Research Scientist

• Jun 2022 - Present

Research Associate at Altius Institute for Biomedical Sciences

• Jan 2022 - Jun 2022

Scientist | Molecular Sciences Department

• Dec 2004 - Jul 2006

Lab Management | People Leadership: Transitioned from technical lead to functional lead of the DNA microarray group, assuming a management role for two direct reports. Included a week-long training at Amgen HQ on “Managing at Amgen.” Continued to optimize protocols, manage workflow, and troubleshoot process.Array Processing: Approx. 1,000+ arrays processed, providing gene expression analysis for research support and biomarker discovery, including data analysis using Rosetta Resolver.Tech Leadership: Implemented an Affymetrix Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) technology for detection of chromosomal copy number changes. Resulted in excellent QC metrics that validated the technology in our hands. Cross-Functional Leadership: Served as co-chair of an Oncology Biomarker Discovery Working Group and as a BioAssay and Technology representative for a kinase program, working with both research and clinical departments. Show less

Associate Scientist II – Functional Genomics & Molecular Sciences

• Apr 2003 - Dec 2004

Laboratory Management | Array Processing: Continued day-to-day management of the DNA microarray laboratory with capacity of 1-200 arrays processed per month. Facilitated move to the new Helix Campus, minimizing downtime.Tech Leadership: Validated new microarray scanner, demonstrating identical results to existing model, and ensuring purchase and delivery of instrument within the required budget cycle.Process Management: Established an Affymetrix array SOP document. Hired and trained new staff in microarray methods. Conducted detailed assessment of personnel, time and equipment requirements for array throughput targets. Led to informed decisions on FTE assignments and equipment purchases. Protocol Implementation | SOP Development: Implemented protocols for isolating and labeling RNA from whole blood samples. Resulted in a Blood RNA SOP instrumental to expression profiling of clinical whole blood samples. Process Optimization: Evaluated small sample labeling methods for reliability and correlation. Reduced RNA sample input to 1 microgram for standard labeling (10-fold reduction) and 1 nanogram (a 10,000-fold reduction) for amplified. Show less

Senior Research Associate – Molecular Biotechnology Group

• Jul 2002 - Apr 2003

Retained by Amgen following acquisition of ImmunexProcess Optimization: Evaluated and optimized RNA labeling methods to eliminate poor-performing methods, and reduce input sample quantities by 50%, saving precious clinical samples for additional analysis.Array Processing: Continued core lab management for Amgen, WA. Processed approx. 1,000+ microarrays, and demonstrated a capacity of 100 arrays week if needed.Applying Technology: Validated Taqman qPCR as a diagnostic tool for assessing array labeling methods, saving time, and costly microarrays. Informed decisions on method adoption.Quality Assurance: Implemented the use of array process tracking forms to rapidly pinpoint faulty reagents and equipment modules. Resulted in faster QC assessments and troubleshooting. Show less

Senior Research Associate - Molecular Biotechnology Department

• Sep 2001 - Jul 2002

Managed a DNA microarray core laboratory for expression profiling services. Evaluated and optimized RNA labeling methods for microarray analysis. Established DNA microarray SOPs for an Affymetrix platform. Managed a DNA microarray core laboratory for expression profiling services. Evaluated and optimized RNA labeling methods for microarray analysis. Established DNA microarray SOPs for an Affymetrix platform.

Scientist II - Immunology Department

• Nov 1991 - Aug 2001

Project Involvement Expression and characterization of soluble and membrane bound cytokine, chemokine, and T-cell receptors, including development of high through-put antagonist assays, compound screening, and large scale protein production and purification to supply HTS. Construction of DNA transgenes for tissue specific expression in mice. Team member of a high through-put transgenesis project for the study of novel genes in mice. Development of gene targeting strategies and construction of targeting vectors for mouse chemokines, chemokine receptors, ADP receptor, and orphan GPCRs. Analysis of genetic mutant (KO) mice via immune system challenges. Served as a project leader on 2 KO projects, including the interdepartmental coordination of mutant animal production and analysis. Generation of mouse tissue cDNA library panels for expression profiling by Taqman quantitative PCR Management of a $1.1 million budget for the set-up of a mouse genetics laboratory Show less