Education
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA March 2012 - November 2013
Postdoctoral research scholar under Prof. David Tirrell
Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO June 2011
Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering under Prof. Kristi Anseth
Certificate in Molecular Biophysics
GPA: 4.0
Princeton University, Princeton, NJ June 2006
B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering – Magna Cum Laude (3 / 30)
Concentration in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Certificate in Material Science and Engineering
Certificate in Engineering Biology
GPA: 3.92 in department, 3.67 cumulative
Awards
Student Fellow Award, Biomedical Engineering Society January 2013
DSM Polymer Technology Award, DSM and American Chemical Society August 2011
Excellence in Graduate Polymer Research Award, American Chemical Society 2010
Graduate Student Research Gold Award, Materials Research Society 2009
Molecular Biophysics Training Grant, National Institute of Health (NIH) 2007 – 2009
Biomolecular GAANN Fellowship, US Dept. of Education 2007 – 2010
Outstanding Achievement Award, Society for Biomaterials Annual Meeting April 2009
First-Year Graduate Research Fellowship, University of Colorado August 2006
Material Science Student of the Year, Princeton University June 2006
Sigma Xi Chemical Engineering Book Award, Princeton University June 2006
Graduate Research Fellowship Honorable Mention, Natl. Sci. Foundation 2006 & 2007
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society Induction, Tau Beta Pi 2005
Most Approachable Resident Adviser, Princeton University June 2005
Valedictorian, Boulder High School June 2002
Publications
Adzima, B.J., Kloxin, C.J., DeForest, C.A., Anseth, K.S. & Bowman, C.N. Photofixation Lithography in Diels–Alder Networks. Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 33, 2092-2096 (2012). (link, pdf)
Kloxin, A.M., Lewis, K.J.R., DeForest, C.A., Seedorf, G.J., Tibbitt, M.W., Balasubramaniam, V & Anseth, K.S. Responsive Culture Platform to Examine the Influence of Microenvironmental Geometry on Cell Function in 3D. Integrative Biology, 4, 1540-1549 (2012). (link, pdf)
DeForest, C.A. & Anseth, K.S. Bioactive Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine. Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 3, 421-444 (2012). (link, pdf)
DeForest, C.A. & Anseth, K.S. Photoreversible Patterning of Biomolecules within Click-based Hydrogels. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 51, 1816-1819 (2012). (link, pdf)
*This article appears on the cover of the February 2012 issue of Angewandte and was selected as a “Very Important Paper” by the journal editors. It also was featured in Nature, Angewandte Chemie, and Lab on a Chip.
DeForest, C.A. & Anseth, K.S. Cytocompatible Click-based Hydrogels with Dynamically-Tunable Properties through Orthogonal Photoconjugation and Photocleavage Reactions. Nature Chemistry, 3, 925-931 (2011). (link, pdf)
*This article appears on the cover of the December 2011 issue of Nature Chemistry and has been highlighted in Chemistry World
Adzima, B.J., Tao, Y., Kloxin, C.J., DeForest, C.A., Anseth, K.S. & Bowman, C.N. Spatial and Temporal Control of the Alkyne–Azide Cycloaddition by Photoinitiated Cu(II) Reduction. Nature Chemistry. 3, 256-261 (2011). (link, pdf)
Sims, E.A., DeForest, C.A. & Anseth, K.S. A Mild, Large-Scale Synthesis of 1,3-Cyclooctanedione: Expanding Access to Difluorinated Cyclooctyne for Copper-Free Click Chemistry. Tetrahedron Letters, 52, 1871-1873 (2011). (link, pdf)
*This article was featured by Vertical News
DeForest, C.A., Sims, E.A. & Anseth, K.S. Peptide-Functionalized Click Hydrogels with Independently Tunable Mechanics and Chemical Functionality for 3D Cell Culture. Chemistry of Materials 22, 4783-90 (2010). (link, pdf)
Johnson, L.M., DeForest, C.A., Pendurti, A., Anseth, K.S. & Bowman, C.N. Formation of Three-Dimensional Hydrogel Multilayers Using Enzyme-Mediated Redox Chain Initiation. ACS Applied Material Interfaces. 2, 1963-1972 (2010). (link, pdf)
DeForest, C.A., Polizzotti, B.D. & Anseth, K.S. Sequential Click Reactions for Synthesizing and Patterning 3D Cell Microenvironments. Nature Materials 8, 659-664 (2009). (link, pdf)
*This article has been highlighted in Nature, Chemistry World, F1000, as well as others
Benton, J.A., DeForest, C.A., Vivekanandan, V. & Anseth, K.S. Photocrosslinking of Gelatin Macromers to Synthesize Porous Hydrogels that Promote Valvular Interstitial Cell Function. Tissue Engineering Part A 15 3221-3230 (2009). (link, pdf)
Lawson, M.C., Hoth, K.B., DeForest, C.A., Bowman, C.N. & Anseth, K.S. Inhibition of Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilms using Polymerizable Vancomycin Derivatives. Clin Orthop Relat Res 468, 2081-2091 (2010). (link, pdf)
Research Highlights
DeForest, C.A., Zhang, H., Memic, A., Dokmeci, M.R. & Khademhosseini, A. Research Highlights. Lab on a Chip 12, 3540-3542 (2012). (link, pdf)
Selimović, Š., DeForest, C.A., Dokmeci, M.R. & Khademhosseini, A. Research Highlights. Lab on a Chip 12, 2995-2997 (2012). (link, pdf)
Selimović, Š., DeForest, C.A., Dokmeci, M.R. & Khademhosseini, A. Research Highlights. Lab on a Chip 12, 2289-2291 (2012). (link, pdf)
Selimović, Š., DeForest, C.A., Dokmeci, M.R. & Khademhosseini, A. Research Highlights. Lab on a Chip 12, 2094-2096 (2012). (link, pdf)
Selimović, Š., DeForest, C.A., Dokmeci, M.R. & Khademhosseini, A. Research Highlights. Lab on a Chip 12, 2015-2017 (2012). (link, pdf)
Selimović, Š., DeForest, C.A., Dokmeci, M.R. & Khademhosseini, A. Research Highlights. Lab on a Chip 12, 1739-1741 (2012). (link, pdf)
Conference Presentations
DeForest, C.A. & Tirrell, D.A. Photoreversible Protein Patterning for Dynamic Tailorability of the Stem Cell Niche. ACS PMSE Tribute to Jeffrey Moore (Indianapolis, IN, 2013).
DeForest, C.A. Photoreversible Protein Patterning for Dynamic Tailorability of the Stem Cell Niche. ACS Polymers in Medicine and Biology Meeting (Santa Rosa, CA, 2013).
Tibbitt, M.W., DeForest, C.A., McKinnon, D. & Anseth, K.S. Dynamically Tunable Hydrogels and their Biological Application. Australasian Polymer Symposium (Darwin, Australia, 2013).
DeForest, C.A., Tibbitt, M.W., & Anseth, K.S. Biomaterials in the Fourth Dimension – Controlling Temporal Properties. Society for Biomaterials (Boston, MA, 2013).
DeForest, C.A. & Tirrell, D.A. Photoreversible Protein Patterning for Dynamic Tailorability of the Stem Cell Niche. Biomedical Engineering Society – CMBE (Hapuna Beach, Hawaii, 2013).
DeForest, C.A., Tirrell, D.A., & Anseth, K.S. Directed Cell Fate in a Couple of Clicks: Dynamic Tailorability of the Stem Cell Niche. American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting (Pittsburgh, PA, 2012).
DeForest, C.A., Tibbitt, M.W. & Anseth, K.S. Dynamic Cell Niches through Bioorthogonal Photochemical Reactions. Materials Research Society (San Francisco, CA, 2012).
DeForest, C.A. & Anseth, K.S. Phototunable Click-based Hydrogels for 3D Cell Culture: Dynamic Tailorability of the Stem Cell Niche. American Chemical Society (Denver, CO, 2011).
Adzima, B.J., Kloxin, C.J., Scott, T.F., DeForest, C.A., Anseth, K.S. & Bowman, C.N. Photoclick: 4D Control of Polymer Network Formation, Modification, and Properties via Click Reactions. American Chemical Society (Denver, CO, 2011).
DeForest, C.A. & Anseth, K.S. Photoreversible Patterning of Biomolecules within 3D Click Gels. Society for Biomaterials (Orlando, FL, 2011).
DeForest, C.A., Tibbitt, M.W., Kloxin, A.M. & Anseth, K.S. Hydrogels with Dually-Tunable Properties Through Orthogonal Photocoupling and Photocleavage Reactions: Cell Niches to Study Biology in the Fourth Dimension. Photopolymerization Fundamentals Conference (Breckenridge, CO, 2011).
DeForest, C.A. & Anseth, K.S. Cytocompatible Click-based Hydrogels with Dually-Tunable Properties Through Orthogonal Photocoupling and Photodegradation Reactions. Australasian Polymer Symposium (Coffs Harbour, Australia, 2011).
Bowman, C.N., Tao, Y., Kloxin, C.J., DeForest, C.A., Anseth, K.S. & Adzima, B.J. Photoclick: Spatial and Temporal Control of the Alkyne-Azide Reaction. Australasian Polymer Symposium (Coffs Harbour, Australia, 2011).
Kloxin, A.M., Tibbitt, M.W., DeForest, C.A. & Anseth, K.S. Photoresponsive Hydrogels to Study and Manipulate Cell-Material Interactions. Australasian Polymer Symposium (Coffs Harbour, Australia, 2011).
DeForest, C.A., Sims, E.A. & Anseth, K.S. Phototunable Click-based Hydrogels for 3D Encapsulation and Manipulation. Society for Biomaterials (Seattle, WA, 2010).
DeForest, C.A., Sims, E.A. & Anseth, K.S. Spatiotemporal Patterning of Click-Based Hydrogels for User-Directed 3D Cell Function. American Chemical Society (San Francisco, CA, 2010).
DeForest, C.A., Sims, E.A. & Anseth, K.S. Click-based Hydrogels for Spatially Directed Cell Function. Mountain West Biomedical Engineering Conference (Park City, UT, 2009).
DeForest, C.A., Sims, E.A. & Anseth, K.S. Bioorthogonal Click Chemistries for Synthesizing and Patterning the 3D Cell Niche. Materials Research Society (Boston, MA, 2009).
DeForest, C.A., Sims, E.A. & Anseth, K.S. Photopatterned Click-Based Hydrogels for Three-Dimensional Cell Culture. Photopolymerization Fundamentals Conference (Breckenridge, CO, 2009).
DeForest, C.A., Fairbanks, B.D., Kloxin, A.M. & Anseth, K.S. Synthetic Matrices Based on Sequential Click Reactions for Directing Cell Function. European Polymer Federation (Graz, Austria, 2009).
DeForest, C.A., Sims, E.A., Polizzotti, B.D. & Anseth, K.S. Sequential Click Reactions for Synthesizing and Patterning 3D Cell Microenvironments. Society for Biomaterials (San Antonio, TX, 2009).
DeForest, C.A., Benton, J.A. & Anseth, K.S. Engineering Microporous Gelatin-Based Hydrogels for Three-Dimensional Cell Culture. 8th World Biomaterials Congress (Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2008).
DeForest, C.A., Fairbanks, B.D., Polizzotti, B.D. & Anseth, K.S. Three-Dimensional Biochemical Patterning of Click-Based PEGtide Hydrogel via Thiol-ene Photopolymerization. Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers 3M Research Day (St. Paul, MN, 2008).
Benton, J.A., DeForest, C.A. & Anseth, K.S. In Vitro Modeling of Stenotic Disease Progression in Valvular Interstitial Cells. Keystone Symposia on Tissue Engineering and Developmental Biology (Snowbird, UT, 2007).
DeForest, C.A., Benton, J.A. & Anseth, K.S. Photopolymerization and Characterization of Methacrylated Gelatin for Three-Dimensional Cell Culture. Photopolymerization Fundamentals Conference (Breckenridge, CO, 2007).
Patents
Aimetti, A.A., DeForest, C.A. & Anseth, K.S. Method for Synthesizing Cyclic, Multivalent Peptides using Thiol-Mediated Reactions. PCT Patent Application Filed 6/2010.
Polizzotti, B.D., Anseth, K.S., Fairbanks, B.D. & DeForest, C.A. Hydrogels and Methods for Producing and Using the Same. US Patent Application (12678920) Filed 6/2010, PCT Patent Application Filed 9/2008.
Research
Postdoctoral Scholar, Prof. Prof. David Tirrell, Caltech, Pasadena, CA March 2012 – November 2013
·Developed new class of engineered protein therapeutics whose delivery profile can be dictated precisely with light
·Gained a strong knowledge of protein engineering, protein co- and post-translational modification technique, bacterial cell culture, molecular cloning, and protein expression/purification
·Constructed original research grants for the NIH
Research Scientist, GeoSynFuels, LLC, Golden, CO June 2011 – February 2012
·Implemented novel microbe-encapsulated hydrogel systems for use as biocatalysts in the continuous fermentation of sugar cane bagasse to cellulosic ethanol
·Highly scalable (~1,000 L of hydrogel) solution increased total ethanol product generation by 10% while decreasing costs by 25% over established technology
Ph.D. Thesis Student, Prof. Kristi Anseth, Univ. of Colorado 2006 – 2011
·Developed novel biomaterials with highly defined, regular structures that can be subsequently modified locally with specific user-dictated functionalities for 3D cell culture
·Strong knowledge of organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, peptide synthesis, HPLC purification, and advanced imaging techniques including SEM and confocal microscopy
·Thesis entitled “Phototunable Click-based Hydrogels for 3D Cell Culture: Dynamic Biochemical and Biomechanical Tailorability of the Stem Cell Niche”
Thesis Student, Prof. Christodoulos Floudas and Prof. Jim Broach, Princeton, NJ 2005 – 2006
·Experimental, theoretical, and computational study of DNA microarray experiments in yeast
·Critically evaluated both new and existing numerical algorithms using GAMS software for gene clustering, seeking to propose the best method to go about sorting, digesting, and beginning to better fully understand any genome
·Thesis entitled “Novel Computational Studies for the Elucidation of Complex Signal Transduction and Metabolic Pathways”
REU Student, Prof. Kristi Anseth and Prof. Chris Bowman, Univ. of Colorado Summer 2005
·Investigated multilayer, living radical polymeric, microfluidic devices as a high-throughput technology for controlled stem cell differentiation via experimentation and numerical modeling using MATLAB
Research Assistant, Prof. Stanislav Shvartsman, Princeton Univ. 2004 – 2005
·Employed Monte Carlo methods using MATLAB to gain further insight into the ultrasensitivity of the MAP kinase cascade, which allows for the biological conservation of switch-like behavior
Research Assistant, Prof. Robert Prud’homme, Princeton Univ. Summer 2004
·Investigated thermally expanded graphite oxide as a cheap alternative to carbon nanotubes as well as a medium for hydrogen storage
·Prepared samples and tested these using x-ray diffraction, BET surface analysis, tape casting, thermal analysis, and spin-coating
Teaching Experience
Teaching and Laboratory Assistant, Tissue Engineering, Univ. of Colorado Spring 2009
·Led course lab “Peptide-Functionalized Affinity Hydrogels for Controlled Protein Delivery”
·Served as a consultant for graduate students’ final design projects
Advanced Teaching Assistant, Polymer Chemistry, Univ. of Colorado Spring 2008
·Guest lectured five full class periods in addition to preparing course demos to clarify topics
·Assisted in the preparation of homework and exam problems
·Designed, created, and maintained the course website
Teaching Assistant, Chemistry for Engineers, Univ. of Colorado Spring 2007
·Hosted weekly review lectures on course material, conducted a laboratory section, and held office hours
·Gave written feedback on students’ work, and held review sessions prior to exams
Service
Scientific Referee, Variety of Peer-Reviewed Journals 2006 – Present
·Provided critical feedback during the peer-review process for variety of journals including:
·Science, Nature Materials, Angewandte Chemie, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Advanced Functional Materials, Advanced Biomaterials, Biomacromolecules, Lab on a Chip, Macromolecules, Bioconjugate Techniques, Analytical Chemistry, and others
·American Institute of Chemical Engineers & Biomedical Engineering Society
Co-Organizer, “Genes to Gels” High School Science Program, Caltech 2013
·Developed a three-week-long, full-time summer hands-on laboratory pilot program to introduce high school students to concepts and research at the interface between biological and material science (with Prof. David Tirrell)
·Interacted with two high school students and their teachers to select and structure activities that can be productively transferred to the school classroom
Research Student Mentor, Tirrell Lab, California Institute of Technology 2012 – 2013
·Mentored two undergraduate students and a PhD graduate student on basic laboratory practice, scientific methodology, and experimental technique
Research Student Mentor, Anseth Lab, Univ. of Colorado 2006 – 2011
·Mentored two high school students, four undergraduate students including two senior thesis students, a PhD graduate student, and an MD/PhD student
·Instructed on basic laboratory technique, experimental design, and scientific thought
Graduate Board Member, Engineering Excellence Fund, Univ. of Colorado 2009 – 2011
·Allocated more than $1,000,000 in annual support for the improvement of engineering educational opportunities inside and outside the classroom
·Critiqued and advised student organizations on potential projects and best-practices
Graduate Student Representative, Univ. of Colorado 2009
·Attended faculty meetings and served as a liaison between graduate student body and faculty
·Organized departmental recruiting events for ~60 prospective students as well as social activities for current students throughout the year
Student Board Member, ABET Accreditation, Univ. of Colorado 2007, 2010
·Aided in course review within the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department and met with the External Advisory Board prior to ABET accreditation
·Performed internal review evaluation of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry graduate program and delivered a written report to the Academic Review and Planning Advisory Committee
Co-Chair, Student Annual Research Symposium, Univ. of Colorado 2008 – 2009
·Organized conference seeking to provide graduate students with the opportunity to share their research with the department while honing their speaking and presentation skills in front of industry and academic judges
Outreach Coordinator, High School Honors Institute, Boulder, CO 2006 – 2011
·Helped host a variety of events that sought to expose the creative and exciting nature of math and engineering to high school students, particularly women, and planned the departmental advising fair for current undergraduates
·Served on organizational boards aimed at devising programming opportunities to promote team-building and community service that ultimately led to successful outreach efforts at local high schools
AIChE Vice President, Princeton Chapter, Princeton, NJ 2005 – 2006
·Organized guest lecturers from both academia and industry to expose undergraduate chemical engineers to opportunities ahead of them, providing a resource network for colleagues
·Planned and led monthly informative meetings for the chapter
Residential Adviser, Mathey College, Princeton Univ. 2004 – 2006
·Managed a $1,250 programming and research budget for 40 students
·Advised and mentored first- and second-year students concerning college life
·Organized informative discussions designed to increase campus awareness of eating disorders, sexual orientation, and academic integrity
Tau Beta Pi, New Jersey Delta Chapter, Senior Member 2005 – 2006
·Engineering Honor Society which recognizes its members for outstanding academic achievement as well as social engagement
·Tutored underclassman, led engineering center tours, and engaged in various service projects
Engineering Interactor, Princeton Univ. 2004 – 2006
·Mentored and advised incoming engineering freshman on academic policies, course selection, and general student life
Computer Skills
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Works, LaTeX, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Modo
Strong knowledge of Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Macintosh OS X, and Linux
Programming languages include Java, MATLAB, GAMS, HTML, Perl, and some C++
