Bio

Hey there, I'm Wes! I am currently a postdoc in the Levin Lab in the School of Medicine's Department of Radiology researching methods to boost resolution of PET reconstruction algorithms via energy-based scatter estimation from GATE. In addition, I hope to add drug/radiotracer synthesis and discovery via experimental and AI methods.

My previous research involves computational reconciliation in identifying microplastic particles in terrestrial environments, my masters research was primarily concerned with broad-based COVID-19 nanovaccine formulations, and my undergraduate research consisted of protein nanoparticle synthesis for solid/liquid cancers.

Professional Education

  • Bachelor of Science, University of Texas Arlington (2019)
  • Doctor of Philosophy, North Carolina A & T State Univ (2024)
  • Master of Science, University of South Florida (2021)
  • B.S., The University of Texas at Arlington, University Studies (Area III: Engineering, mathematics, and life sciences) (2019)
  • M.S., University of South Florida, Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology (2021)
  • Ph.D., North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Nanoengineering (2024)

Stanford Advisors

Contact

  • Academic
    wesawill@stanford.edu
    University - Scholar Department: Radiology Position: Postdoctoral Scholar

Additional Info

Links

Current Research and Scholarly Interests

Firstly, a goal of mine is to fashion a novel scatter-based parameter for PET reconstruction algorithms to improve image resolution via determining a more detailed scatter/true ratio estimate via binning the photons that have scattered once, twice, and perhaps, many more times.

Secondly, AI drug discovery application towards radiotracers may quicken experimentation by determining the formulations worth trying. Moreover, it may be able to characterize efficacy (biodistribution) (self-update).

Graduate and Fellowship Programs

  • Stanford Molecular Imaging Scholars Program (SMIS) (Fellowship Program)

All Publications

  • Micro-Nanoparticle Characterization: Establishing Underpinnings for Proper Identification and Nanotechnology-Enabled Remediation POLYMERS Williams, W., Aravamudhan, S. 2024; 16 (19)

    Abstract

    Microplastics (MPLs) and nanoplastics (NPLs) are smaller particles derived from larger plastic material, polymerization, or refuse. In context to environmental health, they are separated into the industrially-created "primary" category or the degradation derivative "secondary" category where the particles exhibit different physiochemical characteristics that attenuate their toxicities. However, some particle types are more well documented in terms of their fate in the environment and potential toxicological effects (secondary) versus their industrial fabrication and chemical characterization (primary). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR/µ-FTIR), Raman/µ-Raman, Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H-NMR), Curie Point-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (CP-gc-MS), Induced Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), Field Flow Fractionation-Multiple Angle Light Scattering (FFF-MALS), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetry (TGA), Differential Mobility Particle [Sizing] (DMPS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Transmission X-ray Microspectroscopy (STXM) are reviewed as part of a suite of characterization methods for physiochemical ascertainment and distinguishment. In addition, Optical-Photothermal Infrared Microspectroscopy (O-PTIR), Z-Stack Confocal Microscopy, Mueller Matrix Polarimetry, and Digital Holography (DH) are touched upon as a suite of cutting-edge modes of characterization. Organizations, like the water treatment or waste management industry, and those in groups that bring awareness to this issue, which are in direct contact with the hydrosphere, can utilize these techniques in order to sense and remediate this plastic polymer pollution. The primary goal of this review paper is to highlight the extent of plastic pollution in the environment as well as introduce its effect on the biodiversity of the planet while underscoring current characterization techniques in this field of research. The secondary goal involves illustrating current and theoretical avenues in which future research needs to address and optimize MPL/NPL remediation, utilizing nanotechnology, before this sleeping giant of a problem awakens.

    View details for DOI 10.3390/polym16192837

    View details for Web of Science ID 001332624200001

    View details for PubMedID 39408547

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11479023

https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5312-5690