me

I am a biophysicist and PhD candidate at North Carolina State University, currently finishing my doctoral research in the Elting Lab. My research focuses on investigating the cytoskeleton of Spirostomum ambiguum, often called “the fastest cell” due to its ability to contract its giant single-celled body in the blink of an eye.

Research Interests

My research has discovered that Spirostomum’s remarkable contraction is due to unique filaments known as the myoneme that allow it to contract without using traditional contractile machinery. We found that the myoneme mesh is calcium-activated, and through shortening of its filaments, it’s able to recapitulate the organism’s shape change. I’ve been investigating the molecular basis for myonemeal force generation using various advanced imaging and computational techniques.

Beyond my core research, I’ve gained extensive experience with:

• Electron microscopy (SEM, TEM)
• Immuno-TEM imaging
• Confocal fluorescence microscopy
• Advanced computational modeling
• Magnetic tweezing

Entrepreneurial Experience

In addition to my academic work, I am the founder and president of Koinslot INC, a company producing a nostalgic gaming system for educational purposes. I’ve also worked as the Technical Director for Sonar Applications INC, developing an audio social media app.

Technical Skills

• Programming: Python, Bash, Mathematica, MATLAB, C/C++
• Fabrication: 3D printing, electronics, metal & wood working, machining, laser cutting
• Laboratory Equipment: AFM, cell culture, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, microinjection, laser systems
• Software: ImageJ, Imaris, Illastik, Autodesk Fusion 360, Adobe Suite, Linux

Education

• PhD in Physics (in progress) - North Carolina State University
• MS in Physics (2022) - North Carolina State University - View Diploma
• BS in Physics, Minor in Mathematics (2018) - North Carolina State University, Magna Cum Laude - View Diploma
• View Complete Academic Transcript

Recent Publication

Fishnet mesh of centrin-Sfi1 drives ultrafast calcium-activated contraction of the giant cell Spirostomum ambiguum
Joseph Lannan, Carlos Floyd, L. X. Xu, Connie Yan, Wallace F. Marshall, Surirayanarayanan Vaikuntanathan, Aaron R. Dinner, Jerry E. Honts, Saad Bhamla, and Mary Williard Elting
Biorxiv (2025)
doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.11.07.622534