Senior Scientist

• Nov 2019 - Present

Scientist II

• Jan 2019 - Aug 2019

Investigated efficacy of novel gene therapy technology. • Led neurodegenerative disease cell modelling group to test therapeutic candidates. • Designed and validated microRNA-based biologics. • Identified and formulated research plans for novel disease targets. ++ Propelled project into next phase of development. Investigated efficacy of novel gene therapy technology. • Led neurodegenerative disease cell modelling group to test therapeutic candidates. • Designed and validated microRNA-based biologics. • Identified and formulated research plans for novel disease targets. ++ Propelled project into next phase of development.

Research Scientist

• Jul 2010 - Dec 2018

Investigated oxidative stress responses and their effects on LRRK2 mutant neural networks. • Devised a live-cell assay to measure oxidative stress in real time. • Performed pharmaceutical drug screen on disease model. • Automized image data analysis to increase throughput. • Instructed graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. • Supervised research associates. ++ Discovered detrimental effects in the engineered disease model suggesting pathological long-term damage due to sub-lethal environmental stress (manuscript in preparation). Analyzed neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease model. • Devised a robust, scalable Parkinson’s disease model by selective derivation of dopaminergic neurons from iPSCs. • Developed and implemented novel protocols to reliably generate genetically edited iPSC lines using CRISPR. • Engineered iPSC lines using lentiviral delivery vehicles. • Accelerated data analysis by implementing custom data processing scripts. • Performed quantitative PCR and flow cytometry analysis of antigen presenting MHC proteins. ++ Discovered differential MHC expression and surface presentation implicating LRRK2-dependent immune function in the neural network deterioration of Parkinson’s disease (manuscript in revision). Supervisor: T. Palmer, Ph.D. Show less

Postdoctoral Fellow

• Jul 2007 - Jun 2010

Investigated the impact of developmental pathways and pharmacological drugs on human iPSCs differentiation into dopaminergic neurons. • Established 3D neural sphere human iPSC differentiation protocol. • Screened small molecule libraries and measured effects on differentiation. • Quantified immunocytochemical differences due to miRNA variations. • Identified differentiation pathways affected by RNA interference experiments. ++ Discovered effect of stage-specific roles of Shh and Wnt on dopaminergic differentiation (Stem Cells Dev 19(1):71-82). Supervisor: X. Zeng, Ph.D. Show less