Jewel Z.

Scientist I - Research & Development

Greater Madison Area

About

I’m a scientist passionate about leveraging advanced imaging technologies to better understand tumor biology and therapeutic response. My work bridges microscopy, tissue culture, and quantitative data analysis to drive meaningful insights in cancer research and translational biopharma development. With hands-on experience in both R&D and operations environments, I specialize in using optical imaging to assess tissue viability and treatment efficacy ex vivo. I enjoy integrating technical precision with biological context — transforming raw data into actionable results that support therapy optimization. Always excited by the intersection of biology, technology, and innovation, I aim to advance personalized cancer therapy through rigorous science and collaboration.

Experience

  • Elephas (Full-time · 4 yrs)
    • Scientist - Research and Development (Technology Development and Integration)
      Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

      -Serve as a tactical lead supporting Biopharma programs, ensuring experimental execution aligns with platform capabilities and project goals. -Contribute to platform validation and performance testing, helping define and refine system functionality. -Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, data science, and biology teams to integrate new technologies into existing workflows. -Apply a data-driven approach to experimental design, troubleshooting, and validation to ensure reproducibility and scalability of platform components.

    • Scientist - Technology
      Mar 2025 - Sep 2025 · 7 mos

      -Use advanced optical imaging techniques to evaluate tissue viability in culture, supporting ex vivo assessments of tumor response to therapy. -Collaborate cross-functionally with data and biology teams to optimize imaging workflows and ensure accurate, reproducible results. -Apply quantitative analysis to interpret imaging data, contributing to development of novel assays and research insights.

    • Associate Scientist III - Technology
      Jun 2024 - Mar 2025 · 10 mos

      Using advanced imaging techniques to access viability of tissue in culture.

  • University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (4 yrs 3 mos)
    • Graduate Research Assistant
      Feb 2020 - Jul 2022 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Worked under Dr. Courtney Kurtz researching the pathology of obesity, focusing on immune and inflammatory responses in animal models. -Conducted ELISAs and protein assays to quantify inflammatory cytokines in tissue samples. -Managed daily animal research operations with IAACUC-certified handling and care. -Supported data collection, analysis, and presentation for departmental and conference research projects. Skills: ELISA · Protein Assays · Animal Handling · Cytokine Quantification · Data Analysis · Immunology

    • Graduate Assistant
      Sep 2020 - Jun 2022 · 1 yr 10 mos

      -Provided instructional and academic support for undergraduate science courses. -Assisted in curriculum preparation. -Mentored students on lab techniques and experimental methodology.

    • Supplemental Instruction Leader
      May 2018 - Dec 2020 · 2 yrs 8 mos

      -Led collaborative learning sessions for introductory and general chemistry students. -Developed review materials and problem-solving exercises to improve comprehension and exam performance. -Helped students strengthen foundational chemistry knowledge through peer-guided instruction.