Immunotherapies, Engineering of CAR T Cells

-Identify new therapeutic approaches for metastatic uveal melanoma and study the mechanism of action.-In vitro testing of drug molecules as single agents or combination treatments targeting various signaling pathways involved in the disease progression of uveal melanoma.

-Conducted a comprehensive study of the metabolic characteristics of uveal melanoma cells carrying a splicing factor mutation to determine its oncogenic role.-Performed cell culture operations per SOPs to maintain sterility and health of cells.-Monitored the viability of cells under various experimental conditions.-Performed cell-based assays and western blots.

-Executed, managed, and coordinated a clinical research project evaluating brain scans for neuroinflammation in patients with motor neuron diseases using combined Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), a state of the art imaging technique.-Executed, managed, and coordinated various Expanded Access Programs (EAPs) for patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. EAPs provides access to investigational drugs to patients with a terminal illness who otherwise don’t qualify for a clinical trial.-Ensured the integrity of the data submitted on Case Report Forms (CRFs)-Completed process of Serious Adverse Event (SAE) reporting and follow up of SAEs.-Ensured security and confidentiality of participant data as well as safety of participants in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.-Performed vital signs, EKG, and phlebotomy on patients in research settings.

-Executed, managed, and coordinated two clinical research projects, ensuring strict adherence to study protocol. The first project investigates the clinical characterization of an oxytocin-deficient state in hypopituitary patients. The second project investigates the effects of repeat doses of intranasal oxytocin in obese adults.-Interacted directly with research study patients, discussing medical history, administering behavioral and cognitive tasks, and performing brain MRI procedures.-Ensured security and confidentiality of participant data as well as safety of participants in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.-Collected and entered various clinical research data using statistical software. -Reported on study results and updated study documents to incorporate all Institutional Review Board (IRB) related protocol changes.-Prepared and submitted documents to the IRB; including protocols, continuing reviews, and amendments.-Led weekly meetings with the principal investigator, nurse practitioners, physicians, and other coordinators to review all study related matters. -Ensured that all the neuroendocrine unit’s specimens were properly cataloged and stored. -Mentored a team of college interns and trained them in data analysis, patient conduct, and general tasks related to clinical trials. -Ensured the integrity of the data submitted on Case Report Forms (CRFs)-Completed process of Serious Adverse Event (SAE) reporting and follow up of SAEs.-Assisted study physician with subcutaneous fat biopsy procedures.

•Designed, synthesized, and evaluated analogs as kinase-targeted inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei, the parasite that causes the neglected tropical disease African Sleeping Sickness.•Optimized azindole-derived hit compounds to improve potency and physicochemical properties as means to uncover new Trypanosoma brucei inhibitors.

•Taught organic chemistry I and II laboratory sections, and assisted students with experiments and any questions regarding the course.

•Analyzed databases of companies with drug donation programs who participated in the London Declaration Program, which committed to eradicate or prevent transmission of at least 10 Neglected Tropical Diseases by 2020, to measure their commitment to these patient assistance programs.

•Synthesized various substrates using different Lewis acids to obtain C-glycosyl compounds with the highest yield and purity and measured their affinity to bovine serum albumin.

•Studied the cell biology of Entamoeba species, focusing on their behavior and kin discrimination.•Monitored the effects of iron depletion on Entamoeba histolytica alcohol dehydrogenase (EhADH2) and trophozoite growth. •Tested inhibitor properties of pyrazoline analogues against EhADH2.

•Researched gene mutations related with brain malformations and investigated how these genes assist in the construction of the brain.•Analyzed the cell morphology of layer II and III neurons and spine density in Lis1-GFP mice. •Analyzed the Lis1 conditional knockout mice model to investigate the role of Lis1 in neurons of the CA1 region of the hippocampus in young adolescent mice.