BEN
SCHELSKE

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Curriculum Vitae

Updated 2026-03-23

Mobile version

Education

Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry

Iowa State University

Advised by Robbyn K. Anand

In progress

B.A. in ACS Chemistry, minor in Mathematics

Concordia College Moorhead

2021

Skills

  • Analytical Chemistry: BSL2 training, Cell culture, Spectroscopy, Microscopy, Electrochemistry, EIS, SPME-GC/MS, Experimental design, Lab Safety, Research experience, Scientific writing, Automation
  • Machine Learning & AI: Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Keras, Random Forests, Neural Networks, Transfer Learning, Computer Vision, Data Preprocessing, Model Evaluation, Hyperparameter Tuning, Exploratory Data Analysis, PCA, Model Interpretation (SHAP), SVM, Cross-validation, Regression, Data Augmentation, SMOTE
  • Microfabrication: Cleanroom microfabrication, Photolithography, Wet Etching, Wafer Development, Microfluidics, Soft Lithography, Device Design, Plasma Cleaning, PDMS, Engineering Skills
  • Programming: Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, SQL, ImageJ Macros, Rust, HTML/CSS, React
  • Data Analysis: Pandas, Spark, NumPy, SciPy, Statistical analysis, Excel, ImageJ, LabArchives
  • 3D Modeling & Simulation: AutoCAD, Blender, COMSOL Multiphysics, 3D Printing
  • Communication & Teaching: University teaching, Professional presentations, Mentorship, Problem solving, Publications, Coaching, Teamwork, PowerPoint

Selected Projects

  • Deep Learning for Tumor Cell Classification (PyTorch, CNN, Transfer Learning): Built and validated CNN pipeline for 1k+ single-cell images from 10+ blood donors, achieving 99.6% accuracy with 5- fold cross-validation. Performed data augmentation to generate synthetic data of minority classes and used SHAP for model interpretation.
  • Development of Microfluidic Devices for Individual Cancer Cell Analysis (AutoCAD, Microfabrication, Microscopy, ImageJ, Pandas): Designed and fabricated a microfluidic device for label-free cancer cell analysis, designed experiments and established a protocol for imaging and analysis. Performed simulations in COMSOL to aid device design and guide experimental parameters.
  • Automated Image Processing Pipeline (Python, OpenCV): Developed an automated image processing pipeline for cancer cell analysis using computer vision and particle tracking, reducing manual data analysis time by 8x.
  • Automated Data Collection and Control of Microfluidic Devices (Python): Created an automated workflow for data collection and manipulation of a microfluidic platform. A user interface and serial control of the microfluidic device improves experimental reproducibility and user productivity.
  • Random Forest Machine Learning Approach for Microfluidic Quality Control (Python, EIS): Trained a random forest model on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data of microfluidic devices to assess device quality for subsequent experiments. The optimized random forest model increases positive experimental outcomes and improves resource efficiency.

Teaching and Mentorship

Iowa State University Chemistry TA

Semester Course Students
Spring 2026 CHEM 3210 Physical Chemistry 41
Spring 2025 CHEM 1630 Head TA 278
Spring 2023 CHEM 163 Recitation + Lab 52
Fall 2022 CHEM 177 Head TA + Lecture Substitution 362
Spring 2022 CHEM 178 Online Head TA 112
Fall 2021 CHEM 177 Recitation + Lab 94
Total: 939

Mentorship Experience

Semester Experience Mentees
Spring 2025 Volunteer Judge - State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa NA
Spring 2025 CHEM 1630 Head TA 8
Fall 2022 - Fall 2025 Anand Lab Undergraduate-Research Mentor 3
Fall 2022 Graduate Student Orientation TA 46
Fall 2022 CHEM 177 Head TA 8
Fall 2022 Chemistry Learning Community Study Session Volunteer 10
Spring 2021 NCAA DIII Track and Field Men's Team Captain 40
Spring 2021 Concordia College Chemistry Tutor 4
Fall 2020 Concordia College Chemistry Tutor 4
Total: 123

Publications

4. Marker-Free Classification of Melanoma Cells by Machine Learning Following Their Isolation From Peripheral Blood by Dielectrophoresis

Benjamin Schelske, Brittany Ginnaty, Han Chen, Josué Rodriguez, Robbyn Anand

ChemRxiv. 2025. 10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-z6k68

3. Evaluation of Single-Cell Heterogeneity and Invasive Potential in Cancer Cells via Secreted Protease Activity Assay

Benjamin T Schelske, Ethan Leung, Joseph Banovetz, Jared Anderson, Robbyn K Anand

Analytica Chimica Acta. 2025. 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344663

2. Label-Free Selection of Cancer Cells by Dielectrophoresis and Evaluation of Invasive Potential by Single-Cell Protease Secretion Assay

Benjamin T Schelske, Ethan Leung, Joseph Banovetz, Jared Anderson, Robbyn K Anand

ChemRxiv. 2024. 10.26434/chemrxiv-2024-j88pm

1. Parallel Dielectrophoretic Capture, Isolation, and Electrical Lysis of Individual Breast Cancer Cells to Assess Variability in Enzymatic Activity

Joseph T Banovetz, Sivani Manimaran, Benjamin T Schelske, Robbyn K Anand

Analytical Chemistry. 2023. 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c00078

Presentations

16. Machine‑learning classification of marker‑free melanoma cells following isolation from peripheral blood by dielectrophoresis

Benjamin T. Schelske, Brittany Ginnaty, Han Chen, Josué Rodriguez, Robbyn Anand

June, 2026 - DEP2026, Oral Presentation, Louisville, KY

15. Monitoring Key Performance Signatures in a Microscale Single-Cell Analysis Device in Real Time by Machine Learning

Benjamin T. Schelske, Anuj Sharma, Robbyn K. Anand*

April 16, 2025 - TrAC Day 2025, Video Presentation, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

14. Dielectrophoretic Isolation of Melanoma Cells Followed by Single-Cell Protease Activity to Evaluate Invasive Potential

Benjamin T. Schelske, Ethan H. Leung, Joseph T. Banovetz, Jared L. Anderson, Robbyn K. Anand*

October 16, 2024 - μTAS 2024, Poster Presented, Montréal, QC, Canada

13. Label-Free Selection of Cancer Cells by Dielectrophoresis and Evaluation of Invasive Potential by Single-Cell Protease Secretion Assay

Benjamin T. Schelske, Ethan H. Leung, Joseph T. Banovetz, Jared L. Anderson, Robbyn K. Anand*

August 19, 2024 - ACS Fall 2024 Rising Stars in Analytical Chemistry, Oral Presentation, Denver, CO

12. Characterizing Dielectrophoretic (DEP) Response of Melanoma Cell Lines With Known Drug Resistance

Pallavi Baliyara, Brittany Ginnaty, Olivia Jozaitis, Benjamin Schelske, Thilini Rathnaweera, Christopher Stipp, Michael Henry, Robbyn K. Anand*

August 2, 2024 - Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium, Poster Presented, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

11. Identification of A375 Cell Line Drug Resistance Using Dielectrophoresis

Olivia Jozaitis, Brittany Ginnaty, Pallavi Baliyara, Thillini Rathnaweera, Benjamin Schelske, Michael Henry, Christopher Stipp, Robbyn K. Anand*

August 2, 2024 - Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium, Poster Presented, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

10. Comparative Performance of Density Gradient Centrifugation and Immunodensity Cell Isolation Sample Debulking Techniques for Subsequent On Chip Single Cell Analysis

Brittany C. Ginnaty, Benjamin T. Schelske, Robbyn K. Anand*

June 28-30, 2024 - Midwest Retreat for Diversity in Chemistry (MWRDC), Poster Presented, Bradley University, Peoria, IL

9. Label-Free Selection of Cancer Cells by Dielectrophoresis and Evaluation of Invasive Potential by Single-Cell Protease Secretion Assay

Benjamin T. Schelske, Ethan H. Leung, Joseph T. Banovetz, Jared L. Anderson, Robbyn K. Anand*

April 24, 2024 - Cotton-Uphaus Competition, Oral Presentation, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

8. Evaluation of Dielectrophoretic Response of Naïve and Drug-Resistant Melanoma

Josué Rodríguez, Benjamin T. Schelske, Robbyn K. Anand*

April 8-10, 2024 - National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2024, Poster Presented, Long Beach, CA

7. Label-Free Selection of Cancer Cells by Dielectrophoresis and Evaluation of Invasive Potential by Single-Cell Matrix Metalloprotease-9 Activity Assay

Benjamin T. Schelske, Ethan H. Leung, Joseph T. Banovetz, Jared L. Anderson, Robbyn K. Anand*

November 3, 2023 - Midwestern Universities Analytical Chemistry Conference (MUACC), Poster Presentation, Iowa City, IA

6. Sample Debulking via Density Gradient Centrifugation and Immunodensity Cell Isolation for Improving On Chip Single Cell Analysis

Brittany C. Ginnaty, Benjamin T. Schelske, Robbyn K. Anand*

June 23-25, 2023 - Midwest Retreat for Diversity in Chemistry (MWRDC), Poster Presented, Parkville, MO

5. Measuring the Invasive Potential of Cancer Cells with a Small Inexpensive Device

Benjamin T. Schelske, Ethan H. Leung, Joseph T. Banovetz, Jared L. Anderson, Robbyn K. Anand*

October 27, 2022 - 3MT: Three Minute Thesis Preliminary Heat, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

4. Label-Free Selection of Circulating Tumor Cells by Dielectrophoresis and Evaluation of Invasive Potential by Single-Cell Protease Activity Assay

Benjamin T. Schelske, Ethan H. Leung, Joseph T. Banovetz, Jared L. Anderson, Robbyn K. Anand*

August 21-25, 2022 - ACS Fall Technical Program, Poster Presentation, Chicago, IL

3. Data Preparation and Analysis Automation of a Fluorogenic Assay Using ImageJ Macros and MATLAB Scripting

Benjamin T. Schelske, Ethan H. Leung, Joseph T. Banovetz, Jared L. Anderson, Robbyn K. Anand*

June 24-26, 2022 - Midwest Retreat for Diversity in Chemistry (MWRDC), Poster Presentation, Grinnell, IA

2. Developments in the Analysis of Exhaled Breath as a Means of COVID-19 Detection

Benjamin T. Schelske, Mark B. Jensen*

February 26, 2021 - Senior Seminar, Oral Presentation, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN

1. Determination of Phthalate Esters in Minnesota Water Bodies Using Head Space Solid-Phase Microextraction

Benjamin T. Schelske, Jenna L. Pauly, Mark B. Jensen*

April 10-13, 2021 - Celebration of Student Success (COSS), Poster Presentation, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN

Awards

Dielectrophoresis Society Travel Award

June, 2026 - Dielectrophoresis Society

The Frank J. Moore and Thoreen Beth Moore Fellowship

April 15, 2026 - Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Mary K. and Velmer A. Fassel Analytical Chemistry Fellowship

April 23, 2025 - Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Cotton-Uphaus Oral Presentation Finalist

April 24, 2024 - Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Iowa State University Teaching Excellence Award

May 11, 2023 - Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Professional Service

Dielectrophoresis 2026 Co-Chair

June 24-26, 2026 - University of Louisville, Louisville, KY

Certification

The Last Algorithms Course You'll Need

December 2, 2025

Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center: HPC Monthly Workshop: Machine Learning and BIG DATA

October 14-15, 2025

LinkedIn Learning: SQL Essential Training

December 31, 2024

ACS Meetings & Expositions Presenter

September 17, 2024

American Chemical Society Member

July 11, 2024

NVIDIA DLI Certificate, Fundamentals of Accelerated Computing with CUDA C/C++

October 9, 2023