(Abridged)
Full CV available upon request.

Contact Information

dling@alumni.princeton.edu | (401) 219-6086

Education

Princeton (A.B., Applied Mathematics/Economics), 2012-2016

• A preview of my senior thesis can be found here.
  Full version is available upon request.

Experience

PJC (Venture capital, technology sector)        

Investments involved in

Pangea, Synthesis AI, Rethink, NativeVoice, Riya Collective, Intersect Labs, EdenHealth, Neurable, TrueNorth, Lively, Expensify, SmartPath, Reelables, SplitSpot, Root AI, Openly, among others.

Morgan Stanley (Previously an investment analyst in NYC, 1585 Broadway)

Boards

SampleExchange, Board Member
MatchLab AI, Advisory Board

Publications

“On the distribution of DNA translocation times in solid-state nanopores: an analysis using Schrödinger’s first-passage-time theory,” August 2013. Published in the Journal of Condensed Matter Physics.

| | Slides | Citations

In this short paper, a correction is made to the recently proposed solution of Li and Talaga to a 1D biased diffusion model for linear DNA translocation, and a new analysis will be given to their data. It was pointed out by us recently that this 1D linear translocation model is equivalent to the one that was considered by Schrödinger for the Ehrenhaft–Millikan measurements on electron charge. Here, we apply Schrödinger's first-passage-time distribution formula to the data set in Li and Talaga. It is found that Schrödinger's formula can be used to describe the time distribution of DNA translocation in solid-state nanopores. These fittings yield two useful parameters: the drift velocity of DNA translocation and the diffusion constant of DNA inside the nanopore. The results suggest two regimes of DNA translocation: (I) at low voltages, there are clear deviations from Smoluchowski's linear law of electrophoresis, which we attribute to the entropic barrier effects; (II) at high voltages, the translocation velocity is a linear function of the applied electric field. In regime II, the apparent diffusion constant exhibits a quadratic dependence on the applied electric field, suggesting a mechanism of the Taylor-dispersion effect likely due to the electro-osmotic flow field in the nanopore channel. This analysis yields a dispersion-free diffusion constant value of 11.2 nm2 μs−1 for the segment of DNA inside the nanopore, which is in quantitative agreement with the Stokes–Einstein theory. The implication of Schrödinger's formula for DNA sequencing is discussed.

The Boston Globe , National Affairs , Vox .

“Composite Gold-Silver Alloy Nanoparticles for GFP Interactions,” 2011. Submitted. Received awards at the 2011 Intel International Science & Engineering Fair in LA.

| | Slides | Citations

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely used for their optical sensitivity and convenience. The unique optical properties of AuNPs arise from their surface plasmon resonance (SPR) when interacting with light of various wavelengths in the visible range. We are developing a novel gold and silver composite nanoparticle (AuAg-NP) with tunable optical properties, synthesized by reduction of AgNO3 and HAuCl4 with oleylamine and octadecene as reducing agents. With precise synthesis and modification, we are able to fine-tune the SPR peak of the AuAg-NPs through adjustments in the Au/Ag composition, size, and surface conjugations. By controlling the characteristics of the AuAg-NPs, we study the energy transfer between the AuAg-NPs and other optically active molecules, specifically the green fluorescent protein (GFP). The GFP, known for its distinctive green fluorescence, has extensive use in cellular and molecular imaging. Both the AuAg-NPs and the GFP have similar light-activated properties in the same optical range, allowing for resonant energy transfer. We are investigating ligand addition and silica coating on the AuAg-NPs and studying their effects on the NP-GFP coupling. We have observed a wide range of interactions, including quenching of the GFP fluorescence.

The Boston Globe , National Affairs , Vox .

Papers

“Asymmetric Information and Probabilistic Insolvency,” 2016. Senior Thesis, Princeton University. Advisor: Professor Stephen E. Morris.

| | Slides | Citations

In this short paper, a correction is made to the recently proposed solution of Li and Talaga to a 1D biased diffusion model for linear DNA translocation, and a new analysis will be given to their data. It was pointed out by us recently that this 1D linear translocation model is equivalent to the one that was considered by Schrödinger for the Ehrenhaft–Millikan measurements on electron charge. Here, we apply Schrödinger's first-passage-time distribution formula to the data set in Li and Talaga. It is found that Schrödinger's formula can be used to describe the time distribution of DNA translocation in solid-state nanopores. These fittings yield two useful parameters: the drift velocity of DNA translocation and the diffusion constant of DNA inside the nanopore. The results suggest two regimes of DNA translocation: (I) at low voltages, there are clear deviations from Smoluchowski's linear law of electrophoresis, which we attribute to the entropic barrier effects; (II) at high voltages, the translocation velocity is a linear function of the applied electric field. In regime II, the apparent diffusion constant exhibits a quadratic dependence on the applied electric field, suggesting a mechanism of the Taylor-dispersion effect likely due to the electro-osmotic flow field in the nanopore channel. This analysis yields a dispersion-free diffusion constant value of 11.2 nm2 μs−1 for the segment of DNA inside the nanopore, which is in quantitative agreement with the Stokes–Einstein theory. The implication of Schrödinger's formula for DNA sequencing is discussed.

The Boston Globe , National Affairs , Vox .

“Modeling Labor Force Behavior and Economic Performance,” 2015. Junior Independent Work, Princeton University.

| | Slides | Citations

In this short paper, a correction is made to the recently proposed solution of Li and Talaga to a 1D biased diffusion model for linear DNA translocation, and a new analysis will be given to their data. It was pointed out by us recently that this 1D linear translocation model is equivalent to the one that was considered by Schrödinger for the Ehrenhaft–Millikan measurements on electron charge. Here, we apply Schrödinger's first-passage-time distribution formula to the data set in Li and Talaga. It is found that Schrödinger's formula can be used to describe the time distribution of DNA translocation in solid-state nanopores. These fittings yield two useful parameters: the drift velocity of DNA translocation and the diffusion constant of DNA inside the nanopore. The results suggest two regimes of DNA translocation: (I) at low voltages, there are clear deviations from Smoluchowski's linear law of electrophoresis, which we attribute to the entropic barrier effects; (II) at high voltages, the translocation velocity is a linear function of the applied electric field. In regime II, the apparent diffusion constant exhibits a quadratic dependence on the applied electric field, suggesting a mechanism of the Taylor-dispersion effect likely due to the electro-osmotic flow field in the nanopore channel. This analysis yields a dispersion-free diffusion constant value of 11.2 nm2 μs−1 for the segment of DNA inside the nanopore, which is in quantitative agreement with the Stokes–Einstein theory. The implication of Schrödinger's formula for DNA sequencing is discussed.

The Boston Globe , National Affairs , Vox .

Honors

U.S. Presidential Scholar
National Merit Scholar

Additional Honors

Intel Science Talent Search (2012, Semifinalist)
Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (2011, Finalist and Special Award Winner)
Siemens Competition (2011, Finalist)
AP Scholar with Distinction
JSHS National Competition (2011, 3rd Place at National Finals, San Diego)
Harvard Book Award
Valedictorian, East Greenwich High School
Rhode Island Science Fair (2011, Overall Winner - Senior Division Champion)

Email:
daniel.ling@lrc.systems
daniel.ling@sample.exchange
daniel@pjc.vc
dling@alumni.princeton.edu