Resume

• 2001

  Ph.D.

  Molecular Biology

  Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

• 1999

  Graduate Certificate

  Human Physiology

  Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

• 1995

  B.S.

  Biology

• Bensley-Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad

  Volunteer Soccer Coach

  Chester Family YMCA

  Clinical Research

  Blackboard

  Molecular Biology

  Human Physiology

  Canvas

  Cell Biology

  Microbiology

  Translational Research

  Research

  Human Anatomy

  Learning Management Systems

  Moodle

  Science

  Online Teaching

  Assay Development

  Curriculum Development

  qPCR

  Scientific Writing

  Teaching

  Biochemistry

  Tumor-derived p53 mutants induce oncogenesis by transactivating growth-promoting genes.

  Tumor-derived p53 mutants induce oncogenesis by transactivating growth-promoting genes.

  Gene expression profiling of peripheral blood leukocytes identifies potential novel biomarkers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in current and former smokers.

  Gene expression profiling of peripheral blood leukocytes identifies potential novel biomarkers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in current and former smokers.

  Tumor-derived p53 mutants induce NF-kappaB2 gene expression.

  Tumor-derived p53 mutants induce NF-kappaB2 gene expression.

  MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Solid Organ Transplantation.

  MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Solid Organ Transplantation.

  The urine microRNA profile may help monitor post-transplant renal graft function.

  The urine microRNA profile may help monitor post-transplant renal graft function.

  MicroRNA profiles in allograft tissues and paired urines associate with chronic allograft dysfunction with IF/TA.

  MicroRNA profiles in allograft tissues and paired urines associate with chronic allograft dysfunction with IF/TA.

  Distinctive gene expression profiles characterize donor biopsies from HCV-positive kidney donors.

  Distinctive gene expression profiles characterize donor biopsies from HCV-positive kidney donors.

  Differential modulation of cellular and viral promoters by p73 and p53.

  Differential modulation of cellular and viral promoters by p73 and p53.

  Pretransplant transcriptome profiles identify among kidneys with delayed graft function those with poorer quality and outcome.

  Pretransplant transcriptome profiles identify among kidneys with delayed graft function those with poorer quality and outcome.

  Gene expression changes are associated with loss of kidney graft function and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy: diagnosis versus prediction.

  Gene expression changes are associated with loss of kidney graft function and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy: diagnosis versus prediction.

  Characterization of a whole smoke in vitro exposure system (Burghart Mimic Smoker-01).

  Characterization of a whole smoke in vitro exposure system (Burghart Mimic Smoker-01).

  Chemical analysis of cigarette smoke particulate generated in the MSB-01 in vitro whole smoke exposure system.

  Chemical analysis of cigarette smoke particulate generated in the MSB-01 in vitro whole smoke exposure system.

  Hetero-oligomerization does not compromise 'gain of function' of tumor-derived p53 mutants.

  Hetero-oligomerization does not compromise 'gain of function' of tumor-derived p53 mutants.

  Reduced expression of inflammatory genes in deceased donor kidneys undergoing pulsatile pump preservation.

  Reduced expression of inflammatory genes in deceased donor kidneys undergoing pulsatile pump preservation.

  Cigarette smoke extract induced protein phosphorylation changes in human microvascular endothelial cells in vitro.

  Cigarette smoke extract induced protein phosphorylation changes in human microvascular endothelial cells in vitro.

  Transactivation and transrepression studies with p53.

  Transactivation and transrepression studies with p53.

  Molecular pathways involved in loss of graft function in kidney transplant recipients.

  Molecular pathways involved in loss of graft function in kidney transplant recipients.

  Modulation of gene expression by tumor-derived p53 mutants.

  Modulation of gene expression by tumor-derived p53 mutants.

  Identification of biomarkers to assess organ quality and predict posttransplantation outcomes.

  Identification of biomarkers to assess organ quality and predict posttransplantation outcomes.

  MiRNAs in kidney transplantation: potential role as new biomarkers.

  MiRNAs in kidney transplantation: potential role as new biomarkers.

  Scian

  PhD

  Mariano J.

  Scian

  PhD

  Altria Client Services

  John Tyler Community College

  ECPI University

  VCU Health System

  University of Virginia

  Enthalpy Analytical

  Altria Client Services (contractor) / RemX

  Virginia Commonwealth University

  Charlottesville

  Virginia Area

  •\tRelocated laboratory from Virginia Commonwealth University\n•\tResearch projects included examination of global mRNA and miRNA expression changes using pre-implantation and protocol biopsy samples from renal transplant recipients to identify molecular pathways involved in development of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) for the identification of potential biomarkers of renal graft function

  calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) toxicity

  and donor organ quality assessment. Efforts also involve the prospective evaluation of identified biomarkers in urinary cell pellets and PBMC samples.\n•\tGrant and manuscript writing and submission.\n•\tOther responsibilities: management of junior laboratory members

  performance evaluation

  reporting of data and laboratory procedures

  resolution of laboratory technical problems

  maintenance of SOPs

  training

  documentation

  and inventory.

  Research Scientist (Department of Surgery)

  University of Virginia

  Richmond

  Virginia Area

  •\tTemporary contract position.\n•\tAnalyzed and interpreted microarray gene expression data from clinical studies conducted in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from smokers diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

  Scientific Writer and Data Analyst

  Altria Client Services (contractor) / RemX

  Richmond

  Virginia Area

  •\tEvaluated the role of NF-kB2

  a transcriptional target of mutant p53 proteins

  in chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity of lung cancer-derived cell lines containing p53 mutations. \n•\tUsed global gene expression analyses to identify genes transcriptionally repressed by wild-type p53 and its homolog p73.

  Post-Doctoral Research Associate

  Virginia Commonwealth University

  Richmond

  Virginia Area

  Adjunct Biology Faculty

  ECPI University

  Richmond

  Virginia Area

  •\tEvaluated the role of mutant p53-mediated transactivation in three gain-of-function phenotypes (growth rate

  chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity

  and anchorage-independent growth) using transactivation-deficient variants of the p53 mutants. \n•\tExamined the role of oncogenic gain-of-function mutations of the p53 tumor suppressor in lung cancer cell lines using global gene expression analyses to identify genes specifically modulated by the mutant p53 proteins.\n•\tExamined the role of oligomerization in oncogenic gain-of-function mutant p53-mediated transcriptional activation of genes.\n•\tPresented lectures during the Molecular Biology of Cell Growth Journal Club (2003-2006). A discussion group aimed at bringing together faculty

  postdoctoral fellows and students to discuss recent publications of interest focusing on cell biology

  cancer biology

  developmental and molecular biology. \n•\tTaught lectures on p53 structure

  function

  and biology for the Department of Biochemistry in the graduate course Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology (2003-2005) and in the undergraduate Molecular Biology

  course (2003-2005) from the Department of Biology. \n•\tOther responsibilities: helped with manuscript

  grants and lecture notes preparation interviewed potential work-study candidates

  trained and supervised work-study students and new lab personnel

  ordered supplies

  computer and website maintenance and general laboratory maintenance.

  Doctoral Candidate / Graduate Research Assistant

  Virginia Commonwealth University

  Richmond

  Virginia Area

  •\tConducted global gene expression analyses using biopsy samples from renal transplant recipients to identify molecular pathways involved in the development of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) as well as potential biomarkers of renal graft function and organ quality assessment.\n•\tIdentified differentially regulated mRNA and miRNA transcripts in CAD with IF/TA samples. Results were corroborated in tissue and urine samples from renal transplant recipients.\n•\tIdentified potential biomarkers of organ quality assessment through gene expression analyses of pre-implantation donor biopsies.\n•\tGrant and manuscript writing and submission.\n•\tOther responsibilities: management of junior laboratory members

  performance evaluation

  reporting of data and laboratory procedures

  resolution of laboratory technical problems

  maintenance of SOPs

  training

  documentation

  and inventory.

  Lab Manager / Advanced Lab Specialist (Department of Surgery)

  VCU Health System

  Richmond

  Virginia Area

  •\tResponsible fro delivering quality

  student-centered

  hands-on

  in-seat instruction in an engaging learning environment. \n•\tCourses taught: Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits) and II (4 credits)

  Microbiology (4 credits)

  and Epidemiology (3 credits) in the Medical Assistant

  Dental Assistant

  Physical Therapy Assistant

  Practical Nursing

  Registered Nursing and Health Care Administration programs. Other courses include: Pathophysiology (3 credits)

  Pharmacology (3 credits)

  Freshman Orientation (3 credits)

  and Arts and Sciences Capstone (3 credits).\n•\tResponsible for maintaining the Anatomy and Physiology / Microbiology laboratory

  and conducting CPR Certifications for the Emerywood Campus in Richmond

  VA.\n•\tSetup teaching materials for Anatomy and Physiology

  Microbiology

  and Epidemiology in Moodle Learning Management System for university-wide use.\n•\tRedeveloped Anatomy and Physiology course materials for university-wide use in the Medical Assisting Program.\n•\tStarted online bi-weekly campus newsletter reporting new medical breakthroughs and findings.

  Faculty

  ECPI University

  •\tConducted global gene expression analyses of primary lung epithelial cells after cigarette smoke exposure to develop an understanding of cell responses and identify possible biomarkers of exposure. \n•\tEvaluated the role of reduced glutathione as an antioxidant during cigarette smoke exposure of lung epithelial cells.\n•\tEstablished and characterized a new whole-smoke exposure system designed to expose lung epithelial cells at an air-liquid interface.\n•\tParticipated in proteomics research project aimed at identifying phosphorylated proteins after cigarette smoke exposure of vascular endothelial cells.\n•\tSuccessfully set up instruments and implemented SOPs for RNA isolation and qRT-PCR.\n•\tInvestigated the role of smokeless tobacco products in oral injury.

  Altria Client Services

  John Tyler Community College

  Richmond

  Virginia Area

  •\tResponsible for teaching quality

  student-centered

  hands-on in-seat and online courses. \n•\tCourses taught: Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)

  Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)

  and Microbiology (4 credits) for pre-nursing and health science majors as well as General Biology I (3 credits) and General Biology II (3 credits) for biology and non-biology students.

  Adjunct Faculty

  Richmond

  Virginia Area

  •\tResponsible for guiding production groups generating data and handling samples.\n•\tCoordinating work and laboratory resource allocation to meet client schedule & requirements

  project TAT

  and financial and quality objectives.\n•\tAssessing production capacity

  and providing solutions for human resources

  technical

  and quality issues. \n•\tSupervising and managing adherence to QA/QC SOPs

  OECD and ISO17025:2005 guidelines.\n•\tImproving existing procedures and implementing of new technologies.\n•\tProviding staff development guidance

  career path evaluations and ensuring the lab staff is developing necessary skills.\n•\tAssisting Group Leaders in training staff to operate new & existing test and measurement equipment.\n•\tAssigning and communicating operational priorities\n•\tAssisting with and conducting employee performance reviews and audits.\n•\tProjecting staffing needs: hiring and firing staff.\n•\tConducting corrective actions related to staff training and performance

  Technical Director - Toxicology

  Enthalpy Analytical

  Described herein are a group of 1

  013 genes and 1 phenotypic variable are identified as candidate predictors that differentiated smokers (current or former) with or without COPD. The full predictor set can be reduced to a nine-gene classifier (IL6R

  CCR2

  PPP2CB

  RASSF2

  WTAP

  DNTTIP2

  GDAP1

  LIPE

  and RPL14) with similar performance. Also described herein is the use of the full predictor set and the reduced nine gene set in methods of diagnosing lung disease or an increased risk of developing lung disease

  such as COPD

  in a subject. Also described herein is the use of the full predictor set and the reduced nine gene set in methods of providing a prognosis for a subject with lung disease

  such as COPD.

  Gene Biomarkers of Lung Function

  Spanish

  English

  Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award

  Pre-doctoral Research Fellowship from National Institutes of Health /National Cancer Institute (2002-2005) to support doctoral research project.

  National Institutes of Health

  FASEB MARC Travel Award

  Travel Award to attend the 2012 NIGMS Workshop for Postdocs transitioning to Independent Positions

  National Institutes of Health