Science
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Biology – December 1999
Microbiology/Immunology Option; English Minor -Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Work Experience:
Independent Contractor August 2011-present
Georgetown University School of Medicine – Educational coordinator and procurement manager for the Microbiology in Medicine course. Responsible for ordering and maintaining over 125 products necissary for 9 educational labs and 200 students.
Research Assistant 2 – Feb 2010-Feb 2011
Georgetown University, Department of Biology, Washington, D.C.
Rolfes Lab- Candida albicans filamentation studies including microscopy and microarray research on fil2 and fil2 mutants. Saccharomyces cerevisiae studies involving nutrient control and chronological aging using RTPCR and Beta-Galactosidase Activity Assays. Lab coordination and procurement.
Research Assistant 3 – November 2007–December 2009
Georgetown University; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Washington, D.C.
Cihlar Lab – Natural Product Drug Discovery Research in pharmacognosy:
Cranberry extract compounds – developing assays to find which inhibit planktonic growth and biofilm formation.
Ferreira Lab – The University of Mississippi – February 2008
Cranberry Extract Collaboration – Column chromatography separation, introduction to HPLC and NMR
School of medicine – 2008-2010 – Educational coordinator and lab manager for the Microbiology in Medicine course. Duties include procurement, preparation, and management of the class experiments, which includes the maintenance of more than 25 strains including but not limited to Streptococcus, Neisseria, Staphylococcus, and Escherichia.
Research Assistant 2 – June 2004-November 2007
Georgetown University, Department of Biology, Washington, D.C.
Elmendorf Lab – Investigation of attachment forces of Giardia lamblia. This biophysics study involved conducting flow cell protocol development, documentation of attachment behaviors and management of data from collaborating researchers’ publication of findings. This goal has largely been accomplished and is yielding data toward a manuscript and grant application. Refinement of assay for detection of G-actin binding proteins in Giardia. Responsibilities included maintenance of cultures, microscopy, image analysis, column chromatography, PAGE, protein expression, immunoblotting assays.
Safety Officer in charge of radioactive material management as Radiation Safety Officer. Responsible for laboratory inventory and procurement and management of equipment maintenance schedules.
Biology of Parasitism Course – Marine Biological Laboratory (Woods Hole, Mass.) – June 2007
Teaching Assistant for Heidi Elmendorf’s Module: Understanding Transcriptional Regulation
Responsibilities included project prep, procurement, lab set-up, equipment maintenance, and technical assistance, cDNA and 5′-RACE.
Research Assistant 2 – October 2000–March 2004
Georgetown University, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Washington, D.C.
Cihlar Lab – Participated in drug discovery research with Candida albicans utilizing molecular-based technologies, including proteomics and genomics. The study involved: creation of protein constructs; expression of fusion proteins; protein purification methods, including column chromatography and dialysis; assay analysis; and protocol development. Investigated Giardia attachment capabilities on a variety of available biofilms. Ensured laboratory safety as the Radiation Safety Officer.
Lab Technician 2 – February 2000-October 2000
MicroBioTest Inc., Sterling, Va.
Performed set-up and implementation of antimicrobial efficacy tests, including Sporicidal, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Use Dilution Test (UDT) and stress tests. Skilled in the use of environmental swabs and wipes. Cell culture identification and maintenance, including the isolation of duck primary hepatocytes.
Internship and Independent Research:
E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes Food Micro Dept. and American Meat Institute
Microscopy Experience:
Zeiss Axio Plan with Photometrics coolsnap camera and automated stage, Zeiss AxioPhot with Axiocam both with Improvision OpenLab and Volocity restoration and deconvolution ability, Nikon TE
2000 Inverted Microscope with DIC and epifluorescence optics, Uniblitz High Speed Shutter, Yokogawa CSU21 Spinning Disk Confocal Scan Head, AndorDV887-BI camera, Hamamatsu ORCAERCamera, ASIMS2000-xy motorized XY, Piezo systems objective or stage control, Bioptechs Live Cell Imaging Capabilities
Laboratory Skills:
Molecular techniques including: PCR and primer design; protein cloning; DNA purification; Agarose gel electrophoresis; acrylamide gel electrophoresis(PAGE); westernblots; protein expression and purification; Pierce BCA Protein Assays; columnchromatography; ELISA; media preparation; aseptic technique; experience in the isolation of pathogens; knowledge and understanding of current Good Laboratory Practices(cGLP); compliance to Standard Operating Procedures(SOP); and process validation. Certified in the handling of blood-borne pathogens and radioactive materials(RAM), as well as Biosafety Level3(BSL) practices.
Laboratory Equipment:
Genios plate reader; Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope; Fluorescence Microscopy; Clone Manager; PCR thermocyclers; GST and other fusion protein expression systems; BCA and Pierce
Protein assays; BioRad Mini-Protean 3 Gel System; API Microbial Identification Strips; custom Fabrication of Pyrex equipment; and, autoclave operation.
Memberships:
American Society of Microbiologists
Computer Skills:
SyEd Clone Manager; Web Cutter; Internet applications; web site development and php script implementation; Microsoft Office; Adobe Photoshop. Experience developing and maintaining websites