Amanda M. Schalk, Phd Email and Phone Number
I am a scientist who has transitioned into entrepreneurship, driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact. My primary focus is applying my expertise in protein engineering to discover and craft biologic anti-cancer drugs that prioritize patient well-being by ensuring their safety.I co-founded Enzyme by Design, a startup that has successfully secured $3.5 million in non-dilutive grants from the National Cancer Institute, and I currently serve as the Principal Investigator for our active grants.At Enzyme by Design Inc. we use a combination of x-ray crystallography, biochemistry, enzyme kinetics, and molecular biology to engineer enzymes for use as cancer therapeutics. Our goal is to design safer drugs to reduce toxic side effects in cancer patients to not only save lives, but improve the quality of life of every patient who will be taking that drug.Additionally, I am deeply committed to mentoring the upcoming generation of scientists, particularly young women, and I am actively involved in contributing to the growth of Chicago's biotech ecosystem, aiming to establish it as a prominent hub in the field.𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞:▪ Molecular biology and Microbiology techniques▪ Structure-based design of mutants and site-directed mutagenesis▪ Continuous spectrophotometric enzyme-coupled kinetic assays▪ Biochemical and biophysical characterization▪ Protein X-Ray Crystallography▪ Intraperitoneal injections and tail vein nick blood draws in miceCheck the publications to which I have contributed as you scroll down below👇
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Co-Founder And Chief Operating OfficerEnzyme By Design Jan 2017 - PresentChicago, IlExperienced co-founder and operations leader with a passion for bioengineering and molecular research. Over 10 years of experience in enzyme design, cancer therapeutics, and academic research. Manages complex projects and teams.
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Research Assistant ProfessorUniversity Of Illinois At Chicago Apr 2018 - PresentChicagoConduct research as a Research Assistant Professor, focusing on engineering enzyme constructs for potential cancer therapeutics. Utilize molecular biology techniques and structural biology to advance our understanding of enzyme function and design. -
Manager Of OperationsGotb Consulting Llc Aug 2016 - PresentChicagoWoman of many hats taking care of the back end of business. Responsible for developing and implementing Standard Operating Protocols for customer labs. Efficiently manage virtual lab operations, including procurement of lab supplies, equipment, and research protocols. Collaborate with suppliers to streamline processes and maintain accurate financial records.
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Operations Manager/Virtual Lab ManagerHappilabs.Org Oct 2016 - Apr 2018ChicagoConducted research focused on enzyme mutagenesis, purification, crystallization, and structural determination. Led experiments, collected X-ray diffraction data, and refined protein structures using state-of-the-art techniques.In charge of Standard Operating Protocols for customer labs. Everyday virtual lab managing includes researching and ordering lab supplies, equipment, and research protocols. Interface with suppliers' customer service and ensure all receipts and invoices are accounted for. -
Postdoctoral Research FellowUniversity Of Illinois At Chicago Oct 2011 - Sep 2016Chicago, IlI designed mutations to alter the enzymatic activity of enzymes. After performing site-directed mutagenesis, I would over-express the mutant constructs in E. coli and purify the proteins using affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography. I would test the enzyme's kinetics using a spectrophotometric continuous assay. I would use the highly purified protein to set up crystallization experiments and optimize crystal growth using the vapor diffusion method. I prepared the crystals for data collection and collected X-ray diffraction data at the Advanced Photon Source (Argonne National Laboratory, Illinois). I processed the data using the XDS software package and determine the structure using molecular replacement (Molrep, CCP4). I build the model in Coot, and refine and validate it using Refmac5 and Phenix. I use Pymol to visualize the model.
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Phd StudentMax Planck Institute For Biophysical Chemistry Oct 2008 - May 2011Goettingen, GermanyContributed to a team dedicated to elucidating the structures of autophagy proteins and their interactions. Gained expertise in molecular biology techniques, protein expression, and protein-lipid interactions.It was here that I learned the molecular biology techniques (DNA plasmid isolation, PCR, restriction digestion, ligation, gel electrophoresis, and transformation) required to go from cDNA to protein expression in E. coli to pure protein (co-purification of proteins using affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography using Akta FPLC systems). I studied protein-protein interactions using pulldown assays, Western blots, and isothermal titration calorimetry and protein-lipid interactions using lipid overlay assays and liposome flotation assays. -
InternshipProf. George Sheldrick, Georg August University Goettingen Mar 2007 - Apr 2007Performed x-ray crystallography to determine the structure of superoxide dismutase and its metal ions. Managed various aspects of the crystallography process, from crystal growth to model building.• Growing of crystals, fishing, and mounting• Data collection using Bruker Smart6000• Data processing and molecular replacement• Model building and validation (Coot, REFMAC5, Pymol)
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Software/Graphics SpecialistEastern Michigan University Jul 2004 - May 2006Ypsilanti, MiWas the graphics specialist in the Bonisteel computer lab in the College of Education. I specialized in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Was the go-to person for adding absent people to group photos. -
Assistant To Associate ProvostEastern Michigan University Sep 2003 - Jun 2004Answering emails, updating CV, re-organizing and expanding the office library, letter writing, collaborating with team members from other departments
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Office Assistant To The ProvostEastern Michigan University Sep 2002 - Aug 2003Secretary for a committee to determine amendments to the general education requirements. Provided meeting agendas, recorded minutes for each minutes which were then summarized and distributed before the following meeting. Additional responsibilities included writing letters, maintaining office inventory, delivering documents on campus, and assisting with graduation ceremonies.
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Cashier/SupervisorRowe'S Produce Jan 1999 - Jan 2001Supervising store staff, taking and maintaining inventory, overseeing the store and determining tasks that needed to be done, interacting with owners about the needs of the store, interacting with customers, answering phones.
Amanda M. Schalk, Phd Education Details
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Molecular Biology -
Msc International Max Planck Research School/Georg August University GoettingenMolecular Biology -
Molecular Biology
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Professional Biochemistry
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High School Belleville High SchoolBiochemistry; Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions about Amanda M. Schalk, Phd
What company does Amanda M. Schalk, Phd work for?
Amanda M. Schalk, Phd works for Enzyme By Design
What is Amanda M. Schalk, Phd's role at the current company?
Amanda M. Schalk, Phd's current role is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Enzyme by Design Inc..
What schools did Amanda M. Schalk, Phd attend?
Amanda M. Schalk, Phd attended The University Of Göttingen, Msc International Max Planck Research School/georg August University Goettingen, The University Of Göttingen, Eastern Michigan University, High School Belleville High School.
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