New York City Metropolitan Area
*Biomedical scientist with over 7 years of experience in mucosal immunology and host-bacteria interactions in the therapeutic areas of gastrointestinal disorders and infectious diseases. Led and managed several cross-functional research projects from design, execution through data collection and interpretation; helped secure over $200K in funding to support research through grant writing. *Passionate about advancements and innovation in Science and Medicine, with a good understanding of the US pharmaceutical environment supported by the completion of a mini-MBA in Biopharma Innovation. *Ready to take on new challenges in the biopharmaceutical space, with interest in learning about current and future R&D trends in the drug market, development of innovative patient-centered research and healthcare initiatives as well as strategic decision-making. *Embrace life sciences in all their forms and value education, inclusion, open-mindedness, adaptability and teamwork as key drivers of real progress and success.
Areas of focus: • Molecular DNA diagnostics test development for bacterial / fungal bloodstream infections. • Preparation for FDA submission (diagnostic medical device). • Analytical/Verification studies • Clinical studies for assay/technology performance evaluation Responsibilities: • R&D team management • Analytical Studies coordination • Supervision of clinical sample testing from regional NY hospital network and reference clinical testing laboratories. • Assay design and coordination. • Data review and decision-making. • External Controls design and development. • Coordination of deliverables production and timeline management. • Business partnership management. • Reagents, materials logistics/inventory coordination. • Cross-functional team collaboration for material release, approval, deviations. • Documentation writing/review/approval (SOPs, RPTs, PROs, FRMs, SPECs, IFU, USM).
Areas of focus: • Molecular DNA diagnostics test development for diagnostics of bacterial / fungal bloodstream infections using a semi-automated liquid-handling platform. • Preparation for FDA submission (diagnostic medical device). Responsibilities: • Assay design, coordination and execution. • Data review and decision-making. • External Controls design and development. • Coordination of deliverables production and timeline management • Vendor qualification. • Business partnership management. • Reagents, materials logistics/inventory coordination. • Cross-functional team collaboration for material release, approval, deviations. • Periodic instrumentation calibrations. • Assay optimization and instrumentation troubleshooting. • New team member training on assay workflow and technology. • International travel to Manila, Philippines, for clinical site setup and technical training of onsite laboratory personnel. • Documentation writing/review/approval (SOPs, RPTs, PROs, FRMs, SPECs). • Assistance to QA team in internal audit preparation.
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease - * My main project examined the molecular and cellular mechanisms of Adherent-Invasive E. coli (AIEC)-driven spontaneous ileocolitis in Anterior Gradient 2 (Agr2)-deficient mice. My work included characterization of immune responses and the microbiome in this unique IBD murine model. Specifically, I evaluated the role of AIEC in inducing Th1/Th17 immunity in Agr2-deficient mice through monocolonization studies in gnotobiotic mice. * A second project involved the study of a rare, high risk genetic variant in IBD in the RP105 gene, a negative regulator of the TLR4 pathway. My focus was to evaluate the contribution of a point mutation in regulating LPS-mediated immune responses in pediatric Crohn's disease and RP105-deficient mice. * A third project involved the study of an orphan point mutation in the PLCG2 gene identified in a patient with ulcerative colitis. I investigated the role of this rare mutation in the development of colitis through the generation of a personalized "avatar" mouse model and the use of chemically-induced colitis. In parallel, I also examined the effects of this mutation during exposure to specific environmental triggers, i.e. gluten and naproxen. Responsibilities: > Facilitated cross-functional teamwork with 4 regional and national research groups by engaging PIs, laboratory staff and core facility directors to plan and conduct on-site and out-of-state experiments. > Designed and performed research experiments. > Analyzed complex scientific data. > Contributed to answering scientific inquiries during conference calls. > Coordinated human sample collection with GI clinical fellows for experiments. > Interfaced with a gene-editing expert for the generation of a knock-in mouse line and coordinated inter-institutional logistics. > Helped support laboratory activities by writing fellowships. > Wrote and reviewed manuscripts; presented scientific data at various seminars.
- Department of Pathology, Epithelial Pathobiology Unit - Study of the role of junctional adhesion molecules in inflammatory bowel disease using murine models of colitis. Projects: * Characterization of the role of adaptive immunity in protecting against experimental colitis in a model of intestinal barrier permeability dysfunction (JAM-A KO mice). * Evaluation of the role of the cell adhesion molecule Epithelial V-like Antigen 1 (EVA1) in regulating intestinal barrier functions and neutrophil transmigration. Responsibilities: > Designed and performed research experiments. > Communicated scientific data updates to colleagues and collaborators during monthly meetings. > Supported laboratory research by writing a Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America research fellowship. > Wrote and reviewed manuscripts successfully published in top-tiered journals. > Presented research findings at scientific symposia.
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology - Study of host-bacteria interactions during Tuberculosis infection using cell- and animal model-based approaches. Projects: * Identification of signature host responses to virulent and non-virulent mycobacteria infection using microarray gene expression analyses and 2D-gel proteomics. * Generation of a genomic DNA library to identify Mycobacterium marinum virulent genes involved in host responses. * Evaluation of susceptibility to tuberculosis, granuloma formation and Th1/Th2 immune responses in ephA2 KO mice following aerosol infection with M. tuberculosis. Responsibilities: > Designed and performed experiments including Biosafety Level 3 studies. > Engaged prominent scientific experts in tuberculosis research during regular meetings. > Supported research studies by writing a T32 pre-doctoral fellowship. > Presented at scientific conferences, seminars and journal clubs.
- Department of Plant-Pathogen Interactions - Study of Ralstonia solanacearum type III effectors proteins. Projects: - Role of R. solanacearum type III effector protein PopP2 in the resistance to bacterial wilt. - Subcellular localization of PopP2 in Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana (tobacco) plants. Responsibilities: - Helped design plasmid constructs carrying type III virulence genes GFP fusions. - Generated bacterial strains with constructs of interest via electroporation. - Performed in planta infections with wild type and mutant R. solanacearum strains in Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana and analyzed induction of apoptosis/necrosis phenotypes. - Examined subcellular localization of effector proteins via fluorescence and confocal microscopy. - Participated in weekly meetings. - Wrote Master's thesis and presented research progress during internal seminars.