Laura (Funk) Hrycyniak

Director, R&D at Elephas

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

About

Passionate, organized, and gritty scientist and manager with 10+ years’ experience in cell biology and oncology, including knowledge and experience in mammalian cell culture, qPCR, Flow cytometry, Multiplexed ELISA, molecular cloning and in vivo techniques. Team-oriented mentor with excellent communication and project management skills.

Experience

  • Elephas (Full-time · 5 yrs 11 mos)
    • Director of R&D
      Apr 2026 - Present · 3 mos

    • Research and Development Senior Manager
      Apr 2024 - Apr 2026 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    • Research And Development Manager
      Nov 2021 - Apr 2024 · 2 yrs 6 mos

  • Graduate Research Assistant at University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Sep 2014 - Oct 2020 · 6 yrs 2 mos

    Used in vitro and in vivo approaches to elucidate how defects in cell division occur, and how the inherent inaccuracy of cell division can be harnessed as cancer as therapy. Top science skills include cell biology, fluorescence microscopy, biochemistry, maintenance of primary mammalian cells, and in vivo mouse experiments. Other core competencies include oral and written communication, mentorship, and project management.

  • Greenhouse Technician at Aerotek
    Jul 2013 - Aug 2014 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Transformed soy and cotton plants with experimental genes. Optimized conditions for experimental LED growth chambers for cotton and soy plants. Cross bred soy and wheat plants. Engaged in literature searches for soy and cotton light requirements. Operations such as soy and cotton harvest, plant sampling for ELISA, and greenhouse maintenance.

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison (11 mos)
    • Research Specialist
      Jun 2013 - Jul 2013 · 2 mos

      Hired into my undergraduate research lab for a limited term appointment following graduation in the UW Neuroscience department. Carried out general laboratory maintenance and buffer preparation, mouse genotyping, immunofluorescence, necropsy and histological preparation of neonatal mouse brain. Also assisted with in vivo mouse experiments such as IP injection and blood draws for glucose tolerance tests.

    • Undergraduate Research
      Sep 2012 - May 2013 · 9 mos

      Undergraduate research student in the UW Neuroscience department. Carried out general laboratory maintenance and buffer preparation, mouse genotyping, immunofluorescence, necropsy and histological preparation of neonatal mouse brain. Also assisted with in vivo mouse experiments such as IP injection and blood draws for glucose tolerance tests.