Dustin is an expert in bioprocess simulations and digital twins. He has a particular passion for replacing animal products with biosynthesized alternatives as well as applying tools from fields such as programming to automate and model the life sciences.
Ark Biotech - Cambridge, MA
July 2022 - September 2023
• Created simulation and data analytics platform for bioreactor modeling and running digital twins
• Analyzed, modeled, and improved client bioprocess that resulted in significantly improved yield
• Simulated and compared various bioreactor modes and processes in support of technology selection and technoeconomic
analyses (e.g, fed-batch vs perfusion)
Takeda - Cambridge, MA
December 2020 - July 2022
• Technical Lead on entire-process simulation tool that models operational timings and quality attributes with
applications in process optimization, supply chain forecasting, and operational scheduling
• Core team member of In-Silico CMC and contributor to global In-Silico CMC Playbook
• Modeling Lead for upstream predictive control project utilizing a digital twin
• Aided and supported in interfacing between process development and digitalization teams
Sunnyvale, CA
April 2020 - November 2020
• Studying and applying machine learning methods and how they can relate to the life sciences
• Created an Upstream Cell Culture Simulator; https://portfolio.dustinsands.com/cc-sim
• For current projects, see my workshop
• For some current projects, see https://github.com/DustinSands
Boehringer Ingelheim - Fremont, CA
January 2019 - March 2020
• Characterized and assessed new technologies for use in developing a next generation manufacturing platform
• Lead, designed, analyzed, and presented experiments with primarily lab scale reusable bioreactors for perfusion processes. Experiments included scaledown / scaleup, PCS, offline models, and designing novel perfusion bioreactor systems
• Developed process analytical technology and feedback control for controlling multiple process parameters
• Identified need for, designed, and sourced custom parts to allow for further development
• Skills / Equipment: Bioreactors (SUBs and reusable) at 2L to 1000L scales, cGMP, cGDP, aseptic technique, shake flasks, Python, Tensorflow, Visual Basic, SIMCA, TruBio / DeltaV
Biocurious - California
January 2017 - Present
Real Vegan Cheese Project: Working to express and purify milk proteins using recombinant DNA technology with the goal of making authentic cheese from entirely vegan sources.
• Skills / Equipment: Bioreactors, sonicator, centrifuge, FPLC, and assays
Nanofluidics Lab, UCL - London, UK
September 2015 - March 2016
Master's Thesis: ``Development of an analytical method for the online detection of biocatalyst reaction rates in continuous-flow synthesis."
• Skills / Equipment: Liquid handling, photospectrometer, automation, serial diluations, and data analysis
University of Southampton - Southampton, UK
Summer 2015
Investigated Molecular Dynamics simulations using the ELBA model in LAMMPS
• Skills / Equipment: Computer modeling, python, linux, superclusters, and data analysis
How to Change the World Program, UCL - London, UK
Summer 2014
Managed Mixed backround team to come up with unique solutions to London's flash flooding problem
Met with fogures from the public and private secotr as well as the community to propose feasible solutions
Python
Simulations
Digital Twins
Machine Learning (Tensorflow)
TruBIO
SIMCA
C/C++
Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Superclusters
Linux
Crytography
State-based Probability
Bioreactors (2L to 1000L Scales, GMP, SUBs and reusable)
Centrifuges (continuous and batch)
Micro-, ultra-, and nano-filtration
HPLC
spectroscopy (UV-vis, fluorescent)
Bradford Assays
PCR, q-PCR
ELISA
Gel Electrophoresis
USD Devices
Tecan Freedom Evo
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Integrated Downstream Processing
Design and Control of Biochemical Reactors
Sustainable Industrial Bioprocesses and Biorefineries
Cell and Molecular Biology
Partial Differential Equations
Laplace Transofrms
Eigenvectors
Thermodynamics
Process Engineering
University College London (UCL) - London, UK
September 2012 - May 2016
Graduated with Honours
Undergrad classes focused on chemical engineering, while postgrad was on biochemical engineering.
Master's Thesis: Development of an Analytical Method for the Online Detection of Biocatalyst Conversion Rates
De Anza College - United States
2008 - 2012
Simultaneous enrollment with highschool. General education classes included subjects such as human biology, differential calculus, public speaking, and philosophy.