Tallahassee, Florida, United States
Accomplished, solutions-driven, and highly motivated chemist/pharmacologist with 21+ years of experience in showing expertise in product quality control, laboratory techniques, statistical analysis, and data interpretation. Instrumental in coordinating the implementation of end-to-end projects, developing progress reports, and identifying scientific discoveries and publications. Skilled in conducting in-depth research, analysis, and testing within the food safety and quality control sector, specializing in detecting and analyzing organic acids in fruit juices and acetic acid. Instrumental in ensuring precision of equipment records, calibration schedules, and maintenance history by consistently maintaining and updating equipment database, leading to heightened laboratory efficiency. Demonstrated mastery in Drug Delivery, UV/Vis Spectroscopy, Chemistry, ELISA, and Cell Culture while showcasing a proven track record of expertise and performance in critical competence areas. Adept at maintaining outstanding organizational processes and ensuring regulatory compliance by efficiently managing various teams to achieve productive results. Excel in collaborating with all levels of management and stakeholders to articulate complex ideas in research conferences and various platforms. Well-versed in implementing a robust system for evaluating the hazardous status and toxicity levels of non-compliant additives in food products while enabling swift corrective actions and help to initiate recall for safety and compliance. Proven success in leading the implementation of academic study, research funding, and data management. Repeated success in spearheading inorganic chemistry research focused on sulfite detection in dried fruits and vegetables, leading to achieving innovative results and advancements in food safety analysis. Exemplary track record of assessing qualitative characteristics of potential adverse outcomes linked to contaminants, including chemicals in food, while ensuring thorough evaluation and risk analysis in alignment with industry standards. outstanding analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills for enabling the identification and resolution of complex technical challenges. Adept at analyzing organizational needs, identifying opportunities, and developing effective solutions to enhance reliability, productivity, and profitability. Excel at collaborating with cross-functional departments to analyze projects, develop goals, measure performance, and validation.
Neurotoxicity Research | Risk Assessment and Mitigation | Molecular Biology | Technical Project Management Product Quality Assurance and Improvement | Food Safety and Compliance | Technical & Statistical Analysis Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) | Continuous Process Improvement | Laboratory Operations Management Strategic Planning & Execution |Team Mentoring and Supervision | Cross-Functional Collaboration and training | Innovative Technology Integration | Method Development and Validation | Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry | Project Planning and Execution | Communication and Presentation Research and Development Analytical Chemistry Techniques (HPLC, GC) | Advanced Statistical Analysis Regulatory Guidelines Adherence Chemical and Additive Analysis | Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Brain Cell Culture and Neurobehavioral Research | Biochemical Analysis | Content Management & Supervision | Brain Cell Culture and Neurobehavioral Research | Flow Cytometry Analysis | Technical Training and Leadership | Cross-functional Collaboration | Complex Problem Resolution | Research & Analysis
Chemist III Applied laboratory techniques, conducted rigorous statistical analyses, and expertly interpreted data while consistently contributing to research. Demonstrated thorough understanding and consistent adherence to safety protocols outlined in Food Industry, Health, Safety, and Security Manual, fostering a secure and compliant work environment. Performed cross training and led the allergen analysis team, specializing in Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, demonstrating leadership and expertise in food safety and workforce detection research. Key Contributions & Achievements: • Spearheaded inorganic chemistry research focused on sulfite detection in dried fruits and vegetables, leading a dedicated team to achieve innovative results and advancements in food safety analysis. • Manage toxicity studies within research projects, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements and successful project completion within specified timelines while maintaining safety and compliance standards. • Optimized product quality control processes and contributed to formulation improvements while ensuring premium product outcomes by conducting comprehensive density analysis on hemp oil samples. • Conducted precise water activity assessments on hemp plants and density on hemp oils, providing critical data for quality assurance and regulatory compliance in hemp cultivation and processing for seamless workflow. • Drove compliance through meticulous laboratory and production equipment maintenance, qualification, and calibration administration in alignment with ISO 17025 and cGMP standards. • Demonstrated proficiency in independent laboratory task execution and collaborative team efforts, adeptly applying Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) protocols while ensuring optimal precision.
Chemist II Conducted in-depth research, analysis, and testing within the food safety and quality control sector, specializing in detecting and analyzing organic acids in fruit juices and acetic acid in lime and lemon juices. Performed precise analysis of sulfite levels in dried fruits and vegetables, executed equipment calibration, and maintained an updated equipment database for quality assurance. Performed inspections to detect foreign particles in food products. Key Contributions & Achievements: • Conducted specialized laboratory analyses on a wide array of food products distributed or manufactured within the state, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and the safety of consumable goods. • Suppoerted equipment calibration, calibrating, and validating laboratory instruments to ensure precise and consistent testing results, contributing to a streamlined and efficient laboratory workflow. • Ensured the precision of equipment records, calibration schedules, and maintenance history by consistently maintaining and updating the equipment database, leading to heightened laboratory efficiency. • Employed advanced techniques to determine fat percentages in ground beef, ensuring compliance with labeling regulations and providing essential information to consumers, thus enhancing product transparency. • Performed species identification on diverse fish varieties, ensuring product authenticity, compliance with rigorous industry standards, and alignment with consumer expectations, upholding product integrity. • Implemented a robust system for evaluating the hazardous status and toxicity levels of non-compliant additives in food products, enabling swift corrective actions for safety and compliance. • Proactively reported misbranded and adulterated food products to inspectors, facilitating swift and appropriate follow-up actions to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
Chemist I Performed extensive technical and professional work under the guidance of an Environmental Administrator within the Division of Food Safety, specializing in detecting adulteration in food products. Acquired good experience with gas chromatography (GC) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) while ensuring the safety and quality of food products and possesses excellent communication skills. Key Contributions & Achievements: • Leveraged expertise to develop a comprehensive understanding of analytical science and practical applications while leading to the formulation of innovative research plans and method development strategies. • Performed rigorous data research while consistently staying updated with industry innovations and technological breakthroughs in food safety and quality control. • Contributed to a culture of safety and regulatory compliance within an organization by mastering the operation of a wide range of analytical equipment, consistently ensuring safe and efficient lab practices. • Excelled in analyzing solid and surface samples, emphasizing electron analysis and sensor technologies while enhancing the ability to identify contaminants and ensure the integrity of food products. • Designed and delivered impactful presentations and seminars as an integral part of reference programs, disseminating knowledge and valuable insights within the scientific community and among peers. • Leveraged extensive skill set to formulate comprehensive research and method development plans, demonstrating a commitment to thorough data search. • Managed analysis of water samples to ensure compliance with pharmacopeia standards, guaranteeing that water for injection met rigorous regulatory requirements and adhered to the highest quality benchmarks. • Performed thorough product testing and analysis, scrutinizing materials to ensure they met precise customer requirements and specifications with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
Performed in-depth research and analysis, concentrating on investigating the neurotoxic effects of cocaine on animal brain cells while contributing valuable insights into neuropharmacology and drug-related health risks. Studied the toxic doses of cocaine in rat brain cells, contributing essential data on the drug's adverse effects on neuronal cells. Leveraged statistical analysis techniques to interpret and draw meaningful conclusions from research data. Key Contributions & Achievements: • Employed Real-time PCR techniques to investigate gene expression alteration induced by cocaine exposure, providing critical insights into the impact on brain cells and understanding of neurotoxic effects. • Conducted comprehensive Flow Cytometry analysis, providing invaluable insights into cell populations and responses to cocaine exposure, significantly advancing our understanding of the drug's impact. • Conducted Western Blot assays employing multiple techniques, including fluorescent, chemiluminescent, and colorimetric methods, to identify specific protein alterations in cocaine-affected brain cells. • Applied Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay techniques to quantify various biomarkers in response to cocaine exposure, contributing to an enhanced understanding of the drug's effects on biological systems. • Compiled and examined data, providing insights into the adverse effects of cocaine and other illicit substances on brain cell mortality, enhancing our understanding of the repercussions of substance abuse. • Participated in seminars, meetings, and training sessions focused on drug abuse, neuropharmacology, and neurotoxicity, staying updated on the latest developments in the field to enhance knowledge and expertise. • Utilized advanced statistical analysis techniques to interprete data. • Dedicated to fostering education, tutoring undergraduate students in biology, chemistry, and math, and actively contributing to their academic progress and overall development.
• R. B. Badisa, S. Darling-Reed, Z.-P.Zhu, M. Agharahimi and C. B. Goodman, Glial Cell-Cycle Events Associated with Cocaine Treatment. Florida A&M University, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Neuroscience Section. Southeastern Pharmacology Society Meeting, Augusta, GA, October 12, 2007. • Maryam Agharahimi, Kimberly D. Lebby and Carl B. Goodman, Increased Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Expression as a Possible Mechanism for Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease in Chronic Cocaine Abusers, Florida A&M University, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Biological Sciences, American Association of Pharmaceutical Science Meeting, Atlanta, GA, November 2008. • Maryam Agharahimi, Ramesh Badisa, Elizabeth Mazzio and Carl B. Goodman, Detrimental Effects of Cocaine on Rat C6 Glial Cells via Inflammation, Florida A&M University, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, American College of Clinical Pharmacology, Bethesda, Maryland, September 22-24, 2013. • Maryam Agharahimi, Ramesh Badisa, Elizabeth Mazzio, Equar Taka and Carl B. Goodman, Cocaine Induces Hypoxia in Rat C6 Glial Cells, Florida A&M University, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Experimental Biology, San Diego, California, April 26 -30th,2014. • Maryam Agharahimi, Ramesh Badisa Elizabeth Mazzio and Carl B. Goodman, The Effect of Cocaine on C6 Glial Cells and its Modulation of Oxygen Consumption, Growth and Transcription Factors, Florida A&M University, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Experimental Biology, Boston, Massachusetts, March 28th-April 1st, 2015. • Maryam Agharahimi, Ramesh Badisa Elizabeth Mazzio and Carl B. Goodman, The Effect of Cocaine on C6 Glial Cells and its Modulation on Hypoxia, Growth and Transcription Factors via Inflammation, Harvard/MIT Micro & Nanotechnology workshop, Boston, Massachusetts, July 27th-August 1st, 2015.
1.L. H. Russell Jr.a, E. Mazzio, R. Badisa, Z.-P. Zhu, M. Agharahimi, and C.B. Goodman. Triphala and phenolic constituent gallic acid demonstrate targeted cytotoxicity that discriminate between LNCaP prostate cancer cells and normal PrEC prostate epithelial cells. Journal of Phytomedicine, Neuropharmacology Section, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University. Anticancer Res. 2011 Nov;31(11):3739-45 PMID:22110195. 2. L. H. Russell Jr.a, E. Mazzio, R. Badisa, Z.-P. Zhu, M. Agharahimi, and C.B. Goodman. Gallic acid autoxidation initiates an ROS-dependent apoptotic pathway involving mitochondrial dysfunction in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Journal of Free Radical Biology & Medicine. College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University. Anticancer Res. 2012 May; 32(5): 1595–1602 PMID: 22593437 3. Badisa RB, Fitch-Pye CA, M. Agharahimi, Palm DE, Latinwo LM, Goodman CB. Milk thistle seed extract protects rat C6 astroglial cells from acute cocaine toxicity. Mol Med Rep. 2014 Nov; 10(5):2287-92. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2524. Epub 2014 Aug 28. PMID: 2517444 4. Maryam Agharahimi, Ramesh Badisa, Elizabeth Mazzio, Karam Soliman, Carl Goodman. Cocaine-mediated Changes in Cytokine release and Reactive Oxygen Species in Rat C6 Glioma Cells. College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University (just submitted).