Customer Application Scientist at Dow Microbial Control responsible for the Water Treatment, Metalworking, Crop Protection, Building Materials and Paint & Coating segments within the North American Customer Application Center. Responsible for providing technical service and driving growth for all existing and new NAA customers.

I specialized in the research, development and optimization of an antibody discovery platform to identify novel therapeutics for the targeted treatment of Huntington’s disease. I construct synthetic single chain Fv antibody fragment libraries, screen the libraries against target proteins and isolate target-specific antibodies. I characterize the biomolecular binding interactions using end-point ELISA techniques, BioLayer Interferometry technology (ForteBio Octet) and surface plasmon resonance (Bio-Rad ProteOn XPR36). I subsequently mutagenize the genes encoding the selected scFv’s that meet our specificity and bioassay requirements and select higher affinity variants. I am currently testing INT41, our lead antibody candidate in cell-based systems and animal models. I am responsible for supervising projects, managing priorities and ensuring that individual and team goals are achieved. I write scientific proposals, give presentations, interact with clients and report directly to the CEO.

I conducted research to facilitate the development of a commercial probiotic. I was also the Operations Manager of the Ithaca Milk Creamery. This role provided me with extensive training in a commercial food-testing laboratory. During my two year tenure I was directly responsible for the implementation and maintenance of a Quality Assurance / Quality Control program for the microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process samples and finished products. Our product portfolio consisted of milk, smoothies, yogurt, butter and cheese. I conducted facility environmental swabbing and testing and coordinated the facility environmental swabbing program. I implemented and served as a technical resource on the facility Food Safety/HACCP team and conducted quality/food safety systems audits. I performed shelf life studies, interacted directly with clients and presented scientific research and our product portfolio to Wegmans Food Markets/Daymon Worldwide. I also purchased supplies for the processing plant and monitored equipment maintenance. In addition, I have experience working with New York State Agriculture & Markets and the FDA. I also helped establish a quality management system according to ISO 9001:2008 standards.

•Designed, executed and interpreted original and independent research to determine how the phagocytic protein calprotectin inhibits Staphylococcus aureus growth.•Determined the effect of mast cells on S. aureus growth in vitro and in vivo. •Examined how S. aureus senses alterations in iron availability to modulate expression of virulence factors. •Presented research findings at laboratory, departmental, national and international meetings. •Wrote and edited academic grants and manuscripts.•Managed undergraduate and graduate students.