Protein Engineering, Protein structure, Nanotechnology

1. Amar N Thaker
+1-215-512-4394 • https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarthaker • Seattle, WA/Tempe, AZ • amar.thaker@asu.edu
Summary
Chemical Engineering Ph.D. with focus on protein engineering, seeking a full time in the field of product development for
biologics. Four years of hands-on experience in molecular biology lab techniques, protein characterization and
purification. Working on interdisciplinary research project for doctoral thesis.
Education
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, Arizona State University, GPA 4.00/4.00 2020
M.S. Nanotechnology, University of Pennsylvania, GPA 3.67/4.00 2014
B.E. Chemical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (Pilani campus), GPA 8.45/10.00 2012
Skills
Protein Purification E. coli proteins (membrane and soluble) using FPLC system and Cell Lysis
Chromatography BioRad/Akta system: Affinity (His-tagged, Maltose-binding); Ion Exchange (cation:
HiTrapSP HiTrapCM, anion: HiTrapQ HiTrap DEAE); Size Exclusion (Superdex 75,
Superdex 200, Superose 6 Increase)
Protein analysis SDS and Native PAGE, DLS, Circular Dichrometry, Western Blotting
DNA techniques PCR, Plasmid DNA purification, Cloning via Gibson Assembly, Site-directed mutagenesis,
DNA electrophoresis, SnapGene
Data Analysis and
D.O.E
Six Sigma (Green Belt), Data analysis by Excel
Nanotechnology Metal oxide and noble metals nanoparticle synthesis, Chemical Vapor Deposition
Electron Microscopy FEI Titan TEM, Negative-stain and Cryo-TEM
Language English, Hindi, Gujarati (Native)
Teaching TA for Chem. E. labs for Junior and Senior year, ASU
TA for undergraduate Physics I and II labs, UPenn
Course Designer and TA for Summer Academy for Nanotechnology, UPenn
Project Experience
Protein-based colorimetric radiation sensor for cancer therapy, ASU, Tempe, AZ 2016 – 2018
• Purification and expression of very high purity and concentration of E.coli recombinant proteins through affinity and SEC
• Designed a protein-gold nanoparticle system which changes color based on absorbed ionizing x ray radiation dose.
• Optimized to measure absorbed doses as low as 3 mili-Joules per gram, typical of cancer therapy treatments
• Paper published in peer reviewed Biotechnology and Bioengineering: link to paper
Structural based discovery of gold binding peptide, ASU, Tempe, AZ 2018 – Pres
Discovered a new gold binding peptide and synthesized stable 10 nm gold nanoparticles using it.
• Co-crystalized the protein with gold ions for high energy x-ray diffraction in a synchrotron.
• Identified the site of interaction from the diffraction pattern by solving the structure up to 2.39Å resolution
• Designed a peptide AT1 based on the site of interaction and characterized gold binding ability.
• Used high-resolution TEM images to characterize the gold particles formed.
• First author paper in the process of being written.
Cryo-TEM of GroEL – Platinum nanoparticle complex, ASU, Tempe, AZ 2019 – Pres
• Created a 3.5Å 3D model of interaction between a GroEL and platinum nanoparticle through single particle cryo-EM
(data collection, particle picking and 3D reconstruction).
Atomic Force Microscope prototype for mN frictional measurement, UPenn, Pennsylvania, PA 2014
• Built a robust low-cost device, showcasing mN scale frictional force measurement through Atomic Force Microscope.

2. • Supervisor incorporated the device in his nanotribology course MEAM 537.
Shape and size controlled synthesis of Cobalt Ferrite magnetic nanoparticles, UPenn, Pennsylvania, PA 2013
Synthesized solution phase mono dispersed particles with applications in biomedicine and magnetic data storage
Wettability studies and growth process for molybdenum oxide nanowhisker 2012
Research Assistant, CSIR- National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore, India
Created superhydrophobic surface of Molybdenum Oxide through chemical vapor deposition for electro-chromic
uses in aviation industry. Paper published in peer reviewed Nanoscience and Nanotechnology letters link to paper
Publications
• Fateme Banihashemi, Bu, Guanhong, Amar Thaker, et.al “Beam-sensitive metal-organic framework structure
determination by microcrystal electron diffraction.” Ultramicroscopy. (at final edits)
• Thaker, Amar, et al. "Protein‐facilitated gold nanoparticle formation as indicators of ionizing radiation." Biotechnology
and bioengineering 116.12 (2019): 3160-3167.
• Selvakumar, N., Amar Thaker, and Harish C. Barshilia. "Vapor–Solid Growth of Molybdenum Oxide Nanowhiskers:
Wettability Studies and Growth Process." Nanoscience and Nanotechnology letters 5.8 (2013): 842-849.
Written Grants
Travel Grant $950 by Graduate Professional Student Association (GPSA) for poster presentation at Biophysics
conference, San Diego, 2020
$300 by Graduate College (GC) for oral presentation at ACS conference, Philadelphia, 2020
$300 by PFx Travel Grant funds for oral presentation at AIChE, PA 2018
$900 by GPSA for oral presentation at AIChE, PA 2018
$1000 by GPSA for oral presentation at AIChE, MN 2017
$500 by GC for poster presentation at BMES, AZ 2017
Graduate
Fellowship
From Graduate College for excellence in academic credential and potential for success, ASU 2015
LEADERSHIP
Student Lab Manager: Managed lab inventory and instrument maintenance.
Travel and Research Grant Reviewer, GPSA: Volunteered for 25+ travel and 8 research grants reviewing from all
graduate schools, ASU
ASU Open Night: (2016 – 2019) introduced protein engineering concepts at Nannega Lab to K-12 students
Mentoring: Mentored 10+ undergraduate and graduate students
Community Volunteer: 30+ hours of community service as a volunteer at ASU community outreach, including beautifying
local zoo, cleaning homeless shelter, inspiring local school elementary kids for science graduate education
Chemical engineering lab tour guide: Showcased ASU chemical engineering lab facilities to prospective students
Event organizer for Indian Association at Penn: Organized 2 events each year for 100 + members