Foreign animal diseases · Virology · Immunology · BSL3 · Influenza A viruses · Animal Health

Postdoctoral researcher combining expertise in microbiology and immunology to address and solve challenges facing animal and human health. Passionate for improving avian health through disease modeling, risk assessment and surveillance, and vaccine development. Key qualifications from researcher experience and education include:•Strong applied knowledge of analytical procedures and diagnostics in a laboratory environment.•Experienced and adept in the precise operation, meticulous maintenance, and troubleshooting of diverse laboratory equipment. •Demonstrated proficiency in drafting standard operating procedures, and project reports, and effectively presenting data and experimental findings.•Meticulous adherence to stringent health and safety protocols in BSL-2 laboratory environments, backed by comprehensive training in EHS and WHIMS standards.•Proven teamwork, attention to detail, time management, and problem-solving abilities.•Ability to compile and disseminate knowledge reflected in peer-reviewed publications

Scientific design and analytical skills:•Developed transmission and mathematical models simulating avian influenza virus transmission in poultry. •Standardized the use of immune stimulants as a potential measure to limit avian influenza virus transmission in poultry flocks.•Identified host-pathogen interaction by monitoring disease progression and immune responses to avian viruses.•Developed inactivated influenza vaccines and platforms while standardizing their use in poultry.•Performed isolation and characterization of antigen-specific B and T-cell responses in primary tissues and cultures.•Performed assays for samples (blood, feather, tissues, swabs) including:o Cellular and molecular: flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, DNA/RNA analysis (extraction, qPCR (Lightcycler 480), RT-QPCR, conventional PCR), plasmid extraction, protein estimation (Nanodrop2000), and purification assays, cell counting and viability assays, high content imaging.o Virology: Virus propagation, quantification (TCID50 and plaque assays), maintenance of cell lines, and biochemical and molecular characterization of viral pathogens.o Immunology: ELISA, ELISPOT, INF-gamma assay, virus quantification assays (TCID50 and plaque assay), and serological assays (HI, VNT assays). •Managed operation, troubleshooting, and cleanliness of laboratory equipment and work area; adhered to institutional-specific and WHMIS guidelines.Teaching and scientific writing skills: •Led orientation training for graduates and laboratory professionals including evaluation of laboratory technologies and methodologies, management, performance monitoring and reporting, technical validation, and biological waste.•Mentored new graduates on topics including WHMIS, Environmental Health and Safety, and biosafety protocols.•Edited doctoral theses, research projects, and scientific publications.•Delivered occasional course lectures, proctored and graded examinations, and held office hours.