Experience

Here, I will talk a bit about my experience and abilities.

Laboratory Supervisor – Cooper Genomics (June 2019 - Present)

Molecular Genetics Technologist - Cooper Genomics (October 2016 - May 2019)

I started working at Cooper Genomics in 2016. I had just finished my masters courses at Rutgers, and was looking for employment while continuing to work on my thesis research at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Fortunately for me, Cooper Genomics (formerly Reprogenetics) was looking for an experienced tech with mastery of quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cooper Genomics is an in-vitro fertilization testing laboratory; we receive clinical embryo biopsies from IVF centers after the egg has been fertilized with a sperm. Once we receive samples, we will test the embryos for chromosomal aneuploidies and potential genetic diseases. Cooper Genomics currently has three departments: PGT-A, PGT-M, and ERPeak .

I began working under the research branch of the company, perfecting a newly introduced mitochondrial quantification assay. The MitoGrade project is a quantitative PCR based approach to quantifying mitochondrial content of cells. We determined that the mitochondrial content in an embryo is tied with the implantation rate and viability of that embryo. Thus, by quantifying the mitochondrial content, we can roughly predict if an embryo is of good quality or not. While working on this project, I traveled to the UK to correspond with two of our phD scientists, Dagan Wells and Elpida Fragouli. After discussing ideas with them, I came back and optimized the mito (shortened MitoGrade) workflow. I was able to decrease the lab-personnel processing time of the assay by 33%, as well as reduce turn-around time by 50%. These reductions were due to my implementation of a better sample handling process as well as computer-based tools to reduce data analysis. I personally programmed a spreadsheet which automated delta-CT qPCR calculations, as well as master sheets that served to track a clinical sample through the entire process and ensure quick turn-around. Due to my efforts, I became the team leader for mito, and my team processed about 8000 samples per year. While processing clinical samples, I was also working to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the assay by using a new platform: Thermo Scientific's OpenArray. By switching to OpenArray chips, we could test more targets while processing more samples at one time.

While I was working on the mito project, I transitioned from the research team to the clinical operations team. Always eager to learn new things, I absorbed knowledge from both teams rapidly. For PGT-A, we received embryo biopsy samples and extract them for total DNA, then perform whole genome amplification. Using the amplified DNA, we would perform library preparation for next-generation sequencing on Illumina's machines, MiSeq and NextSeq. The testing will determine if aneuploidies are present in an embryo biopsy (eg. trisomy 21, monosomy 16, etc). I usually acted as a key witness to ensure no errors occur during the lab process. Other functions include sample accessioning, data analysis, and writing reports. On the PGT-M side, we will also perform whole genome amplification of embryo biopsy samples. By using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay in combination with direct mutation testing, PGT-M is able to establish if a sample has specific molecular mutations. Direct mutation is usually performed with Sanger sequencing or fragment analysis; both of these assays are PCR based and require specific primers. Since I have lots of experience with PCR, I was mainly responsible for assay design; creating primers and establishing a protocol for testing a patient's specific disease. My designs were well-received by the testing personnel, being both dependable and easy to use. Upon review of the workflow, I suggested automation of some steps in the clinical process, and wrote scripts for automated liquid handlers. The adoption of these scripts significantly reduced assay run time by over 50%, as well as cut the error rate since pipetting was no longer done by hand. These changes have led to an overall reduction in the turn-around-time (TAT) of the department.

Finally, the third department at Cooper is ERPeak. This is an assay for endometrial receptivity; we quantify the micro-environment of a female's uterus to determine if it is receptive to embryo implantation. As I was formerly part of the research team, I made major contributions to the development of this assay. The team and I selected targets of interest and, using reverse-transcription quantitative PCR, performed validation runs to verify our hypotheses. Since large amounts of data were generated by using OpenArray system, data analysis was again automated and I assisted in creating an application in the statistical program R to do the number crunching. My contributions to the research and validations allowed ERPeak to officially launch as a clinical assay. As a result of my work and experience with this assay, I was the best person to manage the ERPeak team. My team receives endometrial biopsies, extract the mRNA from these samples, create cDNA, then quantify the expression profile. Due to the sensitive nature of RNA, this assay is very rigorous and requires constant attention and cleanliness. The team has four members and we have witnessed an incredible growth in sample volume, increasing by 20% per month for an entire year. What used to be 10 samples in our first month quickly turned into 180 samples a month by the end of the year!

Being a team leader and, later, supervisor, I am also experienced in many miscellaneous laboratory activities. I manage inventory for general consumables as well as specific materials for ERPeak. Functions include recording lot numbers and quantities of our reagents, working with the purchasing team to minimize cost while securing supplies, and managing the maintenance of our machines. I keep track of metric data including samples run, result breakdown, turn-around time data, etc. I also keep QA/QC records for all parts of my team. As ERPeak is still a relatively new product, I am in constant contact with Cooper's sales and customer service teams. I answer inquiries to the science behind the product, or address customer related issues in order to provide the highest level of service. Our close working relationship has allowed the ERPeak client base to steadily grow, with the majority feedback being very positive.

On the side, I participate in many projects to streamline the workflow in the lab, promoting efficiency and accuracy while reducing chance for user error. I have programmed many spreadsheets for the various departments, mostly using Microsoft Excel, to meet specific needs of the department. One such example is a sheet I created in order to TAT. This sheet would pull the TAT data from a separate sheet, or the user could copy and paste the data into one field, and statistics such as average, median, outliers, etc would be automatically calculated. Furthermore, two graphs would be generated: one shows the distribution of TATs by number of days, and the other shows TATs as a cumulative percentage of all cases. This way, it is possible to quickly and visually determine the average TAT as well as how many of the total cases meet a certain threshold. Another interesting tidbit, since I am very good with computers and technology, I am the unofficial tech support for our lab. I have helped just about every member of the lab, including the director, with tech-related issues that are within my capability of solving.

I have had many roles and responsibilities since starting here, and I have met and exceeded expectations every time. I look forward to what the future brings, as well as what I can do to make contributions in the future.

Cancer metastasis research - New Jersey Medical School Cancer Center, Newark, NJ (Aug 2015-May 2017)

After working for a period at Labcorp, I decided to pursue higher education and enrolled at Rutgers University's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Here, I not only took advanced science classes, but I was also given the opportunity to learn alongside students at New Jersey Medical School. Classes were challenging but it was always a good experience to learn new knowledge and deepen my understanding of science.

As part of my graduate studies, I decided to join a research lab. Being very interested in cancer research, I was fortunate enough to be accepted by Dr. Raymond Birge and join his lab in the Cancer Center of New Jersey. At Dr. Birge's lab, I participated in multiple projects in the field of cancer metastasis and signaling. I utilized and perfected many scientific techniques including reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), RNA-seq (a specific application of next-generation sequencing), cell culturing, and genetic engineering.

My research was based around demonstrating down-stream pathways and biomarkers for a family of receptor tyrosine kinases known as TAMs. This stands for Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK receptors. Through the use of RNA-seq followed by confirmatory qPCR, we established a set of RNA transcripts which were indicated following TAM receptor signaling. I manually designed over 20 qPCR primers for this validation, as well as performed optimization for each primer set. Following this, I cultured human and mammalian cell lines which expressed TAMs in order to see the specific activation of each. Further genetic engineering modifications allowed me to modify these cell lines, knocking down expression in lines which naturally expressed the RTKs or inducing expression in ones which normally did not. Through this, I determined that Axl had down-stream function of upregulating Spp1 expression, a protein important in cancer metastasis.

I focused my thesis on this specific link, and showed that highly metastatic cancer cells naturally had lots of Axl receptor, and knock-down of Axl receptor reduced cell mobility and decreases likelihood of cancer metastasis. Further investigation of this link may yield some drug or therapeutic capable of reducing cancer mobility in these cells, but this was outside the scope of my research. I presented my thesis to Dr. Birge as well as the school's faculty, and it was accepted. I graduated in May 2017 with a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences.

Medical technologist in molecular biology - Labcorp, Raritan, NJ (Apr 2014- Aug 2015)

My first science job post-college graduation, I became a medical technologist at Labcorp. I joined the molecular diagnostics department, and was mainly focused on infections diseases impacting women's health. This department is known internally as "NuSwab" and primarily used quantitative PCR to test for common infections agents, including HSV (herpes simplex virus), HIV (human immuno-deficiency virus), Candida albicans/tropicana, bacterial vaginosis, and mycoplasmas. First, I would extract patient samples for total nucleic acid content, next I would test for specific infections agent using targeted PCR primers, and finally I would analyze the data and create a laboratory report. According to my supervisor, my training was the smoothest and fastest of any tech who had worked there, and after half a year I became team leader for NuSwab.

Even though sample volume was thousands per month, I was deeply focused and committed to my task. This was recognized by not only my supervisor, but also the director of molecular diagnostics department. In one situation, sample volume was much higher than normal, the director personally asked me if I was willing to work a weekend's worth of overtime in exchange for food, housing, and a decent bonus. I agreed to help not due to the material gain, but because I wanted to make a difference in the patients whose samples were awaiting testing. For my effors, I was honored as laboratorian of the day, and the team's contributions helped the Raritan branch of Labcorp win as the best branch in the nation.

DNA cloning research - Lehigh University, PA (Jan – May 2013)

While I was in my undergraduate program at Lehigh University, I asked to join Dr. Skibbens lab for some research experience. I was accepted into the lab as a student, and was tasked with a few experiments. The most notable one was a genetic engineering project involving zebrafish. I isolated a gene of interest from zebrafish cells, then created a fusion protein from the transcript, and cultured it in a bacterial growth medium. This was my fist experience of performing gel electrophoresis, ELISA assay, PCR, western blotting, liquid and gel chromatography, and mass spectrometry. While most of the scientifically demanding tasks were left to PhD students, I was able to help in many projects and learned a lot of new techniques and strategies.

Post-stroke rehabilitation research - University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, Rivers Lab, Newark, NJ (May – Aug 2011)

In the first summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college, I volunteered at Dr. Rivers' lab at UMDNJ. Dr. RIvers' primary focus was on the rehabilitation of post-stroke patients, allowing them to regain some of their lost mobility and improve their quality of life. At the lab, I assisted patients with their exercises and rehab routines, ensuring that they would not hurt themselves during the process. I also acted as a control model for a new kinematic data capturing system; control model here indicates that I am a normal person without movement difficulties. After the motion capture, I was involved with the data analysis: joining captured points and creating an animated model. It was very interesting work, using new technologies that I had no previous experience with.

Emergency Room Volunteer

As a former medical school aspirant, I volunteered much of my free time in various neighborhood hospitals. From January 2012 to September 2014, I volunteered two times a week at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, NJ. The summer of 2012 I also volunteered an additional two days a week at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ. In both hospitals, I functioned in the emergency department. My main tasks were providing patients with amenities and transporting them to other departments for testing (eg. radioscopy). I made personal contact with a lot of patients and nurses, and observed many different situations in the emergency room. Most memorable of these were one psyciatric ward patient who required constant police monitoring and would ramble about the end of the world, and one acute heart failure patient that required all nurses and doctors in the ward at the time to participate in the emergency care.

Teaching assistant and Tutoring

I have had a few teaching or tutoring positions, and I have enjoyed being to explain complicated or advanced knowledge in an easy way for others to understand. I believe these experiences have allowed me to better break down knowledge and situations into fundamental blocks, and develop a way to either relay it (teaching others) or improve it (workflow improvement). I also witnessed different people's abilities to grasp concepts and learn, and I found it challenging but enjoyable to formulate a teaching strategy unique and effective per student.

ExamKrackers MCAT tutor (May 2014 - May 2015) – MCAT physical sciences and biological sciences

Huntington Learning Center, Livingston NJ (Feb – Aug 2014) – algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, biology, chemistry

Bethlehem Middle School, PA (Jan 2011 – May 2012) – Math, English

Website development and data management

After high school graduation (2010), I took a summer intern position at Xquisit Technologies in Nutley, NJ. The company deals with website development and server management, and I was exposed to a lot of the gears which allow the internet and websites to function. I was responsible for testing for bugs in website content, as well as migrating data across servers. I observed the chief coder and learned many tips and tricks when it comes to programming and computers. Since I had always loved technology, this internship was especially interesting to me.

In 2013, I became a website administrator at a popular website: Backpack.tf. While I was not responsible for coding the website, I heavily contributed to its success. I carefully reviewed content as well as promoted healthy user activity in forums. This was mostly a volunteer activity, and while it took a large amount of time, it was fulfilling and rewarding to interact with so many like-minded people.