Kara Gordon Email & Phone Number

San Diego, California, United States

Greater San Diego Area

Greater San Diego Area

As a post-doctoral trainee at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in the lab of Dr. Al La Spada, I focused on the neurodegenerative family of polyglutamine-repeat expansion disorders and autophagy.♦ Successfully generated a KI mouse for studying autophagy regulation and introduced novel gene editing techniques (CRISPR-Cas9) to the lab.♦ Executed the aims of a research contract between the lab and CHDI Foundation, managed resources and team members, provided deliverables to CRO’s and CHDI, completed milestones, and reported progress. ♦ Established a protocol for differentiation of SBMA patient-derived iPS cells into skeletal muscle and developed a C2C12 mouse myoblast cell line with stable expression of expanded AR in collaboration with fellow SBMA team members. ♦ Investigated the therapeutic potential of autophagy induction in Huntington’s Disease mouse model using analysis of motor function and aggregate burden.♦ Facilitated collaborations with academic and industry labs through effective communication and delivery of materials and data.♦ Extensive experience supervising and training junior scientists and advising on technical questions. ♦ Managed multiple colonies of transgenic mice and performed phenotyping for neurologic and motor deficits.♦ Wrote and edited fellowship and grant applications, manuscripts, and research reports, and presented regularly in lab meetings and local seminars.

Iowa City, Iowa Area

♦ Initiated an investigation into the degradation of the glycosylated forms of the dopamine receptor, leading to the introduction of novel techniques to the lab.♦ Invited speaker at the University of Nebraska – Omaha Department of Biology Seminar.

Iowa City, Iowa Area

★ My dissertation project in the lab of Dr. Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre was focused on the DYT1-dystonia linked protein torsinA and protein quality control mechanisms. One project goal was to determine if torsinA played a role in protein quality control mechanisms, such as protein aggregation and ER stress. A second goal was to investigate if the disease linked mutant was targeted for differential degradation in neurons, and to demonstrate that manipulation of degradation could be a therapeutic target. ♦ Designed and executed experiments that demonstrated differential degradation of wild-type and the DYT1 dystonia-causing mutant of torsinA, revealing a potential therapeutic avenue.♦ Identified the ubiquitin ligase responsible for targeting DYT1-associated mutant torsinA for degradation by the proteasome and described a non-cannonical function for that ligase.♦ Awarded an NIH Kirschstein F31 National Research Service Award supporting my salary for 1.5 years.♦ Wrote fellowship and travel award applications, abstracts, and 3 published manuscripts.♦ Presented my research regularly at lab meetings, Neuroscience program seminars, and at national meetings. ♦ Experienced in supervising and providing research advice to other scientists.

Greater Omaha Area

♦ Planned and executed experiments investigating the long-term effect of anti-depressants on neurogenesis in a rodent model. ♦ Coordinated the lab research projects and handled space and equipment concerns, product orders, and the lab budget.

Greater Omaha Area

♦ Utilized basic molecular biology and sequencing analysis techniques to identify 3 intermediate host species for the Spirorchiidae family of parasites. ♦ Wrote research reports, abstracts and an honors thesis, and presented my research at various seminars and meetings, leading to a presentation award.

Greater Omaha Area

♦ Conducted a summer research project in a developmental neuroscience lab using genetic mouse models of developmental disorders and molecular biology techniques, leading to an oral presentation.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Neuroscience

Activities and Societies: Chair of committee for Brain Discovery Fair (science fair for elementary age children), volunteer at Brain.

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Biology, 3.992/4.0 Summa Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: Honors Program with Thesis, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society (served as secretary), Golden Key National.