Angela Zapata Email and Phone Number

Biological & Chemical Technologies GroupBiotechnology & Human Systems

Provided Instrumental analysis support for oncology therapeutic combination product development in Pre and Post NME as well as Phase I-III clinical trials.• Responsible for the generation of HPLC results on multiple API projects. Tasks include operation of Agilent and Waters HPLC instruments and supporting devices and communicating processed data reports to various engineering teams.• Proficient in Empower3 Software.• Design and execution of experimental studies to explain unexpected results and optimize analytical methods and drug formulations. • Routine preparation of HPLC standards, mobile phases and reagents.• Responsible for troubleshooting laboratory instrument malfunctions and performing routine maintenance. • Maintenance of GMP-like documentation with routine use of BIOVIA Workbook.

Advancing the development of novel experimental assays to study the biochemical interactions mediating the fate of clinically relevant nanomaterials in living systems. • Responsible for optimizing a Fluorescence Anisotropy-based assay to study the effects of clinically relevant environments on the binding affinity of biomolecule-silica nanoparticle complexes. • Collaborating with the PI to generate publications and communications with external partners, as well as identifying research and funding opportunities.• Responsible for training and supporting undergraduate students in the pursuit of their scientific research requirements.

Instruction of lesson plans prepared by certified elementary and middle school teachers in a Two-way bilingual immersion (TWBI, Spanish-English), k-8 school.

At-home, full time personal life coach.

Led research team in the development of fast, autonomous, and portable sample preparation technologies for remote operation of molecular sensing platforms.• Responsible for all aspects of a sample-in to detector microfluidic system which included sample transport, cell lysis, nucleic acid purification and amplification, as well as reagent storage and mixing.• Responsible for supervising and leading technical teams to work on mechanical, electrical and software components of the sample preparation system.• Supervised adaptation of standard laboratory methods to achieve comparable yields in sub 10-min processing times.• Collaborated with computer modeling team to guide method and device design and iteration.• Collaborated with external partner to design, develop and troubleshoot novel, disposable devices.

Lead investigator in multidisciplinary team developing novel, miniaturized chemical/biological sensing technologies for real-time detection in military/civilian defense, point-of-care medical diagnostics and therapeutics, environmental monitoring, and space exploration.• Key contributor in maturing 2 MEMS-based sensing platforms (Differential Ion Mobility Spectrometer and Flexural Plate Wave sensor) to commercialization.• Principal investigator and contributor to programs sponsored by DoD, DHS, NASA, and private pharmaceutical companies.• Routinely used bioanalytical instrumentation for sensor hardware development and optimization. • Designed and executed bioanalytical and surface chemistry protocols for testing and optimization of affinity-based MEMS sensors (Flexural Plate Wave and Capacitance Microcantilever).• Designed and prototyped MEMS microfluidic devices for Lab-on-a-Chip applications. •. Lead and supervised technical team working on mechanical, electrical and software components of the detection systems.• Responsible for identifying research opportunities, preparing grant proposals, patents and publications. • Generated and managed program budgets and timelines for direct reporting to sponsors.

Responsbile for developing a four-year high school biotechnology curriculum that prepared students for entry level industry positions and post-secondary institutions.• Collaborated with architectural firm in the design of a high school biotechnology teaching laboratory.• Developed a four-year high school biotechnology curriculum that prepared students for entry level industry positions and post-secondary institutions.• Trained undergraduate and graduate research students in the operation and maintenance of various laboratory equipment including: mass spectrometers, gas and liquid chromatographs, UV/Vis and IR spectrometers, Electrochemical meters, Calorimeters, and other miscellaneous support equipment.• Responsible for acquiring, operating, troubleshooting and training of laboratory instrumentation and equipment.• Responsible for all teaching aspects of the program, including 75+ students, 13 to 18 years of age.• Advisor to a winning student team in the NASA’s 2004 National Space Flight Opportunities Competition.