Experience

Ascend

• United Kingdom
• Biotechnology Research
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Upstream scientist (MSAT)

  • Aug 2022 - Present

  Ascend is on a mission to create the most effective, highest-quality, scalable gene therapies possible. Ascend is on a mission to create the most effective, highest-quality, scalable gene therapies possible.



Lonza

• Switzerland
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• • Apr 2022 - Aug 2022

• • Apr 2021 - Apr 2022

  - Accountable for the successful planning, implementation and execution of new and existing upstream mammalian bioprocess, collaborating cross-functionally with both internal and external customers.- Leading mammalian bioprocess expansion from frozen vial to final stage production stirred tank bioreactors; including fed-batch and perfusion processes, ranging from 50 – 500L (single use and stainless steel) for material supply, tech transfer to GMP, and R&D pilot scale process assessment employing PAT.- Planning and executing primary recovery of bulk filtrate, involving the use of disk stack centrifugation and the assembly and operation of depth filtration systems.- Responsible for process modelling and the preparation of batch process descriptions in collaboration with internal and external customers required to guide the pilot team to the successful execution of pilot batches- Provide on-call technical support and troubleshooting (remote and on-site) for pilot, and independent weekend work- Coaching new starters on the ways of working as an upstream pilot scientist, leading to right first time results and pilot scientists capable of working independently.- I am an environmental health and safety (EHS) focal point and a member of the microbial contamination control (MCC) group for the pilot team. Show less

• • Oct 2020 - Mar 2021



University College Dublin

• Ireland
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• • Jun 2016 - May 2020

  - Employed synthetic biology and microbial bioprocessing to successfully convert oil based plastic waste into biodegradable plastics (polyhydroxyalkanoate) using bacteria.- Developed a wide skill set in laboratory research techniques including molecular biology, bioprocess engineering & development, and analytical chemistry (equipment set-up, maintenance and method development).- Conducted and designed over 65 24h+ fed-batch bioreactor processes requiringovernight monitoring, and attained extensive experience in microbial bioprocessing, bioprocess modelling and development, resulting in a number of academic publications.- Experienced in preparative laboratory practices including designing of experiments, writing and implementing SOPs and risk assessments, report writing, inventory management and buffer preparation.- Trained incoming laboratory researchers in SOPs and equipment operation. Show less

• • Jun 2016 - Dec 2019

  - Weekly management, teaching & supervision of laboratory classes of undergraduate Science B.Sc) students.- Meticulously assessed lab reports, & addressed student's questions & concerns.- Mentored & navigated student concerns in relation to their studies in a compassionate & empathetic manor.



University College Dublin

• Ireland
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• UCD Summer Research Internship/Project (Summer 2015)

  • Jun 2015 - Jul 2015

  - Tested the ability of different Streptococcus mitis strains to form biofilms under different growth conditions. - Analysed biofilms and microbes under a high powered microscope and assessed any differences in morphology across different culture conditions. - Collected, consolidated, and presented data obtained on a weekly basis to supervisors and lab colleagues. - Learned how to perform basic lab techniques and use lab equipment. - Tested the ability of different Streptococcus mitis strains to form biofilms under different growth conditions. - Analysed biofilms and microbes under a high powered microscope and assessed any differences in morphology across different culture conditions. - Collected, consolidated, and presented data obtained on a weekly basis to supervisors and lab colleagues. - Learned how to perform basic lab techniques and use lab equipment.



Spouting Rock Beach Assn

• United States
• Renewable Energy Semiconductor Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Bar man & General Assistant (Summer 2014)

  • May 2014 - Sep 2014

  - Assisted bar staff which involved bar backing and making of alcoholic drinks. - Assisted cook staff with kitchen prep. - Wait staff – This involved taking orders of members, clearing tables and answered any questions they may have had in a friendly manner. - Set up and broke down beach furniture, cleaned up after members and made sure all areas appeared in proper order. - Dealt with any complaints the members may have had, and passed these on to upper management. - Assisted bar staff which involved bar backing and making of alcoholic drinks. - Assisted cook staff with kitchen prep. - Wait staff – This involved taking orders of members, clearing tables and answered any questions they may have had in a friendly manner. - Set up and broke down beach furniture, cleaned up after members and made sure all areas appeared in proper order. - Dealt with any complaints the members may have had, and passed these on to upper management.



'The Favourite' Newsagent

• Terenure, Dublin

• Sales Associate and Cashier (2012-2014)

  • Dec 2012 - May 2014

  - Operated tills, managed cash and kept records. - Advised customers on store products; handled general complaints and queries in a friendly manner. - Accepted, logged, sorted and stocked large deliveries. - Ensured shop floor cleanliness was to the highest standard with particular attention to food and other areas subject to regular hygiene inspections. - Operated tills, managed cash and kept records. - Advised customers on store products; handled general complaints and queries in a friendly manner. - Accepted, logged, sorted and stocked large deliveries. - Ensured shop floor cleanliness was to the highest standard with particular attention to food and other areas subject to regular hygiene inspections.