SUMMARY

• 10+ years of laboratory experience.
• Highly motivated to new challenges.
• Expertise in conducting and performing assays, preparing and optimizing protocols, organizing and managing documentation, identifying and troubleshooting experimental issues, and determining appropriate solutions.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Molecular Biology: Nucleic Acid Isolation (DNA and RNA), Next Generation Sequencing (Ion Torrent and Illumina Platforms), Sanger Sequencing, PCR; RT - PCR, Digital Droplet PCR, Pyrosequencing, Transfection, In vitro transcription/translation, Caplillary electrophoresis/fragment analysis, SNP microarrays, Whole genome amplification, Liquid biopsies (ctDNA, cfDNA

Cell Biology and Biochemistry: Enzyme assay, Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Cell culture/cell counting, Establishing transfected cell lines, Western blot analysis, ELISA (cell proliferation assay, detection of DNA damage)

Histology: Laser Capture Microdissection, Tissue Microarray, Cryostat, Microtome, Immunohistochemistry, Fluorescent microscopy, Microdissection

In vivo: Small animal Magnetic Resonance Microimaging (MRI), Animal surgery (subcutaneous estrogen pellet insertion and xenograft transplants), Animal sacrifice and tissue harvesting, Nasal instillation of adeno-cre-virus

Automation: Qiagen-QiaCube, Qiagen-EZ1 Advanced XL, Qiagen-Qiaglility, Perkin Elmer-Sciclone, Perkin Elmer-Zephyr, Ion Chef

Computer and Software Skills: Illumina GenomeStudio Data Analysis Software, Illumina Karyostudio Software, Illumina BaseSpace, SequencherTM software, GeneScan® and Gene Mapper® Software, FileMaker Pro Software, Microsoft Office software, Experience wif Windows and Mac operating systems, Broad Institutes Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV) for Next Generation Sequencing analysis, Partek Genomics Suite for Next Generation Sequencing analysis, Geneious Software for Next Generation Sequencing analysis

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Clinical Laboratory Specialist-Assay Development

Confidential, Baltimore MD

Responsibilities:

• Developed and validated a clinical diagnostic test dat detects the androgen receptor variant transcript 7 (AR-V7) in circulating tumor cells of men wif metastatic prostate cancer to predict the sensitivity to enzalutamide and abiraterone drugs and aid in treatment decisions.
• Validated the Invivoscribe IGH Gene Clonality Kit for clinical diagnostic use
• Validated qPCR Assays for the detection of leukemia translocations for clinical diagnostic use including AML-ETO, PML-RARA, INV-16, and BCR-ABL major and minor.
• Development of an assay to detect molecular relapse in the plasma of patients wif pancreatic cancer using RainDance digital droplet PCR technology.
• Validating different sources of automation instruments to streamline clinical operations in the laboratory.
• Implemented data management software to better track validation progress.
• Validated a pyrosequencing assay to detect a germline SNP in the SOD2 gene.

Research and Development-Scientist I

Confidential, Gaithersburg MD

Responsibilities:

• Developing and improving next generation sequencing testing for focused gene panels and exomes using a variety of library prep procedures and several next generation sequencing platforms.
• Applying new next generation sequencing approaches for expansion of the testing catalog.
• Performs next generation sequencing analysis and presentation.
• Validation of the use of dried blood spots and whole genome amplification on next generation sequencing and microarray platforms

Clinical Laboratory Specialist-Assay Development

Confidential, Baltimore MD

Responsibilities:

• Oversee a variety of routine and complex experimental tests and lead in the development of new assays and techniques.
• Validated the Illumina MiSeq and the Ion Torrent PGM Next Generation Sequencing Platforms to include a colon, lung, GIST, and melanoma cancer panel.
• Developed and validated an analysis pipeline for Next Generation Sequencing.
• Developed a capillary electrophoresis sizing assay for the detection and confirmation of gene insertions and deletions.
• Write Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and validation summaries according to CAP guidelines.
• Troubleshoot and develop quality standards for molecular assays.
• Implement and maintain multiple development projects at once and aid in the transition of developed tests to the clinical laboratory.
• Work wif laboratory medical directors and managers to understand their scientific aims, offer support, implementation, and analysis of any type of molecular assay to reach their goals.
• Participates in teaching residents and clinical research fellows and aids in research projects.
• Order necessary supplies in preparation for development.
• Ensure dat data are accurately maintained and organized.
• Maintain strict compliance wif patient care and confidentiality policies (HIPAA regulations).
• Maintain divisional compliance wif all regulatory standards and adhere to all established QA/QC procedures.
• Maintain compliance wif all CAP/CLIA guidelines and manage documentation.

Molecular Diagnostics Technologist (Clinical)

Confidential, Baltimore MD

Responsibilities:

• Performed of a variety of routine and complex oncologic clinical and/or research laboratory tests in accordance wif established standards and procedures.
• Followed standard operating procedures for preparing samples developed for molecular assays in support of patient care and research.
• Documented and reported laboratory results of clinical testing and completed required logs and supporting documentation.
• Maintained precision and accuracy to detail
• Managed a heavy workload and multitasking abilities wifout compromising patient results.
• Performed tests wif the highest degree of accuracy and related those tests to a normal, healthy state, and to the presence of disease.
• Performed successfully despite sudden deadlines and changing priorities.
• Accomplished work independently and determined appropriate procedures and methods to obtain test results.
• Practiced TEMPeffective communication wif the department and other healthcare professionals.
• Participated in training new employees, students, and physicians in laboratory methodology.
• Participated in on-going research projects implemented in the laboratory.
• Assisted in the validation of the Illumina iScan SNP microarray and analysis for clinical testing.
• Assisted in the validation of EGFR mutation testing and analysis.
• Assisted in the validation of CEBPA mutation testing and analysis.

Scientific Technician I

Confidential, Philadelphia, PA

Responsibilities:

• Establishment of biomarkers of cancer susceptibility and surrogate end points of lung, head and neck, and colon carcinogenesis.
• Targeted detoxification genes and estrogen metabolism genes for chemopreventive intervention in tobacco smoke-mediated lung and oral carcinogenesis.
• Determined expressions of key genes in estrogen synthesis, metabolic pathways, and early changes induced by tobacco smoke in neoplastic and non neoplastic lung and tongue tissue by quantitative real-time PCR.
• Examined the polymorphisms of detoxification enzymes cytochrome P450 1B1 and 1A1, and GSTM1 in human lung and oral tissues by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and correlated the status of polymorphisms wif cancer risk and survival rate.
• Performed biochemical and molecular analyses and processing of human and mouse specimens.
• Performed DNA, RNA, and protein extraction from cells, frozen tissue, formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue and blood samples.
• Utilized various cell culture techniques, including aseptic technique, maintaining cell lines, drug treating and harvesting cells for DNA, RNA, and protein isolations, and freezing cells for banking.
• Studied the expression of estrogen synthesis and metabolism genes in human and mouse lung and tongue epithelial cells isolated by laser capture microdissection.
• Performed ELISA to detect DNA oxidative damage and DNA adducts in murine lung tissue.
• Determined CYP1B1 protein expression in mouse and human lung tissue by western blot.
• Measured levels of estradiol in the serum by radioimmunoassay.
• Executed cryostat sectioning wif hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical analysis of human and mouse lung and tongue tissue.
• Performed Magnetic Resonance Micro-imaging (MRI) on min mice colon.
• Analyzed the progression of lung cancer in LSL K-RAS G12D mice by inducing tumors wif adeno-cre virus by nasal instillation and monitored the progression of lung lesions in vivo and ex vivo. Used dis model to characterize lung lesions involved in estrogen biosynthesis, signaling, and metabolism.
• Routine care and maintenance of genetically engineered mouse colonies.
• Experienced lab data and record keeping, lab logs, equipment maintenance, purchase orders, hazardous waste maintenance and organization of the laboratory.
• Coordinated wif thoracic surgeons, pulmonary pathologists, and operating room staff in the collection of human tissue.
• Made solutions/autoclaving and stocked laboratory materials.
• Assisted in writing grants, manuscripts, and preparing budgets.
• Mentored and trained technical skills to colleagues, high school students, and colege students who work in the laboratory.