Experience

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  Ardra Inc

  • Canada
  • Biotechnology Research
  • 1 - 100 Employee

  • Senior Scientist

    • Jan 2023 - Present

    - Led experimental design, planning and project management to successfully transition from a process using flammable solvents to one using non-flammable solvents. This strategic shift unlocked new possibilities for scale-up facilities and enhanced safety in operations.- Developed R&D plans and tracked the progress of a program leading to 10-fold improvement in titer/concentration.- Assembled research documentation and translated project outcomes into narratives that would be clear to understand to a Business audience.- Designed plasmids and DNA parts to test whether substrate and cofactor availability impacted titer. This work allowed Ardra to rule out several lines of investigation in strain/process optimization.- Developed and performed analytical using GC, HPLC, and Enzyme assays enabling the team to monitor bioprocess and calculate mass balances.-Engaged in preparation of patents, drafted initial invention description, gave guidance on claims and novelty, participated in meetings with legal team and collaborators.- Improved relationships with scientific advisors by scheduling regular meetings, fostering exchange of ideas, and keeping them appraised of the status of R&D projects.- Quickly adapted to the needs of the business by learning a new technical skill (distillation) to facilitate downstream processing experiments in house.

  • Scientist

    • Jan 2022 - Dec 2022

    - Produced, organized, and presented research results to scientific advisors in industry and academic collaborators to bring them up to date on the progress of joint R&D projects.- Trained junior employees in molecular biology techniques such as SDS PAGE, ELISA, PCR, and cloning.- Used ELISA to monitor the expression of recombinant enzymes during the course of fermentation processes. This work identified the optimal time to stop the process, saving 12 hours of process time.-Planned & executed client custom strain development projects: proposed creative solutions to overcome unanticipated challenges in client projects leading to successful completion and returned business.- Wrote R&D work plans for and edited business grant applications to the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) AccelerateON grant which resulted in a successfully funded project.

  • Scientist

    • Sep 2019 - Jan 2022

    -Planned & executed client custom strain development projects: proposed creative solutions to overcome unanticipated challengs in client projects leading to successful completion and returned business.- Scheduled and led client meetings. Analyzed data to generate insights, prepared slide decks and and presented results in clear and concise way.-Tracked inventory of materials required to complete work and maintained budget records R&D projects.

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  University of Toronto

  • Canada
  • Higher Education
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Research Associate & Lab Manager

    • Sep 2019 - Jan 2022

    -Supervised undergraduate researchers, provided technical training in molecular biology techniques and mentorship in experimental design and execution. These efforts led to the construction of 15 yeast strains and sample collections that generated 12 data sets.- Led metabolomics analysis of 70 glioblastoma derived cancer stem cell lines to identify novel drug targets in collaboration with a cross-disciplinary team. Provided guidance on sample preparation, data analysis & interpretation, written reports & presentations. These efforts generated necessary materials essential for continued support of the project from funding agencies.- Led metabolomics analysis and interpretation on several projects spanning many fields including cancer metabolism, immunology, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, biomarker discovery, and drug development.- Led diverse collaborations with fellow academics using LCMS metabolomics platforms (QQQ, QToF, TIMS-ToF). Provided guidance to clients regarding method selection, and sample preparation. Managed timelines coordinated communication among stakeholders and delivered insights from data at project close. These efforts led to more than 10 publications in high impact journals

  • Research Associate

    • Jun 2018 - Sep 2019

  • Graduate Researcher

    • Sep 2012 - Jun 2018

    - Optimized chemical synthesis & purification using FLASH chromatography saving over $4000 per gram.-Engineered & cloned epitope-tagged protein constructs enabling high yield expression & purification & ultimate success of substrate assignment.-Mentored, trained & managed the research efforts of 8 undergraduate researchers in biochemical, molecular biology & metabolomics techniques leading to simultaneous completion of a major research project while writing my thesis off-site.-Completed of multi-faceted metabolism research projects, gained hands-on metabolomics experience using QQQ & Q-ToF instruments across polarities & chromatographic separation methods culminating in strong technical acumen & troubleshooting abilities.-Identified endogenous pathways leading to biosynthesis of a novel metabolite, I designed & executed stable isotope tracing experiments, culminating in the identification of a novel metabolic pathway.- Used genetic engineering techniques (Gateway cloning, Gibson Assembly, homologous recombination) to generate over 50 yeast strains in service of bridging the gaps in yeast metabolism.- Presented yeast and cancer metabolism research to a highly educated general audience at 4 conferences.

  • Teaching Assistant

    • Jan 2016 - Apr 2016

    • Lead students through preparation and analysis of whole genome sequencing using the latest tools and techniques. • Answer student questions regarding syllabus in class and out.• Administer assignments and provide constructive feedback on student work.

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  York University

  • Undergraduate thesis student

    • May 2011 - Dec 2011

    • Worked independently to carry out experiments assigned by supervising graduate student. • Received training and hands on experience with radioactive reagents. • Performed western blots, in vitro transcription and translation, as well as molecular cloning.• Generated figures, written report and completed an oral defence of the results.• My participation in this project lead to credit in a publication.

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  York University

  • Research Assistant

    • May 2010 - Aug 2010

    • Studied the effect of pharmaceutical phosphatases on non-disjunction using crane fly larvea.• Developed excellent microscopy skills. • Assisted graduate students with crane fly husbandry and lab maintenance.