Denver, Colorado, United States
Molecular biologist with proven knowledge and experience in NGS laboratory workflows, training employees in complex instrumentation, and developing, documenting, and implementing laboratory procedures. Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate projects across multiple departments within a research laboratory and company setting.
Lab Manager and Professional Research Assistant in Dr. Neel Mukherjee's lab studying RNA systems biology.
Utilizing cutting-edge genomic sequencing and analysis methods to help doctors obtain a deeper understanding of cancer patients' functional genomic landscapes. http://www.tempus.com/ Built out state of the art high-throughput genomics laboratory for a startup cancer genomics company. Provided training and ensured biosafety, chemical hygiene, bloodborne pathogen, CSLI, CAP, and OSHA regulations were followed. Developed lab procedures for complete sequencing workflows (from sample intake to raw data transfer) and provided instruction to lab technicians on technically complex procedures, equipment, and instruments. Instrumental in the production of standard operating procedures, policies, and organization of documents leading to the successful College of American Pathologist (CAP) inspection and accreditation in Molecular Pathology. Prepared stranded total RNA-seq, polyA RNA-seq, and in-solution based exome and panel capture DNA-seq libraries from isolated nucleic acids for sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq4000, NextSeq550, and MiSeq systems.
Research Project Coordinator in Kevin White's Lab at the Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology in the University of Chicago. http://www.igsb.org/labs/kevin-white Collaborated across functional areas (i.e., sample preparation, next generation sequencing, data analysis, integrative analysis, committee and consortium members) to insure successful program completion for the UIC-UChicago PsychENCODE collaboration project, "Genetic Variants Affect Brain Gene Expression and Risks of Psychiatric Disorders". The overall main aim of the PsychENCODE project is to identify and characterize non-coding functional elements in the brain, and their role in the development of mental disorders. Developed presentation materials, Standard Operating Procedures, and present findings at technical and professional meetings. Coordinated and planned project meetings, take minutes, and follow up with assigned tasks and goals of project meetings. Assisted project members in resolving extended team and functional issues. Generated and sequenced DNase-seq, ATAC-seq, and RNA-seq libraries on human post-mortem brain tissue. Generated and sequenced whole genome "Enhancer-Seq" libraries from human, chimpanzee, and rhesus monkey transformed LCL cell lines to investigate enhancer regions and their activity through evolution. Responsible for training graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research technicians in multiple laboratory techniques, including Covaris S2 usage, qPCR, cell/tissue culture, NGS library preparation, etc.
Researched the biochemical mechanism of RNA editing by Adenosine Deaminases that act on RNA (ADARs). Designed and implemented a protocol for purification of recombinant C. elegans ADARs utilizing the Baculovirus—SF9 expression system. Performed in vitro editing assays with recombinant ADARs and natural substrates. Optimized 7 RT-PCR editing assays to sequence endogenously edited human dsRNAs. Maintained human cell lines (NHA, HeLa, HEK, U118, U87) in tissue culture and prepared frozen lab stocks. Analyzed protein expression in HeLa cell cultures under density and oxidative stress. Maintained C. elegans lines and prepared frozen lab stocks.
Researched the biochemical mechanism of Adenosine-to-Inosine RNA editing by Adenosine Deaminases that act on RNA (ADARs) in the medical science laboratory of Heather Hundley. The specific aims of my research are: 1) Determining how ADARs select multiple editing sites within a dsRNA transcript, and 2) Defining a mechanism for control of RNA editing efficiency. Successfully purified recombinant ADR-2 protein from SF9/baculovirus expression system for biochemical studies. Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Sciences Training Grant trainee, funded by the National Institute of Health. Served as a mentor for undergraduate research assistants. Served as a peer mentor for first-generation undergraduate students with the Groups Program's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Initiative.
Resident Assistant and mentor for two freshmen halls at Florida Institute of Technology. Appointed as a Florida Resident Assistant Symposium Delegate to represent Florida Tech's Residence Life in 2011. Served as a member of the Resident Assistant Training Leadership Staff in 2011. Served as a Representative for Resident Assistant Council from 2011-2012.