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Education

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering
September 2014
Duke University, Durham, NC
Field: Cardiac Electrophysiology

Dissertation Title:
Uncertainty in the Bifurcation Diagram of a Model of Heart Rhythm Dynamics

Dissertation work:
  • Improved techniques to include real-world population variability in computational biology models, allowing more realistic, clinically-relevant interpretation of model results. Applied to computational models of heart rhythm.
  • Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis techniques:
  • Statistical methods:
    • Bayesian inference
    • non-parametric methods including kernel density estimation
    • hypothesis testing
    • ANOVA and ANCOVA
    • multiple regression
    • nonlinear regression
    • and more!
  • Developed novel visualizations of multiple dimensions of uncertainty/variability in model results using MATLAB and Adobe Illustrator.
Other work:
  • Model development of ion channel mutation effects on heart rhythm (Hodgkin-Huxley style model of ionic current, incorporated into existing models of cardiac action potential); estimated model parameters from experimental data.
  • Also worked with cellular automaton model of cardiac conduction and Markov chain models of ion channels.
  • Developed data analysis algorithms and tools using MATLAB, R, Python, Mathematica, shell scripting, awk.
  • Performed in vitro imaging of cardiac action potentials (APs).
  • Developed graphical data analysis tool in MATLAB for signal processing and analysis of experimental AP data; improved usability and flexibility over previously used LabView tool.

M.S. in Biomedical Engineering
May 2010
Duke University, Durham, NC

Poster Presentation:
“Action Potential Duration Variability in Pharmacologically Induced Long QT Syndrome Type 1”

B.S. in Physics
May 2004
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC

Related Experience

Junior Editor (Independent Contractor)
American Journal Experts; Durham, NC
2011; 2014

  • Copyedited confidential, unpublished bioengineering manuscripts from international authors with limited English proficiency for submission to American and British journals. Performance consistently rated 4.25 or better on a 5-point scale.
  • Consistently met 24- and 72-hour deadlines for multiple weekly assignments. Worked remotely with managing editors and translators across the U.S. using only electronic communication.

Programmer and Data Analyst
Mediwave Star Technology; Greensboro, NC
2004–2005

  • With no previous FORTRAN knowledge, given approximately 1500 lines of existing FORTRAN code for ECG analysis software. Within 4 weeks, was extending code to implement and test new signal processing and data analysis algorithms with new assignments from Chief Science Officer weekly.
  • Accelerated algorithm prototyping at least 50% within 4 weeks after migrating to Python (no previous Python knowledge), working by e-mail and phone with New Mexico team member.
  • Wrote successful SBIR grant application with Chief Science Officer and local and remote team members.
  • Trained two new hires in FORTRAN and Python data analysis.

Software and Programming Skills

Programming, Scripting, and Markup Languages

  • Python
  • C++
  • C
  • FORTRAN (F77 and F90)
  • awk
  • bash/csh shell scripting
  • TeX/LaTeX
  • HTML/CSS

Mathematics, Statistics, and Scientific Software

  • MATLAB
  • R
  • Mathematica
  • LabView
  • Numbers (Apple Productivity Apps)
  • Excel (Microsoft Office)

Visualization, Design, and Presentation Software

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Pages (Apple Productivity Apps)
  • Keynote (Apple Productivity Apps)
  • Word (Microsoft Office)
  • PowerPoint (Microsoft Office)

Teaching Experience

Duke University, Durham, NC

Teaching Assistant, “Methods of Cellular Molecular Transport”, 2010
  • Prepared and presented lectures, prepared and evaluated small-group computer modeling projects, held regular office hours for small-group tutoring, graded all written work, including final exam papers.
Teaching Assistant, “Signals and Systems”, 2007
  • Held regular office hours for small-group tutoring and graded all written work, including final exam papers.
Teaching Assistant, “Introduction to Biomedical Engineering”, 2006
  • Taught laboratory methods, prepared and gave laboratory demonstrations, and guided students through in vitro and computational laboratory projects. Held regular office hours for small-group tutoring and graded all written work, including final exam papers.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC

Mathematics Tutor for Special Student Services, 2002 – 2004
  • Tutored college students in algebra and calculus, one-on-one. Received weekly training in effective teaching methods.

Publications and Papers

  • Caroline L. Ring, Wanda Krassowska Neu, and Omar M. Knio. “Uncertainty in the Bifurcation Diagram of Cardiac Action Potential Duration.” In Dynamics Days US 2014: Book of Abstracts, page 139, 2014. http://www.ddays2014.gatech.edu/booklet.pdf
  • Caroline L. Ring, David Schaeffer, and Wanda Krassowska Neu. “Effect of strength-interval relationship on cardiac rhythm dynamics in a one-dimensional mapping model.” In Dynamics Days 2011: Abstracts, pages 32-33, 2011. http://www.math.duke.edu/conferences/DDays2011/abstracts.pdf
  • Caroline L. Ring, Salim F. Idriss, and Wanda Krassowska Neu. “Variability of action potential duration in pharmacologically induced long QT syndrome type 1.” In Conference proceedings: Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Conference, vol. 2009, pp. 4520-4522, 2009. doi:10.1109/IEMBS.2009.5334105

Awards

  • Medtronic Predoctoral Fellowship, Duke University, 2005 – 2006
  • Graduate Women in Science Foundation Fellowship, Duke University 2008 – 2009

Professional and Academic Memberships

  • IEEE
    • IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
    • IEEE Professional Communication Society
    • IEEE Women in Engineering
  • Graduate Women in Science (GWIS/Sigma Delta Epsilon), Rho Tau chapter
  • Phi Beta Kappa
  • Sigma Pi Sigma/Society of Physics Students

Languages

  • English: native language
  • French: speak, read, write with moderate proficiency