Experience

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

• United States
• Research Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Research Scientist II

  • Mar 2022 - Present

• Research Scientist I

  • Dec 2017 - Mar 2022

  Continuing the utilization of the HIV-1 capture assay with human clinical trial samples to determine the presence of antibodies that inhibit the interaction of HIV-1 to host cells. This work includes the establishment of collaborations with other institutions including the Uniformed Services University Health Services. Working on the DRAGA humanized mouse model as a Scientist in collaboration with universities to examine HIV-1 reservoirs and potential therapeutics that may cure HIV-1. Brought in the microscale thermophoresis technology to the laboratory to enable examination of protein-protein binding and protein-virus binding capabilities to the laboratory. Developing a cell-based assay to examine whether antibodies elicited by vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 can inhibit binding of the viral spike protein to target cells. Co-led in the writing of the Cooperative Agreement involving the Department of Defense for my section, which was awarded to the Henry M. Jackson Foundation in 2018. Also assisted in the development of the budget for the Cooperative Agreement. Written and submitted NIH R01 grant applications as the sole PI on projects including collaborators in the program as well as other institutions including the Naval Medical Research Center and the Armed Forces Institute of Medical Services in Thailand. Responsible for the budgets for the grant and the proper documentation to gain institutional approval for submission of the grant application. Managed the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine animal studies - involved the organization of 16 different studies, over 1100 mice. Organized the schedules of the animal work, serum processing, and ELISA studies for a group of researchers that have yielded an immense amount of work in a short period of time. The results from these studies have yielded a vaccine formulation currently in Phase 1 trials. Managed an NHP study that examines the effects of the Army Liposome Formulation adjuvants in potential HIV vaccine formulations. Show less

• Postdoctoral Fellow

  • Mar 2013 - Dec 2017

  Working for the US Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). Understanding HIV for the purpose of developing a better candidate for an HIV vaccine.Created and established the HIV-1 virus capture assay - A high throughput and quantitative assay that measures virus-cell interactions at minute time scale of infection using qRT-PCR. Utilized the assay to examine pre-clinical trial samples from animal studies on the presence of antibodies that inhibit HIV-1 capture and infection. Utilized humanized DRAG/DRAGA mice as a model of HIV-1 infection. Taken the lead on a project that examined the trafficking of HIV-1 after intravaginal infection in various organs, which led to a publication. Developed and validated a method to determine plasma viral loads in the laboratory. Assisted in the writing of grants and funding agreements to NIH and to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) within the DoD. These grants involved pre-clinical trials, as well as work leading up to clinical trials for adjuvant formulations in vaccine trials. Trained and managed Research Assistants and summer undergraduate research students in the laboratory. Developed projects and provided guidance to enhance their scientific knowledge and background. One of the leads in the proper maintenance of the laboratory, including maintenance of inventory of databases of all materials and reagents in the laboratory. Show less



Yale University School of Medicine

• United States
• Research Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Postdoctoral Associate

  • Sep 2010 - Feb 2013

  Advisor: Dr. Karen S. Anderson• Identified the positive role of NCp7 during (+)-strand DNA synthesis of reverse transcription of HIV-1 utilizing pre-steady-state kinetic analysis.• Established the mechanism of inhibition of reverse transcription by APOBEC3G using pre-steady-state kinetic analysis.• Developed a collaboration with a team of x-ray crystallographers to determine interaction of NCp7 and APOBEC3G and HIV-1 RT.• Collaborated with synthetic chemists to design novel nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, for analyzing in biochemical assays.• Utilized transient kinetic analysis to examine the mechanism of HIV-1 RT Q151M mediated resistance to nucleoside analogs. • Developed an assay using stopped-flow spectroscopy to examine the kinetics of HIV-1 RT Show less

• Ph.D. Student

  • Sep 2003 - Sep 2010

  Advisor: Dr. Karen S. Anderson, in the department of Pharmacology.Dissertation Title: “Examining the Role of Nucleocapsid Protein and APOBEC3G in the Process of HIV-1 Replication”



The Rockefeller University

• United States
• Research
• 700 & Above Employee

• Research Assistant

  • Jul 2002 - Jul 2003

  Advisor: Dr. Hironori Funabiki Department of Chromosome and Cell Biology • Used molecular cloning to examine the localization of putative cell cycle proteins using Xenopus egg extracts. Advisor: Dr. Hironori Funabiki Department of Chromosome and Cell Biology • Used molecular cloning to examine the localization of putative cell cycle proteins using Xenopus egg extracts.