Alex Kirkpatrick, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

United States

Support protein expression portfolio, including Expi Protein Expression Systems.

Dept Of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics

Serve as co-lead on primary investigator (PI)-led study targeted at examining the interaction and changes in human lung cells elicited by bacterial toxin to mitigate airway remodeling and disease during community-acquired pneumonia induced by bacterial infection and to reveal potential therapeutic targets.• Collaborate with PI to develop hypotheses, specific study aims and research methodologies.• Independently design, execute and optimize the research protocol in support of the study objectives by performing in-depth literature review that reflects current research landscape to develop an evidence-based analysis.• Directly responsible for executing and managing investigative trials by independently generating and compiling research data for statistical analysis and presentation.• Develop protocol and integrate novel techniques as a research trainee to expands lab’s scope of research.• Extensive experience during full spectrum of recombinant protein expression & purification and antibody purification.• Initiate and sustain strategic relationships with key opinion leaders (KOL’s) across multiple disciplines including microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, and genetics to gain expert input and risk-assessment for the research studies.• Instruct incoming trainees on laboratory’s standard operating procedures (SOP’s) to streamline workflow and increase efficiency.• Mentor junior lab members in scientific presentations and writing skills by providing subject matter expertise and project leadership.• Perform continuous review of scientific journalism to ensure up-to-date understanding of trends.• Research ‘Elucidating Sphingomyelin as a Novel Receptor for Binding, Entry and Cytotoxicity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae CARDS Toxin’ presented and Invited for oral symposium at American Society of Microbiology Conference-June 2022.• Awarded through department: NIH-funded T32 Fellowship for Graduate Research in Immunology Program (August 2021) & travel award (May 2022).

Bethesda, Maryland

Served as co-lead on foundational research project investigating the host-pathogen interactions of Rotavirus in the Lab of Host-Pathogen Dynamics, Cell Biology and Physiology Center at NIH.• Selected by high-profile KOL and renowned principal investigator in the field of virology to establish the framework for upcoming studies centered around the non-lytic egress of Rotavirus from the host cell by conducting and optimizing foundational experiments.• Investigated host-pathogen interactions of Rotavirus using human-derived cells including novel cell model of the gut (enteroids).• Developed and optimized experiments using immunofluorescent labeling, cellular fractionation and viral culture techniques.• Assisted in preparation and imaging of cells by performing super-resolution microscopy in preparation for Correlative Light Electron Microscopy-Focused Ion Beam (CLEM-FIB) analysis. • Proposed new methodology for experimentation resulting in novel understanding of viral association with plasma membrane.• Improved experimental design and protocol by consulting with project co-lead and core facilities to gain expert input.• Presented poster on research findings at annual NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education intern symposium – August 2018.

Collaborated with renowned KOL and principal investigator in the field of microbiology and biochemistry on studies characterizing the interaction between human lung cells and bacterial toxin involved in enhancing pathology state during community-acquired pneumonia to reveal potential therapeutic target.• Directly responsible for executing, optimizing, and managing research protocol in support of specific study aims resulting in identification of a novel host-membrane lipid receptor for bacterial toxin.• Performed protein expression in E. coli, affinity purification as well as additional protein processing and characterization steps including desalting, estimation of protein concentration, SDS-PAGE, and western blot to produce recombinant proteins for in vitro and in vivo studies.• Developed and performed lipid-based ELISA for receptor binding affinity studies.• Collaborated with principal investigator and renowned KOL in the field of microbiology and biochemistry to gain expert input of proposed and ongoing research studies to support research objectives.• Cultivated strategic relationships with experts across multiple biomedical disciplines to function as steering committee of research project.• Advised undergraduate laboratory trainees on research techniques and parameters during their investigations.• Performed continuous review of scientific journalism to ensure up-to-date understanding of trends and expand scope of research modalities.• Collaborated with principal investigator to generate data used for submission and win of major NIH-funded grant.• Work has resulted in 1 co-authored publication.• Presented and won the Charlie Gauntt Award for First Place Poster by a Graduate Student at Texas ASM Conference – Spring 2018.• Recipient of the departmental Master Student of the Year – December 2017.

Coordinated and successfully organized execution of city-wide science expo with 1000+ citizens in attendance to enhance scientific awareness and appreciation.• Provided project leadership and logistics management to team of 30+ graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to coordinate event organization and ensure successful event execution at the internal and external level.• Identified, coordinated, and communicated and with vendors for seamless execution of services.• Coordinated with co-lead to conceptualize and develop effective layout of grounds for event site to enhance user and aesthetic experience.• Recognized need and proposed methods to develop KPI’s, enhance sustainability of future events and enhance event awareness by proposing strategic data acquisition methods, fundraising, and marketing initiatives.• Solicited and collaborated with KOLs across multiple STEM and medical disciplines to expand scope of representation of exhibitions.• Cultivated and fostered strategic relationships across multiple public and private sectors to enhance event participation and contributions.• Collaborated with company president to facilitate event marketing and fundraising.

Austin, Texas

Conducted bacterial pathogens identification studies at high-volume state reference laboratory from gut-derived clinical samples for epidemiological surveillance of reportable infectious diseases in Texas.• Identified bacterial species from human samples submitted by sentinel laboratory facilities for gastrointestinal-related disease surveillance.• Performed bacterial species identification and confirmation at the reference laboratory level using biochemical techniques and SOP’s. • Collaborated with clinical bacteriology team lead, in-house molecular and bioterrorism team, and CDC for enhanced pathogen identification.• Maximized sample output through strategic thinking to organize daily workflow.• Reported findings daily to epidemiological team for purpose of tracking of reportable conditions and outbreak surveillance. • Communicated verbally with sentinel lab to provide status report on submitted sample.• Presented at monthly learning session by orally presenting on methods used for bacterial identification for continuing education purposes.• Supported team during yearly laboratory compliance inspection from regulatory agency to maintain accreditation by performing in-depth quality control assessments.

Medical assistant for high-profile physician at fast-paced primary care and concierge clinic.• Performed preliminary assessment of 20+ patients daily to discern their chief complaint and relevant medical history prior to Health Care Provider’s (HCP) physical assessment by building rapport and accurately documenting findings.• Counseled patients in disease management practices and provided recommendations based on treatment plan established by HCP to enhance patient awareness.• Administered informed consent and educated patients on expectations during medical procedures.• Independently performed invasive and non-invasive medical procedures and supported HCP during medical and surgical procedures.• Performed clinical sample collection and processing for point-of-care diagnostics.• Identified procedural gaps in documentation and integrated system to improve process and reduce error.• Independently accessed confidential medical documentation to process prescription requisitions.

Lead pre-hospital emergency care provider and emergency vehicle operator for a fast-paced organization.• Leveraged comprehensive knowledge of emergency medicine to assess, treat and stabilize patients in a pre-hospital setting.• Delivered medical care to diverse patient population by operating with tact and diplomacy.• Supported paramedic and hospital HCPs during advanced life support assist in improving patient outcomes.• Managed emergency response team by delegating and multitasking to ensure effective triaging and timely medical interventions during single and mass casualty incidents.• Interfaced effectively by building rapport with patients and their advocates to facilitate exchange of pertinent medical data.• Delivered accurate and timely communication of patient history and medical interventions performed to emergency hospital HCP’s and dispatch tracking system through oral reporting and written documentation.• Demonstrated good judgment when processing confidential medical documentation.• Inventoried and maintained stock of pharmacological and interventional medical supplies on ambulance and served as co-lead for organization’s inventory maintenance.• Performed routine vehicle and equipment inspections and maintenance prior to and during shift to ensure safe and effective operation.• Supported junior members during training sessions to provide expert feedback.• Coordinated fundraising event to support organization’s operations.

Medical assistant at fast-paced, high-profile medical and cosmetic dermatology practice.• Interfaced with 40+ patients daily to performed preliminary evaluations of by accurately collecting and documenting chief complaint and relevant medical history prior to HCP’s physical assessment.• Dialogued with patients to review provider-established treatment plans to enhance patient understanding and compliance.• Provided surgical support for HCP during in-office procedures.• Independently performed invasive and non-invasive medical procedures including venipuncture and epidermal extractions.• Administered informed consent and educated patients on expectations during and after medical procedures.• Promoted to principal medical assistant for cosmetic dermatology practice. • Managed cosmetic dermatology products to inventory merchandise and maintain supply availability resulting in identification of discrepancy in stock quantity incongruent with reported usage stemming from internal merchandise loss.• Processed confidential medical documentation and clinical samples for submission to pathology lab for analysis.• Informed and advised patients on teratogenic prescription medication for risk management.

Instructed Microbiology laboratory skills course for undergraduate students in support of didactic lecture.• Collaborated with primary instructor to prepare instructional material in support of didactic lecture to 15 students.• Presented teaching materials for creative and engaging lessons.• Demonstrated and facilitated hands-on lessons in microbiology laboratory environment while enforcing safe lab practices.• Exercised good judgment while proctoring and grading exams. • Established and maintained weekly supplemental support hours to aid student performance outside of class.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Integrated Biomedical Sciences- Molecular Immunology & Microbiology

Activities and Societies: Graduate Student Association, SACNAS

Master Of Science (M.S.), Microbiology And Immunology, Honors Graduate

Activities and Societies: Graduate Student Association, SACNAS

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Microbiology, General

Associate Of Science (A.S.), Life Science