> Nicholas Schaffer

> Curriculum Vitae

Education

University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) | 2023

- Computer Science, BS: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Track
- Biological Science, BS
- Merit Scholarship Recipient

Research Experience

Research Assistant, Yang Lab, Johns Hopkins University | Current

Neural Organoids and Assembloids | Brain Machine Interfaces | Flexible Electronics

- Performed human STEM cell and organoid cultures.
- Created machine learning pipelines for automatic image analysis in ImageJ.
- Programmed custom software for use in brain machine interfaces and biohybrid intelligence tasks.

Research Assistant, Jhou Lab, University of Maryland School of Medicine | 1.5 years

Neural Circuitry | Motivation and Addiction | Genomics

- Developed novel snRNA-Seq workflow and assisted with analyzing sequencing data to examine genetic clustering in midbrain neurons.
- Performed collaborative and independent projects in vivo to investigate research questions related to behavioral and neurotransmitter disruptions during Fentanyl administration.
- Programmed custom software and analysis pipelines using Python, R, MATLAB, and ImageJ.
- Used 3D printing and CAD to design custom laboratory and behavioral equipment.
- Presented results at conferences and contributed to manuscript preparation.

Research Intern, Lindberg Lab, University of Maryland School of Medicine | 3 years

Neurodegenerative Diseases | Protein Folding Dynamics | Protein Chaperone Mechanics

- In an independent project, performed in vitro proteomics experiments and analyzed protein interactome data, including Gene Ontology analysis.
- Examined the effects of chaperone activity in neurodegenerative disease at the protein-protein interaction level.
- Analyzed data using statistical methods and presented results at lab meetings and conferences. Contributed to authorship of manuscripts.

UMBC Phage Hunters SEA-PHAGES program | 1 year

- Isolated and characterized novel actinobacteriophage viruses
- Annotated and analyzed whole phage genomes
- Conducted novel bioinformatics research using phage genomic data and presented findings through poster presentations and authorship