Microscopy Specialist, Long Term Research, PepsiCo Global R&D

Antibody Technologies Division• Supports all aspects of hybridoma generation and characterization including spleen cell harvest and fusions.• Supports all aspects of monoclonal antibody generation, characterization and inventory control.• Supports all processes related to single cell cloning and characterization of selected hybridomas.• Supports large scale production of selected monoclonal antibodies (i.e. column purifications, concentrating and concentration analysis).

• Independently develop, optimize and conduct cell-based screening campaigns utilizing high-throughput and high-content laboratory instrumentation. • Routinely perform various cell-based assays including cAMP, proliferation, viability, cytotoxicity and genetic toxicity. • Support projects in multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, metabolic diseases, inflammation and virology. • Selected to conduct a high number of initial campaigns for the organization, including FLIPR HTS, high-content HTS, automated cell-based HTS, cell-based HTS campaign for allosteric modulator, and cell-based HTS campaign for an orphan GPCR.• Part of original pilot team which developed biosafety group, raising company standards and instituting significant change in the safety culture• Work directly with project managers of multiple therapeutic areas providing them with timely, thorough and clear data summaries that enable critical decision making.• As both podium speaker and poster presenter, spoke on leading edge topics at industry events.• Perform stable and transient cell transfection, cell cloning, expansion and cryopreservation.• Execute high-throughput and high-content screening campaign, QC and full analysis of acquired numerical and image based data.• Carry out confirmation experiments of all positive data, dose response and selectivity analysis of all confirmed data.• Develop and conduct secondary functional assay on lead compounds, lead series identification. Utilize HCS instrumentation to develop and validate assays.

• Maintain all training records for full department staff consisting of 30-40 members.• In 2009 was presented with a special recognition award from the senior management team following a global safety audit that resulted in 100% compliance.• Ensure that all members of the department are fully trained in all one-time and annual biosafety trainings by conducting classroom training sessions or directing online training modules. • Trainings include: laboratory SOP’s, proper use of PPE, biohazard and chemical waste management, radiation safety, OSHA laboratory guidelines, bloodborne pathogens, and building evacuation procedures. • Author of SOP’s for waste management. Conduct annual laboratory inspections, summarize deficiencies and coordinate action items. • Nominated chairperson (2009).

Responsible for conducting in vitro and in vivo laboratory investigations aimed to identify small molecules for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes - Glucose tolerance test, PK analysis, glycogen synthesis.

Responsible for planning and performing in vitro and in vivo laboratory investigations on various cytokines and small molecules to evaluate potential therapeutic benefit. Conducted mouse and rat daily treatments, collect serum for analysis in antiviral and antibody neutralization assays. Orthotropic model surgical tumor implantation of human renal cell carcinoma into nude mice, followed by daily treatments and tumor growth evaluation. Stability and immunogenicity analysis of various cytokine formulations. Played major role in the preclinical evaluation of Pegasys (pegylated Interferon).