Biography
My career began in 1990 when I studied analytical chemistry, biochemistry and clinical pharmacology in graduate school. Seeing the essential role of analytical chemistry in a clinical laboratory setting, together with the role of the clinical scientist in influencing patient health, inspired me to pursue my career in clinical chemistry.
As a technical director of the special chemistry laboratory, my research spans diverse areas, which all relate to improving the capacity of the lab to deliver analytical services to researchers and clinicians. The overall goal of my lab is to develop analytical techniques for measuring and monitoring levels of drugs, drug metabolites, small molecules, bioactive molecules and biomarkers in lab specimens. I then help translate these findings to improve treatment initiatives.
I hold two US patents: #5,240,571 “Quantitative method of detection of analytes in aqueous fluids by detection of NADH and NADPH” and #6,984,308 “Electrochemical analysis of coenzyme Q10 and reduced coenzyme Q10.” Also, in 2013, Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC (PPD) signed a contract to use our high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) laboratory as their core lab for clinical trials involving coenzyme Q10.
As a clinical scientist, I enjoy developing novel methods to measure and monitor new drugs and biomarkers. I also enjoy teaching medical technologists to use analytical methods in routine practice. We must remember that, in modern medicine, biomarkers always have a use as diagnostic tools. They allow a more personalized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Clinical Interests
In vitro diagnostics; disease monitoring procedures
Research Interests
Mitochondrial dysfunction; metabolic disorders; neurodegenerative diseases; hemoglobin disorders; neurogenesis; and therapeutic drug monitoring
Academic Affiliation
Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics