Mark Thomas Email & Phone Number

Hamilton, New Zealand

Hamilton, New Zealand

CuroNZ is a clinical stage biotechnology company with a drug portfolio covering the peptide family, Neural Regeneration Peptides (NRPs) which were discovered by CuroNZ's founding Director, Dr Frank Sieg. NRPs show much promise in treating neurological conditions such as absence epilepsy. • During my time at CuroNZ I played the primary role in running four large scale small animal trials. I was involved with trial logistics, animal manipulation, sample collection including blood and… Show more CuroNZ is a clinical stage biotechnology company with a drug portfolio covering the peptide family, Neural Regeneration Peptides (NRPs) which were discovered by CuroNZ's founding Director, Dr Frank Sieg. NRPs show much promise in treating neurological conditions such as absence epilepsy. • During my time at CuroNZ I played the primary role in running four large scale small animal trials. I was involved with trial logistics, animal manipulation, sample collection including blood and various tissues of muscle and brain origin, sample preparation and analysis utilizing techniques such as ELISA, western blotting and immunohistochemistry as well as data reporting.• Optimized a broad range of cell based neurological assays investigating the mechanism of action and stability of the lead molecule such as neurogenic haptotatic assays, cerebellar microexplants, neural outgrowth, human embryonic stem cell growth and differentiation assays, three -dimensional cell raft culture, Wrote an extensive range of SOPs on these assays.• Optimised the isolation and culture of various neurological cell lines such as dissociated cerebellar granule cells, astrocytes, as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and interface organotypic brain slices • Instigated and ran a company ordering system • Sole charge of a PC-1 cell culture lab and responsible for all aspects of day to day functioning of the lab and regulatory compliance Show less

Ruakura, Hamilton

* Played a key role in a research programme that aimed to understand the mechanisms behind muscle growth and fat development (marbling). Designs a broad range of in vitro Cell Culture experiments, ran experiments, analysed data and reported results.* Sole charge of a major science support facility (Cell Culture Lab) that has both PC-1 and PC-2 standard labs. * Responsible for all aspects of lab management including day to day running of the lab, equipment purchase and… Show more * Played a key role in a research programme that aimed to understand the mechanisms behind muscle growth and fat development (marbling). Designs a broad range of in vitro Cell Culture experiments, ran experiments, analysed data and reported results.* Sole charge of a major science support facility (Cell Culture Lab) that has both PC-1 and PC-2 standard labs. * Responsible for all aspects of lab management including day to day running of the lab, equipment purchase and maintenance, MAF, HASNO and Health and Safety compliance, writing SOPs, maintenance of an extensive bank of cell lines. * Acted in the capacity of advisor in the area of cell culture to a broad range of people across AgResearch including MSc and PhD students and scientists.* Sole responsibility for laboratory budget Show less

Ruakura, Hamilton

* Involved in a number of large animal (sheep and cattle) and mouse trials.* Designed, ran and reported results testing a range of Growth factors in a broad range of cell culture assays. Designed and set up a new Cell Culture Facility with both PC-1 and PC-2 compliant labs.* Cell Culture assay development.* Sole charge responsibility for the management of one employee. This involved training, performance management, and career development.

Ruakura, Hamilton

* FPLC purification of Growth Factors from serum.* Sole responsibility for testing purified Growth Factors in mammalian Cell Culture assays such as proliferation and Cloning Efficiency.* Analysis of protein fractions by Western blotting and RIA.* ELISA quantification of immunoglobulins in milk.

Ruakura, Hamilton

* Responsible for general laboratory maintenance including making reagents, chemical purchase, making agar plates etc.* Assisted with running a broad range of microbiological assays such as cytotoxicity assays.

Master Of Science (Msc), Zoology/Animal Biology

Thesis in Limnology. Thomas, MF. 1991. Population dynamics and zooplankton predation of Tenagomysis chiltoni. MSc thesis, University.

Bachelor Of Science (Bsc), Biology, General

Johnson Prize In Science 1983, School Certificate Year