Conducting Cytokine and RPPA microarrays with a Quanterix Aushon microarray printer and data analysis, for Edinburgh University and outside clients.Preparing tissue sections (Histology) for processing on the Nanostring GeoMx spatial biology analyser, running RNA samples on the Nanostring nCounter.

Established a facility using cutting-edge Single Molecule Array (SIMOA) technology to measure protein levels at low (fg/ml) concentrations.Responsible for SIMOA assay development which involved extensive trouble shooting, modifying kit protocols for running on our SR-X SIMOA model, homebrew antibody coating of micro-beads, sample prep, running our samples / those from clinicians worldwide for Interferon, assayed Future MS (Tau, NF-light, GFAP, UCHL1) samples for Dr David Hunt, organized all maintenance, communication with Quanterix, data analysis, training other researchers on use of SIMOA, sourcing antibodies, ordering etc…. followed by use of David Hunt’s HD-1 SIMOA in Chancellor’s BuildingOrganize sampling and transfer to us of PAXgene blood samples from clinicians worldwide, PAXgene sample RNA extraction, RNA concentration, RNA dilution and hand over to Nanostring unit and data analysis using nSolver software.Also conducting transgenic mouse genotyping, PCR, cell culture, bacterial culture, RNA extraction from cells (mini prep), DNA extraction from blood and plasmids (maxi prep) etc…Managing the cryostorage, record keeping, ordering, staff training, general lab management etc…

Providing specialist technical support for the Cardiovascular Research Group, associated clinicians and various international collaborators, projects included:Assaying large quantities of clinical study samples for various biomarkers i.e. high sensitive troponin, creatinine, pro-BNP etc.… using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay on an Abbot Architect and Roche COBAS E411 in Glasgow Southern General clinical biochemistry lab, working to GLP standards, including running standards / QCs, testing for assay drift and finding / solving technical problems.Assisting with numerous clinical studies in the CRF Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, assaying clinical samples by ELISA and data analysis of results.ACCORD designated Responsible Scientist for the CTIMP Diamond study, a dual anti-platelet study funded by Astra Zenica / Welcome Trust, researching the effects of Ticagelor in patients with high-risk coronary plaques by flow cytometry, prep of all antibodies / reagents and flow cytometry data analysis, all to GLP standards.Investigating the cardiovascular effects of diesel particulate matter through monocyte separation / culture / treatment with various particles, HUVEC cell culture experiments, LDH assay, measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, MCP1 etc.…) by ELISA, EPR measurement of oxidative stress, myography, particle sizing, wavelength absorption measurement, endotoxin LAL assay, histology etc.….. and data analysis of results.Extracting RNA / DNA from blood and tissue for the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE), SCOTHEART and TRIBBLES studies.Responsible for managing the group’s freezer facilities (10x -80C freezers) and large number of research samples, sourcing samples throughout the UK / abroad, shipping globally and all sample record keeping.Assisting with the smooth running of the lab: purchasing and maintaining equipment & stocks, organising equipment validation / calibration to meet GLP requirements etc

Researching clock gene circannual timing through a proposed pituitary-adrenal mechanism, by measuring prolactin, cortisol, melatonin, P4, LH, FSH through radioimmunoassay (RIA), levels on a daily and yearly basis in Soay sheep undergoing drug treatment and day length modification. Serial collection / processing of blood samples often out of hours, preparation of all RIA components including radioiodination of I125 tracer, assay method development / extensive troubleshooting, data analysis and staff / student training in RIA methods used.Also mRNA extraction, quantification, primer design, Taqman RTPCR to measure expression of clock genes in the adrenal gland, corpus luteum and other tissue samples. Dissection, tissue collection, brain profusion, histology, remote locomotor activity data logging using motion detectors, all equipment / consumables purchasing, equipment servicing, record keeping throughout etc.…

Researching the effectiveness of a novel drug at preventing restenosis, applied via a drug eluting stent deployed by balloon angioplasty in Göttingen Mini-pig coronary arteries.I was responsible for pre-surgery set up / purchasing of equipment, pre-op dosing of pigs, intubation, anesthesia administration / maintenance and radiography during surgery, balloon angioplasty stent implantation surgery, IVUS imaging, culling, dissection, processing isolated stented artery sections (embedding, sectioning, polishing, staining), microscopy, image analysis, quantifying percentage of restenotic growth through planimetry, data analysis, final presentation of results and record keeping throughout.In addition to this I also carried out in vitro experiments to quantify the effects of the anti-restenotic drug on platelet aggregation and myography.

During this time as an intern, I ran 2 experimental protocols, looking at the effects of KN93 and BIM1 on the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) of room air and hypoxia exposed rats.I was responsible for every aspect of these experimental protocols from the initial administration of the anesthesia, the surgical procedure that involved the implantation of drug delivering micro-osmotic pumps, data collection through plethysmography, data analysis and eventual presentation of my results to Dr Gozal's team.I also carried out profusions / brain extraction of rats, tissue processing, video recording mice and rats undergoing learning ability maze testing (Morris water and Plus mazes), and transgenic rodent breeding / husbandry.