Leah Caplan Email & Phone Number

Boston, Massachusetts

The Center for Gastrointestinal Oncology's translational research efforts utilize the banking of biological specimens to study gastrointestinal cancers. The research of Brian Wolpin, MD, MPH, focuses on diagnosis, risk factors, survival determinants, and clinical trials for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). • Identify and provide informed consent; facilitate collection of biological specimen from eligible patients, specifically for pancreatic cancer research.• Abstract… Show more The Center for Gastrointestinal Oncology's translational research efforts utilize the banking of biological specimens to study gastrointestinal cancers. The research of Brian Wolpin, MD, MPH, focuses on diagnosis, risk factors, survival determinants, and clinical trials for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). • Identify and provide informed consent; facilitate collection of biological specimen from eligible patients, specifically for pancreatic cancer research.• Abstract relevant data from medical records and prepare data sets for analysis. • Collaborate with members of Brigham and Women’s Hospital to identify and consent eligible patients. • Process and bank blood specimens from participating patients. Show less

Cambridge, Massachusetts

The lab of Aviv Regev, PhD, utilizes single-cell technologies among other techniques to understand complex molecular circuitry in homeostasis and disease states. My project combines spatial and sequencing technologies to reconstruct the tumor landscape in a mouse model of colon cancer. • Set up and integrated new spatial technologies and accompanying software for the lab. • Detected and identified issues, then coordinated communication between different company… Show more The lab of Aviv Regev, PhD, utilizes single-cell technologies among other techniques to understand complex molecular circuitry in homeostasis and disease states. My project combines spatial and sequencing technologies to reconstruct the tumor landscape in a mouse model of colon cancer. • Set up and integrated new spatial technologies and accompanying software for the lab. • Detected and identified issues, then coordinated communication between different company representatives to collaboratively resolve issues. • Multitask multiple experiments and projects per day/week through efficient time management – RNA FISH, confocal and widefield microscopy, cell culture, sequencing library preparation, tissue block preparation. • Collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, administrators, and technical staff to push projects forward.• Identified areas for experimental improvement and developed specific protocol variations. • Sought out and coordinated new image analysis approach for our data from an internal group.• Maintain experimental records and create sample tracking documents specific to our needs. • Responsible for overseeing training and maintenance of cryostat and widefield microscope. Show less

Cambridge, Ma

The lab of Aviv Regev, PhD, utilizes single-cell technologies among other techniques to understand complex molecular circuitry in homeostasis and disease states. Tumor tissues, composed of many different cell types, are complex and dynamic. A hallmark of tumors is their non-canonical structural organization relative to their normal tissue counterpart, which creates distinct niche environments within the tumor. Therefore, a cell's spatial localization within the tumor microenvironment is… Show more The lab of Aviv Regev, PhD, utilizes single-cell technologies among other techniques to understand complex molecular circuitry in homeostasis and disease states. Tumor tissues, composed of many different cell types, are complex and dynamic. A hallmark of tumors is their non-canonical structural organization relative to their normal tissue counterpart, which creates distinct niche environments within the tumor. Therefore, a cell's spatial localization within the tumor microenvironment is a key determinant of its cellular fate and behavior. The project aims to characterize the tumor microenvironment by combining spatial positioning and gene expression profiling at the single-cell level. • Optimized multiple variations of an RNA FISH (Fluorescent in situ Hybridization) protocol combined with various membrane stains. • Utilized confocal and widefield imaging with FIJI and CellProfiler (image processing software) to visualize samples.• Culture and fix mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) for MERFISH (Multiplex Error Robust FISH).• Prepare and sequence single-cell transcriptome libraries of mouse colon tumors using Smart-Seq2 (SS2).• Developed bulk SS2 protocol for mouse BMDCs. • Work with a team of researchers from varied backgrounds to computationally analyze images. Show less

Athens, Georgia

ASO is "a volunteer, student run science communication community dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education. Our work is twofold, first we train students, both undergraduate and graduate, on how to communicate science effectively. We do this through experiential learning, as well as by promoting and sponsoring workshops and group meetings. Second, our website provides a platform for our communicators to present their pieces, while our advertising partnership with the… Show more ASO is "a volunteer, student run science communication community dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education. Our work is twofold, first we train students, both undergraduate and graduate, on how to communicate science effectively. We do this through experiential learning, as well as by promoting and sponsoring workshops and group meetings. Second, our website provides a platform for our communicators to present their pieces, while our advertising partnership with the Athens Science Café facilitates active engagement of these pieces with the public." https://athensscienceobserver.com/ Show less

Complex Carbohydrate Research Center

Dr. Michael Tiemeyer’s Lab researches cell- and tissue-specific glycosylation in the development and progression of human glycosylation diseases. • Conducted independent project studying the impact of different pigment mutations on the white biochemical pathway in Drosophila melanogaster performing high pressure liquid chromatography, fly stock maintenance, embryo collection and immunostaining.• Wrote two 10-page research articles; presented at 2014 and 2015 CURO… Show more Dr. Michael Tiemeyer’s Lab researches cell- and tissue-specific glycosylation in the development and progression of human glycosylation diseases. • Conducted independent project studying the impact of different pigment mutations on the white biochemical pathway in Drosophila melanogaster performing high pressure liquid chromatography, fly stock maintenance, embryo collection and immunostaining.• Wrote two 10-page research articles; presented at 2014 and 2015 CURO annual conferences; awarded CURO Research Assistantship stipend (Fall 2014). Show less

University Of Michigan Cancer Center

Dr. Zora Djuric’s Lab researches the effects of Mediterranean and Western diets on colon cancer risk and prevention. • Conducted independent project studying the effect of increasing levels of fish oil on bacterial fatty acid levels in rat serum through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Co-author on paper submitted to Nutrition Research.• Presented research project to directors and program participants.

Vanderbilt University Center For Molecular Neuroscience

Dr. Randy Blakely’s Lab researches modes of synaptic regulation between neurons, focusing on synaptic transporters regulating neurotransmitter signaling. • Earned mouse handling and experimentation certification; analyzed tail suspension test data, assisted post-doctoral fellow studying depressive effects caused by increased serotonin transporter activity in a mouse model. • Conducted Western Blots, protein assays, polymerase chain reactions, and maintained cell cultures to assist… Show more Dr. Randy Blakely’s Lab researches modes of synaptic regulation between neurons, focusing on synaptic transporters regulating neurotransmitter signaling. • Earned mouse handling and experimentation certification; analyzed tail suspension test data, assisted post-doctoral fellow studying depressive effects caused by increased serotonin transporter activity in a mouse model. • Conducted Western Blots, protein assays, polymerase chain reactions, and maintained cell cultures to assist post-doctoral fellow studying choline transport in the brain and its role in cognitive disorders.• Mastered EndNote to archive scientific journal articles for principal investigator. Show less

Nashville, Tn

Assisted two teachers of 25 second and third graders at the Temple Ohabai Sholom Religious School. I helped conduct the class lessons and worked with students individually to complete the learning activities.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Cell & Developmental Biology

PhD candidate in Prof. Matt Tyska's lab

Immunology, A-

Completed Intro to Immunology course BIOS E-60

Bachelor’S Degree, Biology, Concentration In Neuroscience, Magna Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: The Undergraduate Neuroscience Organization (UNO), Campus Student Organization - President (2014-2015).

High School