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About the NCL
Mission - Cancer Nanotechnology Plan - Management & Administration Staff - Facilities - Career Opportunities Staff
Scott E. McNeil, Ph.D., Director
Martin Fritts, Ph.D., Senior Principal Scientist
Anil K. Patri, Ph.D., Deputy Director Dr. Patri received his B.Sc., from Osmania University and M.Sc., in organic chemistry from Aligarh Muslim University, India. He then worked for two years as a lecturer in chemistry in India and then obtained his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of South Florida under the guidance of Prof. George Newkome. After a one-year post-doctoral training with Dr. Donald Tomalia at the University of Michigan, he joined the Center for Biologic Nanotechnology as a staff scientist. In this position, he developed dendrimer based nanomaterial for targeting, imaging and drug delivery applications.
Nick Panaro, Ph.D., Senior Scientist Prior to joining NCL, Nick conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania, where he focused on the design and fabrication of microelectromechanical systems for genetic analysis and development of nylon nanostructures for clinical assays. Dr. Panaro was also a postdoctoral fellow at NCI where his research focused on tumor angiogenesis. He holds a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from Drexel University and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the Rice University Biomedical Engineering Laboratory. He has extensive laboratory experience in microfluidics, cell and molecular biology, analytical techniques, and tissue engineering. Nick has also worked as a patent examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office where his work focused on the evaluation of patent applications in the areas of biosensors, microarrays and nucleic acid technologies.
Prior to joining the NCL, Dr. Stern was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill in the Division of Drug Delivery and Disposition and Curriculum in Toxicology. In this position, his research focused on examining the role of intestinal metabolism in modulating the gastrointestinal toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. His areas of expertise include biochemical toxicology of the liver and kidney, analytical methodology and drug metabolism/pharmacokinetics. He received his B.S. degree in biochemistry from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY and his Ph.D. in toxicology from the University of Connecticut at Storrs, CT.
Marina Dobrovolskaia, Ph.D., Scientist Prior to joining the NCL, Dr. Dobrovolskaia worked as a Research Scientist; Department of Immunochemistry at a GLP operated contract research organization in Richmond, VA. She has been supervising the design, development and validation of bioanalytical ligand-binding assays to support pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies in a variety of drug development projects. Her areas of expertise include cell signaling, innate immunity, immunogenicity and analytical methodology. She received her M.S. degree in biology/microbiology from the Kazan State University in Russia and her Ph.D. in biological sciences from the N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences in Moscow, Russia.
Pavan Adiseshaiah, Ph.D., Scientist Prior to joining the NCL, Dr. Adiseshaiah was a scientist at Avalon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Maryland and was involved in the in vivo pharmacology experiments – preclinical testing of small molecule anticancer drugs, gene expression and protein biomarker and efficacy studies. Dr. Adiseshaiah did his postdoctoral fellowship from the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. His research focus at the Johns Hopkins was to elucidate the role of Fos-related antigen 1 (FRA-1) in lung tumorigenesis. His areas of expertise include transcriptional regulation, signal transduction pathways, cell-based functional and biomarker assays, recombinant DNA technology, transgenic mouse model development and in vivo pharmacology studies. He received his M.S degree in life sciences from the University of Hyderabad, India and Ph.D. degree from the Department of Biological Sciences, the National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Jeffrey D. Clogston, Ph.D., Scientist
Dr. Clogston received his B.S. in chemical engineering from Manhattan College and his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from The Ohio State University. His research dissertation was on the application of the lipidic cubic phase for drug delivery, wastewater remediation, and membrane protein crystallization. His areas of expertise include physico-chemical characterization of and in vitro release from lipid-based drug delivery systems, analytical methodology, and protein and lipid biochemistry.
Prior to joining the NCL, he worked as a Postdoctoral on directed assembly of nanoparticles by atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based lithography in Professor Harald Fuchs' group at Muenster University, Germany, and then joined Professor Nadrian Seeman's lab at New York University as a Postdoctoral working on scaffolded assembly of nanoparticles with Branched DNA. Dr. Zheng received his B.S. and M.S. degree in inorganic chemistry from Inner Mongolia University and his Ph.D. in physical chemistry/nanoscience and technology from Peking University, China. His areas of expertise include AFM imaging and lithography, synthesis and modification of nanoparticles as well as design and construction of robust Branched DNA motifs.
Parag Aggarwal, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Aggarwal received his B.S. in chemistry from Case Western Reserve University and his Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry from the University of Michigan. His research dissertation was on the validation of the Kdo pathway as a potential antimicrobial target. His areas of expertise include physicochemical characterization, analytical methodology, molecular enzymology, cell biology, and protein biochemistry.
Denise Johnson, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow Denise received her B.S. in chemistry from Shaw University and her Ph.D. in toxicology from the Bloomberg School of Public Health of the Johns Hopkins University. Her research dissertation was on the development of a quantitative mass spectrometric method for determination of the role of aldo-keto reductases in aflatoxin B1 metabolism. Denise’s areas of expertise include analytical methodology, biomarker development, xenobiotic metabolism, and toxicology of the liver.
Harikrishna Devalapally, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow Prior to joining the NCL, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Professor Mansoor Amiji’s group at Northeastern University, Boston MA. There, he worked on improving efficacy, safety and reversal of multi-drug resistance in ovarian cancer using polymer-based nanoparticles. Dr. Devalapally received his masters of pharmacy and Ph. D in pharmacology from Kakatiya University, India in 2005. His dissertation research was on synthesis, in vitro characterization, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution studies of doxorubicin prodrugs for tumor specific activation. His areas of expertise include in vitro cell based assays, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety studies of targeted drug delivery systems.
Chris McLeland, Senior Research Associate Chris McLeland served as a research biochemist at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute in Bethesda, MD, on the Biodosimetry Team prior to joining NCL. In this capacity, he and his colleagues developed a quantitative real-time PCR assay for assessing exposure to radiation. He has collaborated with NCI investigators and was subsequently co-authored on peer-reviewed publications. He received his B.S. degree in Biology from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
Timothy M. Potter, Research Associate Tim began working at the NCI at Frederick in 1989 in the Laboratory Animal Sciences Program. In early 1990, he transferred to the In Vitro Cell Line Screening Program (IVCLSP) of the Screening Technology Branch. In the IVCLSP, he developed extensive cell culture experience as a technician in the 60 cell line human tumor panel, the AIDS-related Lymphoma Screen and the Cellular Differentiation Screen. He was later assigned to the Molecular Target Screening Program, where he helped develop and run a variety of molecular target screens, including the B/ZIP and nucleocapsid screens. The wide range of experiences and responsibilities in his assignments in the Screen Technology Branch has given Tim valuable skills in cell culture and assay development.
Barry W. Neun, Research Associate Barry has been employed continuously at the NCI-FCRF campus since November of 1987. He comes to the NCL having worked in the In Vitro Cell Line Screening Program (IVCLSP), part of the Screening Technologies Branch (STB). He has extensive experience in mammalian cell culture having helped maintain the 60 cell line human tumor panel used in the IVCLSP. He then branched out into high throughput molecular targeted anti-cancer screens. One screen Barry helped develop involved Thymidine Phosphorylase, an enzyme involved in angiogenesis signaling. Working on the development, optimization and implementation of high throughput molecular targeted screens has also given Barry valuable experience in recombinant protein expression and isolation.
Sarah Skoczen, M.S., Research Associate Sarah received a B.S. in biology from Shippensburg University and a M.S. in biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University in December of 2005. She began working at SAIC-Frederick in June of 2002 in the In Vitro Cell line Screening Program (IVCLSP) of the Screening Technology Branch. As a technician on the 60 cell line human tumor panel, she gained valuable experience in mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique. She has also worked in the Radiation Modifiers Evaluation Module (RAMEM), where she screened for radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity of human tumor cell lines.
David Parmiter, Research Associate David received a B.A. in biology from the University of Virginia in 2003, and is currently pursuing a M.S. in biomedical science.
Sonny Man, M.S., Research Associate Sonny received a B.S. in Chemical Biology from the University of California at Berkeley in May 2005 and a M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in July 2008. His thesis was on the efficient synthesis of polyglycerol dendrimers by azide-alkyne cycloaddition.
Matthew Hansen, M.S., Research Associate Matt received a B.A. in chemistry from Wabash College in 2004, and a M.S. in chemistry from Purdue University in 2006. While at Purdue, he conducted research on the functionalization and characterization of gold nanorods for development as contrast imaging agents.
Jamie Rodriguez, Research Technician After graduating in December 2005 with a B.S. in biology and a minor in engineering from Shepherd University, she worked as a Senior Research Laboratory Technician for Advanced Product Enterprises (APE), a biotechnology company involved in the identification, testing, development, and production of bimolecular and molecular biology products. At APE Mrs. Rodriguez dealt with the production and purification of recombinant proteins and antibodies using cell culture bioreactors and chromatography methods, respectively. There she also established her aseptic technique and knowledge of mammalian and insect cell culture. Mrs. Rodriguez received a NASA scholarship during her junior and senior years at Shepherd University and has been a member of the Society of Women Engineers since 2005. She enjoys working with youth and has participated in numerous science fairs, judging mostly grade-school-level projects.
Prior to joining SAIC-Frederick, Lisa worked as an executive assistant for over 28 years. She has provided administrative support for one of the largest construction firms in Maryland.
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A Service of the National Cancer Institute |
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Dr. McNeil serves as Director, Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory for the National Cancer Institute at Frederick where he coordinates pre-clinical characterization of nanomaterials intended for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. Prior to joining NCI-Frederick (i.e. SAIC-Frederick), he served as Senior Scientist in the Nanotech Initiatives Division at SAIC where he transitioned basic nanotechnology research to government and commercial markets. He advises Industry and State and US Governments on the development of nanotechnology and is a member of several governmental and industrial working groups related to nanotechnology policy, standardization and commercialization. Dr. McNeil's professional career includes tenure as an Army Officer, with tours as Chief of Biochemistry at Tripler Army Medical Center, as a Combat Arms officer in the Gulf War. He is an invited speaker to numerous nanotechnology-related conferences and has six patents pending related to nanotechnology and biotechnology. He received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Portland State University and his doctorate in cell biology from Oregon Health Sciences University.
Dr. Fritts is a Senior Principal Scientist supporting the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory and SAIC-Frederick in accelerating the transition of nanotechnology to cancer and biomedical applications. He is also a computational and experimental physicist assisting in the implementation of advanced imaging and measurement instrumentation, modeling and simulation to elucidate the structure-activity relationships of nanomaterial, and informatics systems to advance knowledge sharing. Dr. Fritts also assists in developing standards as the cochair of ASTM's E56.02 Subcommittee on Nanotechnology Characterization. Prior to joining SAIC-Frederick, he developed and prototyped nanotechnology applications for industry and government through SAIC's Nanotechnology Initiatives Division. Dr. Fritts' previous work also focused on joint experiment and computation in advanced product and process design and the use of information technology and modeling for collaboration in large research and development projects such as laser fusion with LLNL and LANL; counterterrorism with DTRA; ship design with DARPA, NAVSEA, and industry; and the design of Stars and Stripes, the winner of the 1987 America's Cup. He earned a bachelor's degree in physics at Holy Cross College and a doctorate in nuclear physics at Yale University.
Dr. Patri joined the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) as a Senior Scientist in February 2005. He directs the physico-chemical characterization and standardization of nanomaterial for the NCL and actively collaborates with NIST and FDA.
Dr. Panaro joined the NCL in January 2008. His responsibilities include the management of contracts for SAIC-Frederick and technical and scientific oversight of National Cancer Institute (NCI) programs including the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants. He also serves as the liaison between NCL and the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer.
In his position at the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL), Dr. Stern is involved in the design and implementation of pharmacology and toxicology studies used to characterize nanoparticle biological disposition and access nanoparticle biocompatibility. Data generated is used to support IND regulatory filings and aid in environmental risk assessment. Dr. Stern's responsibilities also include representing NCL at local and national nanotechnology meetings and the education of study personnel regarding nanoparticle safety issues.
At the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Dr. Adiseshaiah will be responsible in the experimental design, implementation and analysis of in vivo oncology studies to characterize nanomaterials for therapeutics and diagnostics. 
Dr. Clogston joined the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) as a Scientist in March 2006. In his position, Dr. Clogston conducts physico-chemical characterization and standardization of nanoparticles intended for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.
Dr. Zheng joined the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) in January 2006. In his position, Dr. Zheng is involved in physico-chemical characterization and standardization of nanomaterials intended for cancer therapeutic and diagnostics.
Dr. Aggarwal joined the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) in January 2007 as a Postdoctoral Fellow. His research focuses on understanding the role and significance of the interactions between nanoparticles and proteins in blood plasma. Dr. Aggarwal is also interested in understanding the process of cellular uptake of nanoparticles for cancer therapy and the effects of these nanoparticles on the immune system.
Dr. Johnson joined the NCL in May 2008 as a Postdoctoral Fellow. Her research focuses on understanding the cellular and biological impact of nanoparticle uptake by Kupffer cells, the resident macrophages of the liver. Dr. Johnson is also interested in pharmacokinetic modeling of nanoparticles for cancer therapy, autophagy as a response to toxicity, as well as the mechanisms and effects of nanoparticle induced oxidative stress.
Dr. Devalapally joined the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) in March 2008 as a Postdoctoral Fellow. His research includes pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling studies of nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery systems in tumor bearing animal models. He is also interested in understanding the drug release properties of nanoparticles for applications in cancer therapy.
Mr. McLeland joined the NCL in October of 2004 as a research associate. He works closely with NCL staff members to provide technical and logistical support in order to develop a series of assays that characterize the physical, in vitro and in vivo properties of nanoparticles. 
Mr. Potter is the primary tissue culture technician for the NCL, maintaining human and animal primary and immortalized cells. His duties include running a variety of cell-based toxicity and immunology assays and working closely with other NCL personnel in assay development.
Mr. Neun is the Radiation Area Supervisor and is responsible for establishing the Radiological Program for the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL). He is also the primary technician responsible for animal studies in working with the Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) and the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) to develop animal studies which will help the NCL with its mission. Other duties include running various toxicity and immunological assays to help with the characterization of the nanoparticles submitted to the NCL.
Ms. Skoczen joined the NCL in September of 2005, as a Research Assistant. She is responsible for helping maintain human and animal primary and immortalized cells. Her duties also include running a variety of toxicity and immunological assays that aid in the characterization of nanoparticles submitted to the NCL. In addition to the biological assays, she provides support for a variety of physico-chemical characterization assays.
Mr. Parmiter joined the NCL in January 2007 as a research technician. He is the NCL’s primary electron microscopy technician and works with transmission and scanning electron microscopes and energy-dispersive spectroscopy equipment in support of the analysis of nanomaterial phisicochemical properties and their histological and immunological impact on cells and tissues.
Sonny Man joined the NCL in August of 2008 as a research associate. He is involved in the synthesis of nanomaterials intended for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.
Matthew Hansen joined the NCL in July 2008 as a research associate. He works in support of physicochemical characterization of nanoparticles, working primarily with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to quantify metal concentrations in blood and tissue samples from biodistribution studies.
Mrs. Rodriguez joined the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory as a Research Technician in January 2007. She is continuing her research and tissue culture experience by working with and maintaining human and animal primary and immortalized cells. Mrs. Rodriguez is also responsible for performing a variety of blood contact assays that involve hemolysis, platelet aggregation, complement activation, and coagulation for nanoparticle screening.
Ms. Sheffield joined the NCL in September 2007, and provides administrative support to the NCL. Lisa screens calls, makes travel and meeting arrangements, prepares reports and financial data, and performs customer relations for NCL scientists and staff. 
