Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area
I’m a Senior Scientist with 15+ years of experience in cell and molecular biology, antibody discovery, and assay development within the academia and biotech industries. I specialize in advancing early-stage drug discovery — from target validation to candidate optimization — with a focus on biologics and translational research. I’ve led cross-functional teams to design, validate, and implement high-throughput assays that accelerate therapeutic discovery in oncology, autoimmune and inflammatory programs. My expertise spans antibody engineering, protein expression, and bioanalytical method development, supported by a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology. As both a scientist and a project leader, I thrive at the interface of innovation and collaboration — mentoring junior scientists, coordinating multidisciplinary efforts, and driving data-informed decisions that shape R&D strategy. I’m passionate about transforming complex biological insights into actionable therapeutic opportunities that make a tangible impact on human health. 🔬 Core strengths: Antibody discovery | Assay development | Molecular & cellular biology | Cross-functional leadership | Project management | Translational science
- Lead antibody discovery programs in partnership with biopharma clients, managing timelines, deliverables, and experimental strategy. - Direct bioanalytical initiatives targeting complex receptors, ion channels, and transporters, integrating assay design with downstream validation. - Collaborate cross-functionally with protein engineering and data analysis teams to accelerate therapeutic candidate identification.
- Developed a robust organelle isolation workflow adopted by a pharma partner, enabling biomarker identification in preclinical disease models. - Designed and implemented high-throughput antibody screening assays, reducing characterization timelines and reagent use by 80% while maintaining assay robustness and reliability. - Served as biology lead for transporter-target antibody discovery; identified lead binders suitable for ADC oncology applications.
- Spearheaded assay development for small-molecule drug discovery, optimizing biochemical and cell-based readouts. - Designed and validated molecular assays for hit confirmation and lead optimization. - Presented key findings and strategic recommendations to project teams, influencing decision-making across discovery programs.
- Investigated the functional role of Rpl13a snoRNAs during cardiac development and under conditions of physiological and pathological stress. - Explored the effects of snoRNA-guided post-transcriptional modification on cardiac myocyte growth, with significant potential applications in ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial infarct repair, and cancer.
- Investigated the physiological and pathological roles of small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) in the heart using genetic modification and locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides (LNA) in vivo and in vitro. - Discovered a novel snoRNA-mediated post-transcriptional modification regulating mature mRNA stability and protein translation efficiency.
- Conducted research on signal cascades involved in parasympathetic activation. - Identified cellular and molecular factors that contribute to the beneficial effects of parasympathetic stimulation in heart failure. - Authored eight publications in top peer-reviewed journals. - Presented research at one international and two regional conferences. - Drafted successful grant proposals, securing multiple NIH research grants. - Developed comprehensive regulatory documentation, including animal care and use protocols and lab safety regulations.
- Investigated the role of reactive oxygen species in arrhythmogenicity of cardiac glycosides using a combination of pharmacological tools and genetic mouse models. - Discovered a new mechanism for cardiac glycoside-induced arrhythmogenesis, proposing a potential target for antiarrhythmic therapy in heart failure patients. - Contributed to multiple joint projects, resulting in ten publications in top peer-reviewed journals in cardiology and oncology. - Presented research at four international conferences.