Tess Puopolo, Ph.D.

Scientist-Assay Development

Greater Boston

About

I am a driven Scientist in Assay Development at Quanterix developing bead based immunoassays. I obtained my Ph.D in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience (College of Pharmacy) at the University of Rhode Island. During my Ph.D., I evaluated the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory therapeutic efficacies of small molecules and natural product derivatives using target centric and proteomic approaches. I also have industry experience quantifying biologics with ligand binding assays.

Experience

  • Scientist-Assay Development at Quanterix
    Apr 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

    Development of bead based immunoassays for ultrasensitive biomarker detection. Assay design including spike recovery, dilution linearity, and sample testing. Characterization of antibody binding with Octet BLI.

  • University of Rhode Island (4 yrs 4 mos)
    • Ph.D. Student Researcher- Bioactive Botanical Research Laboratory
      Sep 2020 - Dec 2024 · 4 yrs 4 mos

      Researched the neurobiological and anti-inflammatory effects of natural phytochemicals using target-centric and screening based approaches. Techniques utilized include ELISAs, biophysical screening (small molecule-protein, and protein-protein) using SPR and MST, bottom-up proteomics, cell-based assays, enzymatic assays, and molecular docking.

    • Teaching Assistant-Cannabis Studies Certificate Program
      Sep 2022 - May 2023 · 9 mos

      Teaching assistant to students in the Cannabis Studies Certificate Program assisting the following courses: Foundations of Cannabis Studies, Cannabis Product Development, Cannabis Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, and Cannabis Therapeutics.

    • Teaching Assistant-Introductory Chemistry Laboratory
      Sep 2020 - May 2022 · 1 yr 9 mos

      Teaching Assistant to undergraduate students in Introductory Chemistry Laboratory (CHM 105). Teach laboratory material. Maintain laboratory safety. Complete grading of laboratory assignments.

  • Bioanalysis New Biologic Entity Pharmacokinetics Intern at Boehringer Ingelheim
    May 2024 - Aug 2024 · 4 mos

    Quantitative ligand binding assay development and sample screening for large molecule new biologic entities using ELISA, Gyros, MSD and SP-X. Custom fit for purpose assay development to compare bioanalysis technologies for quantification of a drug candidate in the discovery research pipeline.

  • Salve Regina University (3 yrs)
    • Undergraduate Researcher
      Jan 2018 - Dec 2019 · 2 yrs

      Conducted research on a weekly basis under the direction of Dr. Steven Symington. Developed routine lab skills such as preparation of a serial dilution, statistical analyses, calculations, animal husbandry and preparation of buffers. Performed Drosophila survival bioassays with concentrations of antibiotics and pesticides.

    • College Reading & Learning Association Level 1 Peer Tutor at the Academic Center for Excellence
      Jan 2017 - Dec 2019 · 3 yrs

      Facilitated study groups and individual tutoring sessions for students in General Biology, Genetics, Statistics and Psychology. Communicated with professors to monitor student progress and promote enhancement of student learning.

    • RI INBRE SURF Research Fellow
      May 2018 - Jul 2018 · 3 mos

      Conducted an independent research project studying the toxicity of a diamide antibiotic in relation to known antibiotics and pyrethroid pesticides in Drosophila. Performed statistical analyses and created graphical representations of research findings using GraphPad Prism. Presented research findings through a poster presentation at 11th Annual RI SURF Conference to professors and research fellows.

  • RI INBRE SURF Research Fellow at Brown University
    May 2019 - Jul 2019 · 3 mos

    Conducted research studying the molecular mechanisms underlying motor neuron wiring during embryonic development in mice in Dr. Jaworski’s Lab at Brown University. Performed laboratory techniques such as embryo harvesting, genotyping, embedding and cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry and imaging. Presented research findings through a poster presentation at 12th Annual RI SURF Conference to professors and research fellows.