Experience

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Research Associate

  • Nov 2019 - Present



University of Arizona

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Assistant Director of Proteomics and Senior Research Specialist

  • Oct 2016 - Nov 2019

  Since October 2016, I have fulfilled two roles within the Endocrinology division at the University of Arizona. As the Assistant Director of Proteomics, I am responsible for the general operation and maintenance of two Thermo Orbitrap Fusion Lumos mass spectrometers with DIONEX nano liquid chromatography systems. In this role, I act to collaborate with researchers throughout the UofA campus that are interested in performing cutting edge mass spectrometry based proteomics, to assist them with experimental design, to teach them mass spectrometry based protocols, and finally to help in any way possible to make sure they acquire the highest quality, manuscript-ready data. To this end, I am responsible for the continuous optimization and adaptation of mass spectrometry protocols for maximizing efficiency and increased workflow. Protocols we perform in the Proteomics Laboratory include in solution digestion, fractionation by in gel digestion, phosphopeptide enrichment, and filter-aided sample prep. As a Senior Research Specialist in Dr. Paul Langlais’ lab, my work centers on discovering new CLASP2 protein-protein interactions via the utilization of immunoprecipitation-based MS interactome analyses with the overall goal of discovering new insulin-dependent biological pathways of CLASP2. Some of the laboratory techniques/skills that I am proficient in include but are not limited to gel electrophoresis, immunoprecipitations, Western blots, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Bradford assays, MS sample preparation, development of plasmid constructs, and general cell culture techniques. Additionally, I assist with the preparation of figures and text for manuscripts and grants, present data at research laboratory meetings, train new lab members, and ensure the general upkeep and maintenance of the laboratory environment. Show less



Mayo Clinic

• United States
• Hospitals and Health Care
• 700 & Above Employee

• Research Technologist

  • Sep 2011 - Oct 2016

  From 2011 - 2016 I worked as a research technologist at Mayo Clinic research facility in Scottsdale, AZ in the following laboratories: Dr. Traci Czyzyk, Dr. Paul Langlais, the Mayo Clinic Proteomics Laboratory, the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Laboratory, and the Pathology Research Core. In this time, I became proficient in performing many mass spectrometry, molecular biological, biochemical, and histological techniques, as well as gained much experience with small animal surgical techniques and animal care/husbandry of mice and rats for in vivo metabolic studies. At any given time, I managed 4-6 projects, ordered lab products/equipment, set up/organized the lab, attended laboratory meetings, presented data at lab meetings, trained other lab members, and performed general lab maintenance. On two separate occasions, I oversaw the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Laboratory. In this role, I set up, performed, and completed five independent in vivo, surgery-based research projects. Furthermore, I was the first at this institution to successfully perform dual catheterization surgeries in mice, I established surgical protocols for performing dual catheterizations in rats, and also created standard operating procedures for other areas of the core. As lab manager of Mayo Clinic Proteomics Laboratory, I was responsible for the general operation of the Thermo Orbitrap Elite Velos PRO mass spectrometer and the DIONEX nano LC, the preparation and running of samples, and the handling and management of data. Additionally, I was responsible for the continuous optimization and adaptation of mass spectrometry (MS) protocols for maximizing efficiency and increased workflow. Show less