Tutoring and lab demonstrating for the Biomedical Sciences BSc course and the mPharm courses at St Georges.

For my PhD, I developed novel TB vaccines. I performed in vitro analysis of the new vaccines using models based on human tonsils. I set up a clinical trial to collect tonsils and used flow cytometry to determine the effect of each vaccine on T cell responses. I identified four novel TB vaccines suitable for further development. I then created a mycobacterial infection model using human tonsils and showed that our vaccine candidates were able to activate monocytes leading to enhanced elimination of mycobacteria. Finally, I discovered that BCG interacts with B cells and profoundly suppresses their functionality. I am now working on publishing my findings.

I characterized two bacillus species and completed research contracts. I screened and selected bacterial strains based on antibiotic resistance and carotenoid production phenotypes. I investigated the effect of light on carotenoid production by bacillus species. I developed new growth media and growth conditions to maximize carotenoid production. I created a novel extraction protocol for bacterial carotenoids. I conducted a genotoxicity study using the Ames protocol based on reversion mutations in S. typhimurium and E.coli. I worked on a carotenoid bioaccessibility assay using Caco-2 cells. I also developed a bioreactor protocol to produce high yields of B. subtilis.

I worked to characterise the novel cytokine IL-4 delta 2 and test its potential as an immunotherapeutic against tuberculosis. I conducted FACS flow cytometry assays to demonstrate the effect of various cytokine treatments on mammalian cell surface marker expression. I also designed a mycobacterial clearance assay to show the effect of cytokine treatments on macrophage response to mycobacterium infection. Finally, I optimised a BIAcore assay to demonstrate binding of IL-4 delta 2 to the IL-4 receptor.

I was responsible for radiation, GM organisms and animal work at the CSC MRC. I arranged the delivery of radioactive isotopes to the various research groups. I was responsible for managing disposal of radioactive waste and hazardous waste. I conducted regular safety inspections and radiological surveys. I was responsible for booking training sessions and courses for staff. I wrote and edited risk assessments for scientific protocols. I addressed non compliance issues and resolved numerous issues during my time with the MRC and ensured that the legal obligations of the MRC were met.

I worked with Dr Bicanic investigating virulence factors of the opportunistic pathogen Cryptococcus Neoformans. I performed ELISAs and ELISPOTs on CSF fluid samples from HIV patients presenting with Cryptococcal meningitis. My work entailed growing cultures of laboratory strain Cryptococcus neoformans which were then compared with samples from patients. I performed analysis of digital microscope photographs to determine the importance of capsular size as a virulence factor. I measured capsular sizes of cocci from scaled photographs of patient samples. Using Image J and Excel I compiled the data and incorporated it into a larger database.

As part of a team of census collectors I assisted and persuaded members of the public to complete their census forms. This work required me to have effective communication skills, a friendly manner and an ability to undertake administrative work. I worked with confidential information and conducted interviews with discretion and tact.

Welcoming members and handling enquiries. Administrative duties, Sales and office support.

As a laboratory technician in the ISO 9001:2000 certified laboratories at Delphic Diagnostics, I was responsible for processing clinical samples of blood and saliva. I was trained to use Taqman Ampliprep quantitative PCRs to determine viral load of HIV I and II as well as Hepatitis A and B. I also performed CD4+ Flow cytometry on blood samples. My work also included maintaining stock levels, cleaning the laboratories and working with confidential databases. I followed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and kept comprehensive laboratory records. I worked in close co-ordination with my colleagues to ensure that all work was completed to a high standard and samples were processed within a 5 day turnaround time.

I volunteered with the London Wildlife Trust at Gunnersbury Triangle throughout the summers of 2008 and 2007. My work involved maintaining the woodland and handling enquiries from members of the public. I conducted surveys of wildlife within the reserve, cataloguing the various species present at the site. I also helped in the writing of the yearly dossiers outlining further work that needed to be done.

I mainly worked at the National Imaging Database (NID), compiling case files, photographing evidence and working with the national police database. I worked alongside and corresponded with expert witnesses. Whilst at the NPIA, I contributed to a presentation which was given at a conference of forensic pathologists which I also attended. I also worked on the DNA database at Wyboston and with the Serious Crimes Analysis Section (SCAS).

I worked at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for my work experience. I worked for a time in all the departments at the organisation: Accounting, Horticulture, Human Resources, Media, Enquiries & Records as well as the Legal department. This gave me an insight into how the Commission operated and the connections between the various departments.