Scientist-Centric Design: Lab Automation

As part of my role, I prioritized safety around lab automation equipment, ensuring that all users could operate the systems confidently and without risk. I trained over 40 scientists and research associates on how to safely use Hamilton robotics systems, emphasizing proper handling techniques and safety protocols. This included step-by-step guidance running methods which I developed for them. Additionally, I replaced HEPA filters on the Hamilton equipment to maintain a sterile environment, particularly when working with BSL-2 microbes. This not only preserved the integrity of the experiments but also protected scientists from potential toxic exposure. My focus on creating a safe and efficient working environment helped foster trust and reliability in the lab's automated workflows.

Here’s the full, consolidated, and grouped list of methods I used to work on:

Cell Culture

  • Dilution Plating

  • Electroporation Transformation

  • Plasmid Prep

  • Plating

Chemical Genetics

  • Aliquotting

  • Colony Hitpicking

  • Glycerol Stock and Pooling

  • Growth Plate Hitpicking

  • Inoculation from Omnitrays

  • PCR Setup

  • Pooling

  • qPCR Dilution and Setup

Chemistry

  • LCMS Multiplex Hitpicking

Drug Discovery

  • NPL Dilution

  • NPL Hitpicking

  • NPL Onboarding

Forward Genetics

  • 6 Cell Dispense

  • 24 Well Cell Dispense

  • 24 Well Compound Dispense

Frag Prep

  • Amplicon Normalization

  • Bead Purification

  • Lightbench Size Selection

  • PCR Setup (old)

  • PCR Setup (plates)

  • PCR Setup

FragAmp

  • Channel-based Bead Purification

  • Lightbench Analytics

Fungen

  • gDNA Extraction

Index Primer

  • Index Primer Stamp

NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing)

  • DNA Addition

  • Double Sided Bead Clean

  • High Volume Bead Purification

  • Normalization

  • Pooling (384)

  • Pooling

PlasMod

  • Deletion HitPicking

  • Ligation

  • Plasmid Pick and Norm

PlasMORE

  • Dilution 1 100 Preparation

  • Dilution Plating

  • Fragment Batch Normalization

  • Hitpicking (384)

  • Hitpicking

  • PCR to VB Dilution Hitpicking

  • Plate CherryPick

  • Plate Dilution

  • Plate Resuspension

  • Resuspension

Quantification

  • Lunatic Stamp

Reagent Prep

  • PCR Bead Dispense

  • Yeast Plasmid Extraction

Standard Parts

  • Normalization and Aliquot

  • Post PCR Pooling

  • Secondary Pooling

Synthetic DNA

  • Consolidation Normalization

  • Dilution

  • Resuspension

Tools

  • Glycerol Stock Prep

  • IDT VB Plate Processing

  • IDT VB Plate Stamping

  • Lightbench Quantification

  • Pico Hitpicking

  • Plate to Tube Hitpick Transfer

  • Reagent Dispense

  • Tip Consolidation

  • Volume QC

  • Volume Verification

WGS (Whole Genome Sequencing)

  • gDNA Normalization

  • Library Amplification Hitpicking

  • Library Normalization

  • Library Pooling

  • qPCR Dilution

Yeast

  • Amplicon Hitpicking

  • Backbone Digestion

  • Backbone Heat Shock

  • Backbone Normalization and Aliquot

  • Bead Extraction

  • Transformation

In my role as a Lab Automation Engineer, I developed over 50 custom methods and editing more than 200 deck images (I’ve included eight examples in the next two slides). These methods were crafted with a singular goal in mind: to create solutions centered around scientists' needs and workflows. Each deck image—the first thing a scientist sees when they power on the robot—serves as a visual guide, showing where to place reagents and which labware to use. Every deck image, unique and meticulously designed, was paired with the Hamilton methods I developed in close collaboration with the scientists themselves.

Through interviews and observations, I tailored each method to align seamlessly with their physical setups, operational habits, and workflows. Beyond functionality, safety was paramount—I thoughtfully arranged reagents and plates to minimize risks, ensuring that accidents like finger injuries during operations were virtually eliminated. This human-centered approach wove together usability, efficiency, and safety, reflecting my dedication to thoughtful design.

Method Development Process

At Hexagon, as well as other companies I worked for, we had a Workcell. What is a Workcell, you may ask? It’s typically a robotic piece of hardware integrated with automation systems, designed to streamline repetitive tasks, enhance precision, and ensure safety in laboratory or industrial workflows. Most Workcells, even in leading companies like Ginkgo Bioworks, often utilize HighRes Biosolutions hardware, with Cellario being the software of choice to operate and manage these systems efficiently. I have a special Certification to operate it it usually costs 7.5k.