Jessica Rakijas, PhD
Scientist I at Guardant Health- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Dugan Hult
A brilliant, problem-solving leader is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about Jessica. I've had the pleasure of knowing Jessica for 10 months, during which she acted as my project mentor within a developmental biology research lab setting. Above all, I was impressed with Jessica's ability to effortlessly act as a teacher and communicate complex information in a way that was easy to process and understand. And, of course, her friendly and helpful attitude. Jessica would be a true asset for any positions requiring strong communication, excellent lab skills, and expertise in cellular and molecular sciences and comes with my heartfelt recommendation.
Dugan Hult
A brilliant, problem-solving leader is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about Jessica. I've had the pleasure of knowing Jessica for 10 months, during which she acted as my project mentor within a developmental biology research lab setting. Above all, I was impressed with Jessica's ability to effortlessly act as a teacher and communicate complex information in a way that was easy to process and understand. And, of course, her friendly and helpful attitude. Jessica would be a true asset for any positions requiring strong communication, excellent lab skills, and expertise in cellular and molecular sciences and comes with my heartfelt recommendation.
Dugan Hult
A brilliant, problem-solving leader is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about Jessica. I've had the pleasure of knowing Jessica for 10 months, during which she acted as my project mentor within a developmental biology research lab setting. Above all, I was impressed with Jessica's ability to effortlessly act as a teacher and communicate complex information in a way that was easy to process and understand. And, of course, her friendly and helpful attitude. Jessica would be a true asset for any positions requiring strong communication, excellent lab skills, and expertise in cellular and molecular sciences and comes with my heartfelt recommendation.
Dugan Hult
A brilliant, problem-solving leader is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about Jessica. I've had the pleasure of knowing Jessica for 10 months, during which she acted as my project mentor within a developmental biology research lab setting. Above all, I was impressed with Jessica's ability to effortlessly act as a teacher and communicate complex information in a way that was easy to process and understand. And, of course, her friendly and helpful attitude. Jessica would be a true asset for any positions requiring strong communication, excellent lab skills, and expertise in cellular and molecular sciences and comes with my heartfelt recommendation.
Credentials
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Venus Software Training I
Hamilton CompanyJul, 2022- Nov, 2024 -
Quantitative Lab Skills I
Bioscience Core Skills InstituteJun, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
Safety - Hazard Assessment
Bioscience Core Skills InstituteJun, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
Small Volume Metrology
Bioscience Core Skills InstituteJun, 2021- Nov, 2024
Experience
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Guardant Health
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United States
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Biotechnology Research
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700 & Above Employee
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Scientist I
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Jan 2022 - Present
Reagent development team. Reagent development team.
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Kansas State University
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Research Associate | Addressing multicellularity with bioinformatics, cell biology & genomics
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Dec 2017 - Sep 2021
▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 For the last few years, I have been managing and collaborating on NSF-funded research to better understand multicellular evolution and apply this knowledge to developmental and cancer biology. One of my key projects is a comparative -omics study, using 𝘊𝘩𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘺𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘴 and 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘶𝘮 as green algae model systems to evaluate the non-genomic basis of the transition to multicellularity. Outside of managing my research projects, I have… Show more ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 For the last few years, I have been managing and collaborating on NSF-funded research to better understand multicellular evolution and apply this knowledge to developmental and cancer biology. One of my key projects is a comparative -omics study, using 𝘊𝘩𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘺𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘴 and 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘶𝘮 as green algae model systems to evaluate the non-genomic basis of the transition to multicellularity. Outside of managing my research projects, I have taken on a dual role as a researcher and lab manager. I oversee the development and review of lab SOPs, safety protocols, radiation use permits, technical training, and external communications with sales reps and technology vendors. ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 🧬Conducted an -omics study comparing 𝘊𝘩𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘺𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘴 and 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘶𝘮 algae to determine key processes for multicellularity transition. This work produced evidence that the genetic toolkit for multicellularity transition was present before multicellularity arose, and I am currently writing a scientific manuscript. 🧬Rapidly learned to use Python, machine learning, and statistical data analysis packages to process molecular data. 🧬Introduced proteomics techniques to the lab and enabled the group to get a more comprehensive insight into protein complexes, including the types of structural and functional units, and quantify gene expression. ▶️𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 🏆KINBRE Postdoctoral Fellowship | Awarded in my first year to fund molecular research in Rb and multicellularity Show less ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 For the last few years, I have been managing and collaborating on NSF-funded research to better understand multicellular evolution and apply this knowledge to developmental and cancer biology. One of my key projects is a comparative -omics study, using 𝘊𝘩𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘺𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘴 and 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘶𝘮 as green algae model systems to evaluate the non-genomic basis of the transition to multicellularity. Outside of managing my research projects, I have… Show more ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 For the last few years, I have been managing and collaborating on NSF-funded research to better understand multicellular evolution and apply this knowledge to developmental and cancer biology. One of my key projects is a comparative -omics study, using 𝘊𝘩𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘺𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘴 and 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘶𝘮 as green algae model systems to evaluate the non-genomic basis of the transition to multicellularity. Outside of managing my research projects, I have taken on a dual role as a researcher and lab manager. I oversee the development and review of lab SOPs, safety protocols, radiation use permits, technical training, and external communications with sales reps and technology vendors. ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 🧬Conducted an -omics study comparing 𝘊𝘩𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘺𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘴 and 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘶𝘮 algae to determine key processes for multicellularity transition. This work produced evidence that the genetic toolkit for multicellularity transition was present before multicellularity arose, and I am currently writing a scientific manuscript. 🧬Rapidly learned to use Python, machine learning, and statistical data analysis packages to process molecular data. 🧬Introduced proteomics techniques to the lab and enabled the group to get a more comprehensive insight into protein complexes, including the types of structural and functional units, and quantify gene expression. ▶️𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 🏆KINBRE Postdoctoral Fellowship | Awarded in my first year to fund molecular research in Rb and multicellularity Show less
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Battelle
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United States
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Research Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Research Associate | Modified living cells using CRISPR gene-editing technology
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Aug 2017 - Dec 2017
▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 After completing my PhD, I joined this global life sciences CRO in a contract research role to support the GoPIT project. Specifically, I was part of the positive control group to perform experimental testing on the functionality and accessibility of an in-home CRISPR kit and assess its adaptability for other purposes. ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 I performed literature reviews and developed and ran multiple CRISPR experiments… Show more ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 After completing my PhD, I joined this global life sciences CRO in a contract research role to support the GoPIT project. Specifically, I was part of the positive control group to perform experimental testing on the functionality and accessibility of an in-home CRISPR kit and assess its adaptability for other purposes. ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 I performed literature reviews and developed and ran multiple CRISPR experiments using 𝘌. 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘪 bacteria. This experience expanded my technical writing skills since I was required to write and submit regular progress reports. By the end of my contract, I had completed all the project requirements within the established timeline and budget. Show less ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 After completing my PhD, I joined this global life sciences CRO in a contract research role to support the GoPIT project. Specifically, I was part of the positive control group to perform experimental testing on the functionality and accessibility of an in-home CRISPR kit and assess its adaptability for other purposes. ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 I performed literature reviews and developed and ran multiple CRISPR experiments… Show more ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 After completing my PhD, I joined this global life sciences CRO in a contract research role to support the GoPIT project. Specifically, I was part of the positive control group to perform experimental testing on the functionality and accessibility of an in-home CRISPR kit and assess its adaptability for other purposes. ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 I performed literature reviews and developed and ran multiple CRISPR experiments using 𝘌. 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘪 bacteria. This experience expanded my technical writing skills since I was required to write and submit regular progress reports. By the end of my contract, I had completed all the project requirements within the established timeline and budget. Show less
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The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
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United States
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Hospitals and Health Care
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700 & Above Employee
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Research Associate | Identified novel genetic interactions with E2f and RB pathway
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May 2017 - Oct 2017
▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 While searching for a postdoctoral position, I briefly joined another lab in the Comprehensive Care Center. During this time, I supported research that explored RNA changes and elucidating the role of post-transcriptional regulatory networks in sustaining cancer cell proliferation and survival. I brought my deep cell cycle biology background and hands-on experience with PCR optimization, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and reverse genetic… Show more ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 While searching for a postdoctoral position, I briefly joined another lab in the Comprehensive Care Center. During this time, I supported research that explored RNA changes and elucidating the role of post-transcriptional regulatory networks in sustaining cancer cell proliferation and survival. I brought my deep cell cycle biology background and hands-on experience with PCR optimization, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and reverse genetic screens in 𝘋𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 (aka fruit flies). Additionally, I single-handedly managed the growth and development of large fruit fly colonies for the entire lab group. ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 🧬Produced high-quality experimental and imaging data, using ChIP and SEM methods, to accelerate a high-impact publication. 🧬Introduced extended depth of field microscopy into the lab that improved lab microscopy by capturing in-focus, publication-quality 2D representations of 3D objects in seconds. Show less ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 While searching for a postdoctoral position, I briefly joined another lab in the Comprehensive Care Center. During this time, I supported research that explored RNA changes and elucidating the role of post-transcriptional regulatory networks in sustaining cancer cell proliferation and survival. I brought my deep cell cycle biology background and hands-on experience with PCR optimization, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and reverse genetic… Show more ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 While searching for a postdoctoral position, I briefly joined another lab in the Comprehensive Care Center. During this time, I supported research that explored RNA changes and elucidating the role of post-transcriptional regulatory networks in sustaining cancer cell proliferation and survival. I brought my deep cell cycle biology background and hands-on experience with PCR optimization, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and reverse genetic screens in 𝘋𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 (aka fruit flies). Additionally, I single-handedly managed the growth and development of large fruit fly colonies for the entire lab group. ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 🧬Produced high-quality experimental and imaging data, using ChIP and SEM methods, to accelerate a high-impact publication. 🧬Introduced extended depth of field microscopy into the lab that improved lab microscopy by capturing in-focus, publication-quality 2D representations of 3D objects in seconds. Show less
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The Ohio State University
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Graduate Research Associate | Investigated downstream genetic predictors for cancer cell development
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Sep 2011 - May 2017
▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 While pursuing my PhD in molecular genetics, I worked in the Comprehensive Care Center and investigated the function of atypical repressor genes, specifically E2f8, in mediating tumor suppression in adult liver physiology. I designed and prepared 7 knock-in mouse models and ran experiments focused on understanding the liver's developmental processes as a healthy organ and cancer pathology. ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇… Show more ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 While pursuing my PhD in molecular genetics, I worked in the Comprehensive Care Center and investigated the function of atypical repressor genes, specifically E2f8, in mediating tumor suppression in adult liver physiology. I designed and prepared 7 knock-in mouse models and ran experiments focused on understanding the liver's developmental processes as a healthy organ and cancer pathology. ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 🧬Co-authored and published a paper demonstrating how E2f8-mediated genes are tumor suppressor mechanisms during postnatal liver development and how deletion of E2f8 genes leads to liver cancer. 🧬Strengthened knowledge of pre-clinical processes, including preparing and analyzing healthy and cancerous mouse liver samples. ▶️𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 🏆 Oakley Travel Award | Research Presentation, 2016 TAGC Genetics Society of America conference 🏆 1st Place | Research Presentation, Molecular Genetics F. Scott Falkenthal Memorial Graduate Student Colloquium 🏆 Service Award | Excellent Leadership, Vice Chair on the MolGen Graduate Student Council Show less ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 While pursuing my PhD in molecular genetics, I worked in the Comprehensive Care Center and investigated the function of atypical repressor genes, specifically E2f8, in mediating tumor suppression in adult liver physiology. I designed and prepared 7 knock-in mouse models and ran experiments focused on understanding the liver's developmental processes as a healthy organ and cancer pathology. ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇… Show more ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 While pursuing my PhD in molecular genetics, I worked in the Comprehensive Care Center and investigated the function of atypical repressor genes, specifically E2f8, in mediating tumor suppression in adult liver physiology. I designed and prepared 7 knock-in mouse models and ran experiments focused on understanding the liver's developmental processes as a healthy organ and cancer pathology. ▶️𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 🧬Co-authored and published a paper demonstrating how E2f8-mediated genes are tumor suppressor mechanisms during postnatal liver development and how deletion of E2f8 genes leads to liver cancer. 🧬Strengthened knowledge of pre-clinical processes, including preparing and analyzing healthy and cancerous mouse liver samples. ▶️𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 🏆 Oakley Travel Award | Research Presentation, 2016 TAGC Genetics Society of America conference 🏆 1st Place | Research Presentation, Molecular Genetics F. Scott Falkenthal Memorial Graduate Student Colloquium 🏆 Service Award | Excellent Leadership, Vice Chair on the MolGen Graduate Student Council Show less
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Education
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2007 - 2011
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor's degree, Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology -
2011 - 2017
The Ohio State University
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Molecular Genetics
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