As a Senior Research Associate in the In Vivo Pharmacology group I am responsible for independently developing and performing studies with animal models across multiple disease areas, including oncology, autoimmunity and metabolism. I collaborate with in vitro-biology, translational science and nonclinical groups to help execute on company strategy.

Project Management Responsibilities:• Spearheaded end-to-end project management, effectively juggling dual roles.• Skillfully drafted client quotes by listening to clients’ scientific needs to generating data endpoint to meet those needs, while ensuring accurate project cost estimation. Served as a communication focal point, bridging clients and internal teams seamlessly.• Diligently updated and maintained project data, ensuring real-time accuracy. Consistently adhered to project timelines, facilitating on-time delivery.• Ensured successful project closure, meeting client expectations and organizational goals.Research Associate Responsibilities:• Proficiently managed in vivo pharmacology disease model projects start to finish, specializing in Oncology & Immuno-Oncology, geriatric, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) models. Conducted Pharmacokinetic studies and pharmacodynamic studies to glean invaluable toxicology insights. • Expertly executed laboratory techniques including, flow cytometry, mammalian and stem cell culture, precise small mammal dosing methods, and comprehensive mouse dissections, while employing meticulous attention to detail and adherence to established protocols. • Demonstrated ability to handle delicate equipment and maintain a sterile work environment, ensuring accurate results. Employed advanced microscopy techniques to examine dissected specimens, contributing to data collection and analysis. Adhered to ethical standards and safety procedures throughout the laboratory process.

Research in the Cunniff lab focuses on how mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic function dictate cell processes including cell migration and tumor cell metastasis. We utilize advanced microscopy approaches to visualize mitochondrial dynamics coupled with cellular biosensors and biochemical approaches to characterize metabolic features of distinct mitochondrial populations are utilized.Additionally, we are working to develop novel therapies for the treatment of aggressive cancers such as malignant mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Both cell and animal models are used to characterize metabolic features of tumor cells that provide susceptibility to compounds targeting mitochondrial function. Our lab is primarily funded by a small pharmaceutical company and therefore our assays are performed and documented at the highest level of detail. Our research has supported the transition of lead candidates to a phase 1clinical trial.

Conducted donor health history and physical screenings, including vitals and hemoglobin levels, to ensure safe platelet and blood donations. Preformed proper venipuncture to collect platelet units, following SQUIPP, CFR, and OSHA regulations. Programmed each platelet machine according to the donor’s height, weight, hematocrit, and pre platelet count to maximize the number of platelet donations, and the concentration of the platelet donation. Greeted and thanked donors to promote positive public relations and customer service. Set up and broke down blood drives.

Working to determine if in utero exposure to halothane anesthesia effects the methylation profile of mammalian germ cells and if this aberrant methylation could cause intergenerational cognition effects.- Utilizing mice for genomic DNA collection and behavioral studies.

Cell and Developmental Biology Lab: Set up and provided support to 15+ students during lab for a survey of current methods employed in cell and developmental biology, including microscopy and imaging techniques, spatial analysis of gene expression, protein expression and localization, cell fractionation, and immunocytochemistry. Held office hours outside of lab and lecture to facilitate student learning, questions and provide mentorship. Cell Biology lecture: Taught topics related to cell structure, molecular biology of eukaryotic cells, cytoskeletal organization and function, cell division cycle, membrane structure and function, cell-cell interactions, cell differentiation and regulation to 250+ students. Curated weekly homework assignments and helped prepare quiz and exam questions. Anatomy & Physiology: Set up and taught lab experiments relating form and function of tissues, bones, joints, muscle, nervous system, and special senses to 25+ students. Independently taught weekly class section to 30 students.

Studied oocytes (female germ cells) using ovarian organ culture to better understand the mechanisms that regulate cyst breakdown and programmed cell death to establish primordial follicle pool in mouse ovary. Undergraduate thesis worked towards understanding the control of meiotic prophase one progression in the perinatal mouse ovary.