Amanda M. Schalk, Phd Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il

Experienced 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.

Chicago

Conduct 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.

Chicago

Woman 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.

Chicago

Conducted 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.

Chicago, Il

I 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.

Goettingen, Germany

Contributed 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.

Performed 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)

Ypsilanti, Mi

Was 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.

Answering emails, updating CV, re-organizing and expanding the office library, letter writing, collaborating with team members from other departments

Secretary 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.

Supervising 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.

Phd, Molecular Biology

Activities and Societies: Member of the International Max Planck Research School for Molecular Biology, Former organizer of the Horizons.

Bs, Molecular Biology

Master'S, Molecular Biology

Activities and Societies: Intensive one year Master's program by the International Max Planck Research School for Molecular Biology.

Bachelor'S, Professional Biochemistry

Activities and Societies: Officer of Chemistry Club Student Affiliate of the American Chemical SocietyMajored in Professional.

Professional; Departmental Honors, Biochemistry; Chemistry

Activities and Societies: Varsity in cross country and track & fieldClass Salutatorian (2nd highest ranking in class of over 300)