As a member of Abbott's Virus Discovery team, I am committed to protecting public health by fighting current epidemics and preventing the next through the development of best-in-class diagnostics technology. I leverage next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and molecular epidemiology methods to characterize known pathogens and identify new ones in samples from patients with illnesses of unknown origin.As our team discovers emerging or re-emerging pathogens, we prototype new kinds of diagnostic tests and support other Abbott divisions as they develop their own diagnostics products. I also work to build both internal and external next-generation sequencing capacity to serve the needs of our company and its customers.We have also recently formed the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), the first industry-led global scientific and public health partnership dedicated to the early detection of and rapid response to future pandemic threats. I am responsible for working with three of our APDC partner institutions to enhance their genetic sequencing capabilities, process patient samples, validate new diagnostic technology, and promote scientific leadership in the field.

During my postdoctoral appointment, I worked to develop bacterial CRISPR-Cas systems into efficient genome-editing tools. In this role, I took on increasingly complex research projects, all while publishing papers, regularly communicating data, and mentoring junior scientists.Highlights:•Exhibited project management and collaboration skills by participating in multi-institutional biochemistry and molecular biology research projects. My work resulted in the publication of 6 peer-reviewed papers, which helped the laboratory secure two $1.4-million grant renewals.•Planned and executed long-term strategy for all facets of molecular cloning (e.g., PCR, plasmid construction, genotyping), resulting in the successful development of reproducible CRISPR-based genome editing tools in Gram-positive bacteria.•Communicated complex topics to diverse audiences, in-person or virtually, resulting in oral presentations at 3 international conferences, 3 domestic conferences, and 2 invited university seminars.

Highlights:•Developed proteomics workflows to quantitatively determine post-translational and chemical modifications of peptides using high-resolution mass spectrometry.•Communicated emerging data to international academic collaborators, government liaisons, and national laboratories within a 4-year, $14 MM-funded collaborative research center.

During my time as a Ph.D. student, I worked in a highly collaborative research center specializing in bioenergetics research. Here, I learned how to propose original research, manage multi-year projects, and be an effective scientific storyteller. Highlights:•Contributed collaboratively to interdisciplinary research projects resulting in 20 total publications, helping the laboratory secure the renewal of two $1 million individual lab grants and a $14.4 million research center grant. Built and maintained collaborations with academic and government laboratories.•Developed and analyzed recombinant proteins from start to finish (i.e.,, cloning, expression, purification, biochemical analysis). Applied complimentary techniques such as mass spectrometry and optical spectroscopy to study protein-cofactor function.•Asserted technical knowledge, mentoring ability, and research autonomy, receiving a department teaching award, departmental dissertation fellowship, and U.S. Department of Education GAANN Fellowship. Successfully mentored 3 undergraduate scientists.

At The BALSA Group, I worked as a biotech consultant specializing in helping Midwestern life science entrepreneurs achieve their business dreams. Here, I learned about what it takes to grow a great idea into a business. Excellent time and people management were expected and rewarded, as our group primarily engaged in fast-paced 6-week projects.Highlights:•Demonstrated excellent time management skills by providing fast-paced biotech consulting services, resulting in the completion of 6 projects for 6 unique clients in separate 6-week engagements.•Developed cross-functional management skills while leading 5-member teams with diverse backgrounds, resulting in a project management award from the executive board.•Proved technical and regulatory knowledge by authoring recommendation reports for product development, product feasibility, intellectual property protection, and customer targeting.