PhD Dissertation Defense: Kelly Wei

Kelly Wei, Ph.D. Candidate

Advisor: 

Govind Rao

Title:

Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring, Vessel Characterization, and Culture Platform Development for Ex Vivo T-
Cell Expansion

Abstract:

Ex vivo T-cell expansion requires culture vessels that can support cell growth while allowing
meaningful process monitoring. A major gap in current small-scale systems is the limited ability to measure dissolved oxygen and relate oxygen availability to vessel performance, metabolism, and culture outcome. This thesis applies non-invasive dissolved oxygen monitoring to characterize G-Rex, shake flask, conventional T75, and breathable T75 culture vessels for T-cell expansion. Vessel characterization was linked with oxygen transfer, viable cell density, viability, phenotype, and metabolite behavior. The work also develops breathable T-flask prototypes and external O 2 /CO 2 sensing as improved culture platforms. These results support a path toward better monitored, manufacturable tools for ex vivo T-cell expansion.

Agenda:

12:45 am EST - Welcome / Room Opens

1:00 pm EST - Presentation followed by questions from the audience. 

After the questions from the public, the meeting will be closed for the committee discussion.

WEBEX Meeting for virtual attendance: 

https://umbc.webex.com/umbc/j.php?MTID=m279690cdc533cbf54d668467442efe5a

Meeting number (access code): 2864 069 3346 

Meeting password: Z4jnNuQkq66

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