Principal scientist in developing synthetic strategies to produce highly pure proteins with site-specific post-translational-modifications (PTMs). Developed post-synthetic protein purification and structural analysis methodologies for post-production support.Director of proteomics and mass spectroscopy: high resolution intact mass and top-down protein PTM analysis. Additionally started and directs EpiCypher mass spec services for small and large molecule discovery/assay/impurity method development.

(Winner of Best University Startup 2016, 114th United States Congress)Expression, purification, and characterization of recombinant histone proteins, octamers, and assembly of nucleosomes for commercial and academic use. Synthesis and purification of designer nucleosomes to provide highly pure and specific substrates for development of next generation epigenetic screening and therapeutics.

Designs and performs progressively more complex experiments and procedures independently in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements as defined by protocol, method and standard operating procedures. Utilizes equipment, facilities and personnel to produce sound specific results in a timely fashion for clients and point of contact for internal and external contact. Trains analysts on various testing methods specific to project and supervise the day-to-day activities in the laboratory working under prescribed procedures.• Performed Andersen Cascade Impaction (ACI) and Dose/Content Uniformity (DUSA) analysis of MDI drug products for commercial stability and release.• Full time employee (FTE) team lead for inhalation product development (IPD) investigations, corrective actions/preventative actions (CAPA), and root cause analysis (RCA) determination. • Coordinator of non-conformance reports, and system administrator of non-conformance database.• Conducted feasibility studies for method development pertaining to trace analysis and impurity structure determination within the IPD group. • Creation and peer-review of client compliance reports.

RNA aptamers and Click ChemistrySynthesized and purified azide/drug ligands that were “clicked” to 2′-modified DNA/RNA. Initially developed the idea of synthesizing versatile, clickable drug ligands for use in RNA aptamer-mediated drug delivery. Principle Investigators: Dr. Subha Das (CMU) and Dr. Rebekah White (Duke University)

Nucleotide Synthesis:Synthesized and purified α-P-borano nucleoside triphosphate (NTPαB) and diphosphate (NDPαB) analogs for use as Hepatitis C (HCV) RNA dependant RNA polymerase (RdRP) and human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase (HIV-RT) inhibitors (Nucleic Acids Symposium Series (Oxf) 52(1); 81-82) Enzyme Kinetics:Successfully developed HCV RdRP assays to determine, for the first time, the potency (IC50) and steady-state kinetic inhibition constant (Ki) for antiviral NTPαB's versus the natural phosphate controls. This provided an insightful look into how replacing a non-bridging α-phosphate oxygen in an NTP with a borane group modifies the antiviral potency of chain terminating nucleotides (Antiviral Research 98(2); 144-52)Synthetic Support for Small Interfering RNA (siRNA) and RNA Aptamers:Synthesized normal NTPαBs and the 2′-Fluoro modified NTPs used by the lab to transcribe siRNA and RNA aptamers. Synthesized gemcitabine triphosphate (dFdCTP) by developing a unique method that separates gemcitabine nucleoside from the pharmaceutical excipients in the anti-cancer drug Gemzar®, directly yielding the 3’-OH, N4-NH3-protected nucleoside, that was immediately converted to a 5'-triphosphate. We then incorporated dFdCTP into an RNA oligonucleotide using a mutant T-7 RNA polymerase. Using nucleobase complementarity, the gemcitabine-containing RNA was annealed to an RNA aptamer that specifically targets the over-expressed EGFR receptors on pancreatic cancer cells (Nucleic Acid Therapeutics 22(5): 295-305).Oligonucleotide Synthesis:Synthesized boranophosphate-containing DNA oligonucleotides using phosphoramidite monomers with unprotected exocyclic amines. This alleviated the problem of cyclical loss of product due to the reduction of acyl protecting groups.

Department: ChemistryPrincipal Investigator: Dr. Barbara Ramsay Shaw(see below)

Responsible for analysis of pharmaceuticals from stability, release, and validation studies using HPLC, GC, and other quantitative means in addition to minor project management responsibilities. Proficient use of analytical instrumentation to support stability and inhalation development studies. Planned, scheduled, and carried out work for successful project completion. • Andersen Cascade Impaction (ACI) and Next Generation Impactor (NGI)• Dose/Content Uniformity (DUSA)• Assay/Impurity Studies• Method Development and Transfer

Performed assay/impurity studies, using HPLC, including dissolution testing on client and AAI Pharma products in a GMP/GLP environment.

Formulated water and oil-based emulsions for clients. Developed organic synthesis procedures, from bench-top to bulk reactor that allowed for major cost reduction in raw materials. Developed methods for analyzing formulated products. Performed rheological studies on acrylic coatings for carpet and upholstery.

Researched safer and more effective methods to treat lumber, e.g. alkaline copper quaternary ammonium formulations (ACQ) to replace the more toxic copper chrome arsenic (CCA) treatment solutions. Assisted in the development of HPLC, ICP, FT-IR and wet chemistry methods pertaining to treatment solutions and treated wood, including analysis of treatment solutions and wood extracts. Constructed decks and other structures made from treated wood for environmental wear observation. Formulated various organic and inorganic solutions used in the treatment process. Formulated wax emulsions for water repellents, and performed corrosion studies with various metal substrates.