Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Create complex and novel strategies and see the big picture in research. Expert in employing different strategies utilizing novel approaches to extensively prove ideas. Hypothesis-driven, determined, and focused. Manage multiple projects while under pressure, consistently delivering results within specific time frames. Strong interpersonal and team work skills, experienced at collaborating with pharmaceutical companies while conducting research. Proven written and verbal communicator, proficient at preparing and writing manuscripts and grant proposals, and preparing schematic illustrations using adobe illustrator. Fluent in 4 languages, English, French, Arabic, and Spanish. I am available to discuss new opportunities, please contact me at [email protected]
Scientific Experience • Planned experiments, executed, analyzed, and tested efficacious combinations of chemo-immunotherapy using transgenic mouse models of de novo squamous cell carcinoma, SCC and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, PDA derived orthotopic tumors, culminating in two 1st authorship publications in Cancer Cell. • Reported for the 1st time, the role of dermal fibroblast-derived cathespin C, a member of cysteine protease family, in conjunction with bone marrow-derived cells in regulating solid tumor development, resulting in 1st authorship publication in Genes & Development. • Wrote grants, reviewed papers, and wrote / prepared manuscripts for publication. • Presented pre-clinical research locally and at national scientific meetings; recipient of Gold Ribbon award, UCSF, Pancreas Cancer Program, and the Cancer, Immunity, and Microenvironment Program Joint Retreat, July, 2011. • Developed new technologies, supporting individual and overall laboratory priorities. • Utilized the following primary techniques: genetically engineered murine tumor models, orthotopic tumor transplantation, cardiac puncture and orbital sinus blood collection, cardiac perfusions, tissue histology, blood cell counts, blood chemistry analysis, qRT-PCR, RNA-seq, flow cytometry and cell sorting, pathological analysis, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, angiogenesis-based assays, bright field microscopy, confocal microscopy, and Aperio ScanScope. Leadership Experience • Managed collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, including Genentech and Rigel Pharmaceutical on projects investigating therapeutic strategies to deplete B cells and target downstream signaling molecules, e.g. Syk. • Trained and mentored junior laboratory members and technicians.
Scientific Experience • Characterized role of survival signaling molecules, including Akt and mTOR, during multi-stage skin carcinogenesis, following skin injury, and tumor angiogenesis. Novel findings included 1st time evidence of activated Akt and mTOR in keratinocyte stem cells localized to the bulge region during multi-stage skin carcinogenesis, culminating in two 1st authorships, peer-reviewed publications, and one invited review article. • Presented results extensively at national and regional scientific meetings and conferences, receiving four poster awards, including two from Society of Investigative Dermatology, Symposium on the Biology of Skin, Oregon (2004, 2005) and two2 from Graduate and Post-graduate Research Day, Ohio State University Medical Center (2004, 2005). Leadership Experience • Performed dissertation research in a culturally diverse and collaborative environment: o Dr. John A. Bauer, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH. o Dr. Suzan R. Mallery, College of Dentistry, OSU. • Mentored junior laboratory members in addition to rotating PhD students. Teaching Experience, Department of Biology 2006 • Taught and mentored undergraduate students by directing a Natural Science laboratory section. • Planned laboratory lectures, communicating complex concepts at a basic level.
Research Topic: Antitumor-promoting effects of the essential oil of the Lebanese sage, Salvia Libanotica. Scientific Experience • Planed experiments, executed, analyzed and tested the effect of essential oil extracted from Lebanese Sage on chemically-induced skin carcinogenesis. • Characterized seasonal changes in sage essential oil composition and its effects on its acute toxicity in mice. These studies culminated in 2 peer-reviewed publications. • Learned and mastered basic and advanced laboratory techniques, including Gas chromatography. Teaching Experience, Department of Biology (1997 – 1999) • Taught and mentored undergraduate students by teaching laboratory sections of various biology courses.