Cassandra Chamoun Email and Phone Number

Led proof-of-concept experiments, characterization, and development of new technologies for next-generation sequencing, including CMOS-based flow cells (MiSeq i100) and novel fluidic solutions at the interface of optics and consumable engineering. Managed build and procurement of custom laboratory instruments from external vendors supporting five global cross-disciplinary R&D teams. Developed new metrology, clustering, and sequencing instrumentation, including adaptation and troubleshooting of chemistry, fluidics, software, optics, electrical, scripts/recipes, and documentation/work instructions. Organized and supported implementation of those new tools across multiple teams and sites, enabling key product development milestones. Operated variously as individual contributor, technical lead, project lead, and manager of teams of multiple researchers.

Developed novel microfluidic systems for molecular biology and cell handling, including troubleshooting on-chip molecular biology processes, scripts, and hardware issues. Supported international Fluidigm customers by developing customized workflows for diverse cell types and experimental goals, including on-site wet lab and engineering support. Led quality assurance teams to solve reagent- and quality control-related issues.

Isolated, quantified, and assayed DNA, RNA, and cfDNA from clinical samples for clinical trials insupport of company-wide oncology biomarker discovery and development, including liquid handlerautomation. Managed tissue section and nucleotide sample banks for inter-departmental research efforts.

Established a tumor bank and clinical trial for personalized medicine in pediatric oncology at LucilePackard Children’s Hospital, including inpatient and clinic patient consent. Collected and prepared clinical samples for genomic testing in that trial.

Developed novel colorimetric blood-based assays by improving techniques in the literature to meetdesign constraints for incorporation into the Theranos product: a low-volume, low-cost automatedclinical testing device.

Optimized a microfluidic device for RNA isolation and amplification to detect water-bornepathogens, and electrochemiluminescent liposomal sandwich assays. http://biosensors.bee.cornell.edu/