Experience
Research Associate
1/2013 – Present Columbia University Medical Center, Center for Radiological Research New York, New York
Working with the Center for High-Throughput Minimally-Invasive Radiation Biodosimetry (CHTMIRB), in conjunction with The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and Northrop Grumman Corp on studies involved in the development of an In-Vitro Diagnostic Assay based on the Micronucleus Assay, and other biomarkers, to be used in the quantification of individual exposure to ionizing radiation. Major Projects are listed below.
BARDA Non-Human Primate Study (1/2014 – Present)
Working with the CHTMIRB, in conjunction with BARDA and NG Corp. on a GLP study investigating in vivo dose-dependent host response specific to Ionizing Radiation in Rhesus macaque using the Micronucleus Assay.
• Following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) through prompt and proper completion of all documentation pertaining to the Assay.
• Receiving and processing NHP blood samples arriving at Days -3, 1, 3, 5, and 7 following whole body irradiation.
• Lymphocyte isolation using Histopaque 1083 gradients, lymphocyte culturing in Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and Concanavalin A media, lymphocyte cell fixation, and preparation of slides for scoring Micronuclei via automated imaging using a Fluorescence Microscope.
• Additional ex vivo irradiation of Day -3 aliquots at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 Gy doses using the Gammacell-40 137Cs Irradiator to compare with in vivo dose-response curves.
BARDA Demographic Study (1/2013 – 1/2014)
Working with the CHTMIRB, in conjunction with BARDA and NG Corp. on a strictly GLP study involving the demographic variations in Micronucleus Assay dose-response curves. Also keeping the goal of high-throughput and automation to mimic the Rapid Automated Biodosimetry Tool (RABiT).
• Ensuring strict compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) through barcoding, and following Standard Operating Procedures and documentation of all Assay steps using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Preparation of reagents to be used in the Assay, as well as barcoding and logging of reagents into the LIMS.
• Processing Clinical Blood samples into barcoded aliquots, irradiating aliquots with varying doses of ionizing radiation using the Gammacell-40 137Cs Irradiator, lymphocyte isolation using Histopaque 1077 gradients, and lymphocyte culturing for Assay set up.
• Lymphocyte cell fixation and preparation of barcoded slides for scoring Micronuclei via automated imaging using a Fluorescence Microscope.
Instructor/Instructor Trainer
1/2005 – Present American Red Cross in Metropolitan New York, Health & Safety Services New York, New York
Health & Safety Instructor Trainer
• Certified Instructor Trainer responsible for personnel management by providing mentoring and supervision for instructors to ensure quality and superior delivery of Health & Safety services and products.
Health & Safety Instructor
• Instruction: Certified Instructor for Health & Safety products including courses and presentations such as CPR and First Aid, to businesses and the community.
• Customer Service: Responsible for maintaining the business relationship between the American Red Cross and clients, through high quality customer service while delivering products.
• Supply Chain/Logistics: Managing of all equipment and inventory including transportation and set-up of necessary materials and supplies needed to deliver classes and return the materials to the prescribed location.
• Quality Assurance: Responsible for applying quality assurance and control program including quality improvement activities and measures in overall service provision. Ensuring that the proper safety measures are in place to protect customers and staff who participate in the training activities.
• Resource Management: Recommendations of investments in technology, capital, equipment systems or other assets that will improve the quality of the delivery of Health and Safety services. Responsible for efficient and effective resource use. Adhering to financial controls in the handling of any on-site payments and ensuring timely handling and reporting of secured funds.
• Communications/Reporting: Engaging in regular communications with Training Coordinator regarding course updates and latest changes to products/services, active communication with Training Scheduler regarding availability to teach, and timely submission of records for processing.
Health & Safety Weekend Supervisor (2007 – 2009)
• Supervision and Quality Assurance of all Health & Safety operations running over the weekend throughout the Greater New York area.
Research Assistant II
10/2010 – 1/2013 New York Blood Center, Lab for Blood Borne Parasites New York, New York
SAIC Malaria Project (6/2011 – 1/2013)
Worked with PI and Research Fellow on project involving the Pre-Clinical Antibody Screening via Growth Inhibition Assays and Immunofluorescence Assays, of potential antibody clones specific to Plasmodium falciparum ligands for use in vaccine development.
• Parasite culturing, Sorbitol treatment for synchronization, and reagent preparation for culture maintenance.
• Antibody purification via Column Chromatography, and measurement of Antibody concentrations using a Spectrophotometer.
• Growth Inhibition Assay set up using Percoll gradients, and analysis of inhibition results.
• Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) set up and analysis of binding results using Fluorescence Microscopy.
• Cryogenic freezing and thawing of parasites as needed.
Cerus Malaria Project (1/2012 – 4/2012)
Worked with PI and Research Fellow on project studying the efficacy of a potential compound to be used in the inactivation of possible parasites and leukocytes present in donor blood components, before transfusion.
• Bulking up and Sorbitol synchronization of parasite cultures during the weeks leading up to experiment.
• Daily making and analysis of smears from experimental controls and test samples for three weeks after experiment set up.
Babesia Project (10/2010 – 6/2011)
Worked with PI and other laboratory staff on project focusing on the parasitemia of Babesia divergens, in donor Red Blood Cells, and the parasite ligand-RBC receptor interactions.
• Processing Clinical Blood samples into aliquots of Serum and Red Blood Cells.
• DNA isolation from Red Blood Cells for use in PCR, and measurement of extracted DNA concentration using Nanodrop.
• Testing of Serum aliquots via Immunofluorescence Assays.
• Gel casting, Gel Electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE using BIO-RAD Mini-PROTEAN® Tetra System and BIO-RAD PowerPacTM HC, and Western Blotting.
Per Diem Unit Support
11/2010 – 1/2011 CCT Solutions / Lutheran Medical Center, Emergency Department New York, New York
• Provided training, assistance, and support to Emergency Department staff during implementation of the Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) phase of new EMR information software system, Lutheran Vista.
Research Assistant
7/2010 – 1/2011 Anzenna ...
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