Contributed to oncology drug discovery by performing counter screens in support of ALK inhibitor lead optimization efforts. Conducted kinase compound screening (including ALK inhibitors) across many cancer cell lines to confirm genetic driven sensitivities, confirm new therapeutic indications, and nominate for in vitro assay/in vivo model development. Effort required time sensitive coordination, communication and collaboration with medicinal chemists and other biologists. My contributions and… Show more Contributed to oncology drug discovery by performing counter screens in support of ALK inhibitor lead optimization efforts. Conducted kinase compound screening (including ALK inhibitors) across many cancer cell lines to confirm genetic driven sensitivities, confirm new therapeutic indications, and nominate for in vitro assay/in vivo model development. Effort required time sensitive coordination, communication and collaboration with medicinal chemists and other biologists. My contributions and the collaborative effort with many others resulted in an FDA approved drug, Zykadia, for ALK+ metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.Contributed to a multi-site collaboration, the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, by handling hundreds of cancer cell lines and optimizing assay conditions of each cancer cell line for pharmacological profiling. Managed in-house cell bank of hundreds of cell lines for use across the institute and delivered requests in a time sensitive manner.Developed and optimized high throughput arrayed shRNA and siRNA screens, pooled shRNA screens, and gain of function screens for oncology target identification. Target validation studies were conducted on potential oncology gene targets. Involved in co-culture assay development to identify novel T cell activators/suppressors for immuno-oncology target identification and nomination for further validation studies. Required quick learning of a variety of new immunology techniques.Mentored and trained interns and postdoctoral fellows on various assays, laboratory techniques and automated machinery. Maintained and troubleshot issues with various laboratory equipment to ensure smooth daily operation. Analyzed, prepared and presented data at group and institute meetings. Organized team building events and activities.-Related Work: Barretina J,et al. (2012). The Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia enables predictive modelling of anticancer drug sensitivity. Nature, 483(7391):603-7. doi: 10.1038/nature11003. Show less

Employee of Biophase Solutions on assignment at the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation. Conducted ubiquitin ligase target modulation studies, testing compound’s effect on protein expression and cell proliferation.

Promoted cultural exchange and mutual understanding between nations through teaching and community involvement. Independently developed and implemented energetic and exciting English lessons at both Elementary School and Jr. High School settings and facilitated English lessons and discussions for Adults. Organized and participated in various cultural events and English Club activities.

Involved in identifying novel therapeutic targets associated with infectious disease. Cloned, conducted protein expression/purification, and developed assays for therapeutic targets. Conducted Ku protein stability studies using various buffer conditions. Efforts resulted in published journal article describing DNA binding assay for Ku complex drug discovery.-Related work: Ma H, Thibault J, Lu Y, Whiting C, Long S, Lindwall G, Bennett K, Truong L, Aimes RT, Wong-Staal F… Show more Involved in identifying novel therapeutic targets associated with infectious disease. Cloned, conducted protein expression/purification, and developed assays for therapeutic targets. Conducted Ku protein stability studies using various buffer conditions. Efforts resulted in published journal article describing DNA binding assay for Ku complex drug discovery.-Related work: Ma H, Thibault J, Lu Y, Whiting C, Long S, Lindwall G, Bennett K, Truong L, Aimes RT, Wong-Staal F. (2004). The development and applications of nonradioactive plate-formatted DNA- binding assay for Ku70/80, a multifunctional DNA-binding protein complex. Assay and Drug Development Technologies, 2(5), 483-95. Show less

Contributed to novel, cancer associated serine protease discovery. Cloned and characterized several novel, cancer-associated serine proteases. Conducted gene expression profiling of serine proteases on various normal/cancer cell lines and animal tumor model samples treated/not treated with Corvas developed inhibitors. Performed site directed mutagenesis of key amino acid residues to improve expression and stability of cloned serine proteases.

Involved in polysialyltransferase research. Characterized polysialyltransferase through the construction of deletion mutants. Genotyped mice to determine polysialyltransferase knockout status. Maintained and stocked laboratory supplies, reagents, and managed the treatment and removal of biohazardous waste for the laboratory.- Related work: Angata K, Chan D, Thibault J, Fukuda M. (2004). Molecular dissection of the ST8Sia IV polysialyltransferase. Distinct domains are… Show more Involved in polysialyltransferase research. Characterized polysialyltransferase through the construction of deletion mutants. Genotyped mice to determine polysialyltransferase knockout status. Maintained and stocked laboratory supplies, reagents, and managed the treatment and removal of biohazardous waste for the laboratory.- Related work: Angata K, Chan D, Thibault J, Fukuda M. (2004). Molecular dissection of the ST8Sia IV polysialyltransferase. Distinct domains are required for neural cell adhesion molecule recognition and polysialylation. The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 279(24):25883-90. Show less