Hi, I’m Rida.
I solve
problems.

The problem: bring triage closer to the incident

Laboratory-based radiation biodosimetry can depend on specialist equipment and time-consuming sample preparation. Our goal was a transportable, field-capable method to help prioritise treatment after a radiation incident and reduce avoidable pressure on hospitals.

The biology: a measurable DNA-damage signal

Ionising radiation can cause DNA double-strand breaks. In response, the histone protein H2AX becomes phosphorylated, forming γ-H2AX. Measuring this biomarker against a calibrated response can help estimate radiation dose.

The workflow: blood sample to fluorescence

1. Start with a blood sample.
2. Isolate lymphocytes using magnetic capture.
3. Fluorescently label γ-H2AX through a chemical staining process.
4. Wash the sample to remove excess reagent.
5. Measure the fluorescence as the signal for dose estimation.

Testing around a time-sensitive signal

Working with human blood samples supplied by our CNL partner required access to a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory. Shipping pre-irradiated samples was impractical: the γ-H2AX signal could change during transit, compromising measurements taken too long after exposure.

We therefore worked with an on-campus laboratory with X-ray facilities to induce DNA double-strand damage locally, allowing us to test samples soon after irradiation. The timing of the biological response shaped how we organised the experiment, not just how we measured the result.

The engineering: design around field constraints

We brought sample handling, reagent processing, and fluorescence detection into one workflow, focusing on a method that would not require centrifugation or a fully equipped medical laboratory.

Why it matters

The immediate aim was emergency triage. Potential applications extend to nuclear-industry incidents, defence, and the assessment of astronauts' exposure to space radiation.

Make the test answer a useful question

Propulsion testing had to establish how hardware behaved before flight, with measurements the team could interpret and procedures that kept hazardous operations controlled. I built and maintained test fixtures and ground-support equipment, and helped design an engine-injector-element cold-flow setup in my first year that subsequently performed successfully during testing.

Pressure integrity and flow behaviour

I led pressure and cold-flow tests. Pressure testing examined whether components could withstand their test conditions; cold-flow testing let us investigate fluid-system behaviour without combustion, including leakage and injector flow. Separating those questions from a firing test helped the team understand hardware behaviour before adding ignition and combustion to the problem.

Instrumentation, calibration, and live data

My work involved pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, calibration, and test-data analysis. I contributed to Omnibus, the team's data-acquisition software, and operated the DAQ during tests to obtain measurements, troubleshoot in real time, and adjust the test. Useful data was part of running the test, as well as something to analyse afterwards.

Readiness and go/no-go decisions

As Safety Captain, I directed operational risk assessments, readiness reviews, procedures, training, PPE checks, and inspections, and worked with university safety personnel. I held go/no-go authority over hazardous tests, including activities beyond the pressure and cold-flow tests I personally led. I also supported ignition and static-fire testing.

Hands-on work across propulsion configurations

Earlier team vehicles used hybrid propulsion: nitrous oxide oxidiser and HTPB solid fuel. I participated in casting HTPB fuel pucks. The later Borealis vehicle used ethanol fuel and nitrous oxide oxidiser in a liquid bi-propellant system. Keeping those configurations distinct mattered to how the hardware was prepared and tested.

From the test bench to Borealis

I contributed to the program that built and launched Canada's first liquid bi-propellant rocket, Borealis, in August 2024. The work connected fixture design, instrumentation, test execution, and operational judgement to a flight program with a concrete national milestone.