Keith Task 171 Travis Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15236 (412) 653-1572 [email protected] EDUCATION Doctoral Program, Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh 2009-Present • PhD Candidate, Teaching Assistant • Current GPA: 3.85 • Successfully completed PhD Proposal Defense; anticipated Final Defense/Graduation: February 2014 Bachelor Program, Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh 2001-2005 • Graduated Summa Cum Laude, 2005 • Bachelor in Chemical Engineering, Minor in Chemistry, Concentration in Biochemical Engineering • GPA: 3.80 Key courses: Numerous courses in chemical engineering, math, statistics, simulation/programming, chemistry, biology/bioengineering Computer skills: Efficient in Fortran, numerous statistical and mathematical programs including Matlab and Mathcad, optimization algorithms, and Microsoft Office; experience in chemical simulation packages, including ChemCad and Aspen WORK EXPERIENCE PhD Candidate, Lab of Dr. Ipsita Banerjee-University of Pittsburgh May 2009-Present • Research focus- Developing and utilizing mathematical models and simulations, coupled with experimental studies, to assess, understand and predict the mechanisms and variability involved in embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation to pancreatic lineage • Population-based modeling of lineage commitment through stochastic algorithms • Differential equation-based modeling of cell cycle regulation of pluripotent and differentiating ESC • Using robust regression techniques and image processing tools to correlate substrate microstructural features to differentiation patterning • Optimization algorithm (non-linear programming and stochastic) development and utilization to reverse engineer gene regulatory networks of differentiating ESC through qPCR data • Experimental assessment of ESC cell cycle behavior and experimentally inducing pancreatic ESC differentiation • Quantifying and analyzing cellular differentiation through quantitative PCR (qPCR), microscopy and flow cytometry • Writing grant proposals • Mentoring numerous undergraduate students in the areas of modeling and experimentation Teaching Assistant, University of Pittsburgh August 2010-December 2012 • Completed two terms as a Teacher’s Assistant for a senior level chemical engineering class taught by Dr. Ipsita Banerjee: Systems Engineering 1: Dynamics and Modeling. • Completed one term as a Teacher’s Assistant for the senior level chemical engineering design class taught by Dr. Robert Enick: Systems Engineering 2: Process Design • Responsibilities include preparing and executing recitation lessons plans, helping students with course material, grading weekly homework, and helping to prepare lecture notes Peace Corps Volunteer, working with World Vision-Kabale, Uganda March 2006-October 2008 • Liaised with the University of Pittsburgh’s Engineering School to develop a simple stone crushing machine for income generation; machine was designed, built and shipped to a vulnerable group in Uganda • Created a Microsoft Access database for World Vision that eases tracking/monitoring of sponsored children • Led a needs assessment exercise for one World Vision project. This incorporated data collection as well as analysis to determine what the project was succeeding/lacking in. • Started a community led group to care for the OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) in the area. Community mobilization, sensitization meetings, and trainings were held. • Worked with a local People Living With HIV/AIDS group to create sustainable income generation projects • Performed program designing, activity planning, and budgeting for the next phase in the project Co-op chemical engineer-Westinghouse Electric Co., various locations (see below) January 2003-May 2005 • Completed the co-op program with four separate rotations (four semesters). • Worked at the Science and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, PA, and two chemical plants located in Ogden, Utah and Columbia, South Carolina. • Performed literature searches, plant modeling, engineering calculations, and lab work to improve process and product designs to support the two aforementioned plants. • Co-inventor of "Gas phase electrolyzer process for producing hydrogen", Patent No. 7,261,874 PUBLICATIONS First Authorship • K Task, A D’Amore, S Singh, M Jaramillo, WR Wagner, P Kumta, I Banerjee. “Specific Microstructural Cues Correlate with Endoderm Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells on Fibrin Gels as Revealed by a Systems Level Approach.” Under review in J Royal Society Interface. • N Chemmangattuvalappilǂ, K Taskǂ, I Banerjee. “An Integer Optimization Algorithm for Robust Identification of Non- linear Gene Regulatory Networks.” BMC Systems Biology. 2012, 6:119. (ǂ Equal contributors) • K Task, M Jaramillo, I Banerjee. “Population Based Model of Human Embryonic Stem Cell (hESC) Differentiation During Endoderm Induction.” PLoS One. 2012;7(3):e32975. Epub 2012 Mar 12. Co-authorship • M Jaramillo, S Mathew, K Task, I Banerjee. “Potential for Pancreatic Maturation of Differentiating Human Embryonic Stem Cells is Sensitive to Specific Pathway of Definitive Endoderm Commitment.” Under review in Stem Cells and Development. • JE Candiello, S Singh, K Task, P Kumta, I Banerjee. “Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Sensitivity to Mechanically Compliant Alginate Substrates: A Potentially Promising Platform for Endoderm Leaning Differentiation.” Journal of Biological Engineering. 2013, 7:9. • I Banerjee, K Task, S Maiti. “A Genetic Network Identification Algorithm Combining Experiment and Computation.” In Computational Biology of Embryonic Stem Cells. Ed. M. Zhan. Bentham Science Publishers, 2012. • T Congedo, E Lahodo, R Matzie, K Task. “The Nuclear Industry.” In Kent and Riegel’s Handbook of Industrial Chemistry and Biotechnology. 11th Ed. Springer. New York, NY, 2007. PRESENTATIONS • K Task, O Koubaa, I Banerjee. “Analyzing the Dynamics of ESC Cell Cycle Transition Through an Integrated Experimental and Modelilng Approach”. AIChE Annual Conference, 2012. Pittsburgh, PA. • K Task, A D’Amore, S Singh, M Jaramillo, P Kumta, I Banerjee. “Correlating Effects of Gel Microstructural Features with Specific Differentiation Patterning of Embryonic Stem Cells.” Presented at: o AIChE Annual Conference, 2012. Pittsburgh, PA. o ISSCR Annual Conference, 2012. Yokohama, Japan. o AIChE Annual Conference, 2011. Minneapolis, MN. • K Task, M Jaramillo, I Banerjee. “Population Based Model of Human Embryonic Stem Cell (hESC) Differentiation During Endoderm Induction.” Presented at: o ISSCR Annual Conference, 2012. Yokohama, Japan. o Poster Session at BMES Annual Conference, 2011. Hartford, CT. • K Task, M Jaramillo, I Banerjee. “Mathematical Modeling of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation During Endoderm Induction.” Presented at the AIChE Annual Conference, 2010. Salt Lake City, UT. • K Task, L. Paoletti, E Lahoda. “Molten Salt/Helium Comparison for Intermediate Heat Exchange Loop.” Presented at the AIChE Spring Meeting, 2005. Atlanta, GA ACTIVITIES/AWARDS/OUTREACHES • Tutor students in the area of mathematics • Member of AIChE, BMES, ISSCR and Siam • Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh • Member of the University, Engineering, and National Dean’s List, was awarded Lubrizol, Milliken, and University Scholarship throughout undergraduate studies. • Member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Omega Chi Epsilon Chemical Engineering Honor Society, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor/Volunteer Society, and Golden Key Honor/Volunteer Society. • Participate in outreach activities which disseminate information on both the Peace Corps and current work being done in the stem cell community , including presenting at the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy (March 2010) and numerous Peace Corps information sessions • Volunteer with the American Red Cross, Southwest PA chapter, Disaster Action Team. Respond to calls and help victims of various disasters, including fires, floods, and power outages. • Volunteer with Global Links, a program to ship medical supplies to developing nations. • Volunteered as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 210; earned the Eagle Scout rank in March 2001. .