Marwa Zafarullah, M.Sc., Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Mountain View, CA, US

Palo Alto, CA, US

• Investigating the molecular changes at the single cell level (snRNA Seq) and the cell spatial network (CODEX) in patients with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and GNE myopathy.
• Identifying the target proteins and unique pathways (proteomics via LC/MS platforms) involved in the development of myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Palo Alto, CA, US

I was among the dedicated team of SIX organizers who brought the Stanford University only and the biggest Postdoc Symposium in 2024. It was an exceptional platform for postdoctoral researchers to showcase their scientific endeavors and highlight the vibrant diversity within the postdoc community. This one-day event is designed to foster new collaborations.

Stanford, CA, US

• Serving as the voice of over 2000 postdoctoral scholars, advocating for their needs and contributions within the Stanford community.
• Leveraging the existing resources and developing new initiatives like the postdoc symposium to support the professional growth and well-being of postdocs at Stanford.
• Strengthen communication and engagement among postdocs, faculty, and administration to foster a more connected and collaborative environment.

• The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) has been serving the STEM community for over 45 years. It currently has a membership of more than 6,000 professionals, including researchers, educators, and students, across.
• As an Executive Board Member of AWIS (Association for Women in Science), I actively champion initiatives that support the advancement and representation of women in STEM fields.
• Contributing to designing and implementing programs that provide mentorship, career development, and leadership opportunities for women in science and academia.
• Ensuring AWIS's mission of fostering a more inclusive and diverse scientific community by developing outreach initiatives and advocating for systemic change within STEM institutions.
• Organizing events and networking opportunities, to help build a supportive community for women in STEM to connect, collaborate, and share resources for professional success.

• Leading a Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences [IF:6.208] on “Advance in Neurogenetics and Neuroimmunology”.
• Engaging in collaborative efforts with the journal's editorial team to establish the comprehensive scope and overarching theme of this esteemed special issue.
• Diligently overseeing and navigating the intricacies of the peer-review process, ensuring meticulous adherence to guidelines while providing discerning and timely feedback to authors.
• Exercising astute editorial judgment by making informed decisions based on the discerning evaluations rendered by esteemed reviewers, thereby guiding authors through the meticulous revision or acceptance process.

• Led a Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences [IF:6.208] on “Molecular Biomarkers in Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders”.
• Performed detailed editorial review of 20+ manuscripts for thematic coherence, substantive contribution, and journal format.
• Ensured timely submission of all proposed contributions at every stage of the review and publication process.
• Responsible for the intellectual content of the issue and all the published manuscripts.
• High success of this special issue leads to the launch of the second issue under my supervision.

Mountain View, CA, US

• Expanded the capabilities of the olfactory receptor assay by developing and optimizing the novel cell-based end point (Dual-Glo luciferase) and kinetic (GloSensor Protease) assays for generating the response of.
• Investigated G-Protein coupled receptors (GPCR) alternative signal transduction pathways such as cyclic AMP pathway (cAMP) and calcium pathway for measuring activation of human’s olfactory and trigeminal receptors.
• Enhanced the assays to generate data from high impact products such as alcoholic drinks i.e., beer, perfumes, dairy, and plant-based products.
• Prepared protocols on Benchling, executed experiments, and processed high throughput data from multiple assay plates per week, and presented significant findings at company-wide all-hands meetings and investor updates.
• Managed a number of research associates, providing guidance, delegation, and training to foster effective collaboration and ensure successful project execution.

Sacramento, CA, US

• Designed, performed, and optimized biochemical/immunochemical experiments to characterize protein for phase-II clinical trial samples, which helped in determining therapeutic effectiveness and identifying potential.
• Investigated the effect of probiotic treatments on neurodegeneration in Fragile X mice models by comparing the protein expression level to the normal healthy controls.
• Exemplified aptitude to analyze and communicate data across different research sites, collecting data, and maintaining/organizing the clinical data repository, resulting in the timely completion of the projects.

Davis, California, US

• Identified novel metabolomic biomarkers of FXTAS by using the combination of ultra-performance liquid chromatography, Q-Exactive high resolution/accurate mass spectrometer, and an Orbitrap mass analyzer.
• Evaluate the association of identified metabolic biomarkers with the brain changes in individuals who develop the symptoms of disorder over the time.
• Defined the structure of the Antisense FMR1 (ASFMR1) gene via advance PacBio Iso-sequencing technology and found the differential expression of FMR1 and AFMR1 gene transcripts by qRT-PCR.
• Established a detailed protocol to derive the epithelial cell line from the patient samples with a 20% increase in cell establishment rate and functionally characterize them as a tool to study brain disorders.
• Performed CRISPR genomic editing in human cell lines to study the effect of repeat expansion on FXTAS disease development.
• Published 5+ First author papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.

Davis, California, US

• Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) Mentor, Mentored undergraduate students in exploring the career options (2020-2021)
• IGG Mentor, Mentored 5 first-year incoming graduate students, UC Davis. (2016-2019)
• Mentor, Group of Ten students of Lower Lake Elementary School, USA. (April 2018)
• Mentor, Food, Ag and Health Entrepreneurship Academy, UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. (February 2018)
• M.E.N.T.O. R program: Mentored 2 undergraduate students. (2017-2018)
• Pen Pal Mentored 5th grader, Elementary School in Chardon Hills Magnet School Euclid Ohio. (2017-2018)

Davis, California, US

• Wrote blogs to communicate science to non-specialist (but usually science-interested) audiences.
• Opened up scientific conversations, put the scientific research in a broader context, and shared my expertise to “get the word out” about science.

Davis, California, US

• Graduate Reading Course (BCB 215) Spring 2021Co-instructed an intensive graduate-level course emphasis on active learning and student participation. Provided a guided analysis of literature and major advances in the.
• Introduction to Genetics (BIS 101) Summer 2019Instructed a class of 160 upper-division undergraduate students on basic concepts of genetics, and genomics. Lead independent discussion sessions to generate a better.
• Introduction to Microbiology (MIC 103L) Winter & Spring 2020Taught a class of 40+ upper-division undergraduate students on laboratory safety practices and facilitated experiments for basic microbiology.

Davis, California, US

• Thesis Title: "An Investigation of Functional Dependency of CENP-C and CENH3 in Arabidopsis thaliana"
• Performed high-throughput molecular cloning using recombinant DNA technologies to characterize the haploid inducers in a model plant.
• Developed the genetic assays to investigate the evolutionary relationship between centromere proteins.
• Tested the effect of divergence in the N-terminal tail of centromere proteins by using chimeras between the plant species.
• Designed the multi-targeting CRISPR gateway vectors to perform the CRISPR genome editing in the plant species.

Davis, California, US

UC Davis Plant Science Symposium is a student-organized an annual biggest event which brings together researchers in academia, industry, and the non-profit sector to discuss the latest advances in the field of plant sciences. I was among 6 who organized this biggest event of UC DAVIS for year 2017.

Sacramento, California, US

• Participated in an NIH-funded 10 weeks health-focused career exploration program.
• Worked in a collaborative environment to improve management skills.

Davis, California, US

• Participating in a year-long “Leaders for the Future: A professional career development program” funded by the state of California aimed to train the graduate students for establishing careers in industry, the.
• Attended a three-day UC Davis Entrepreneurship Academy, hosted by the Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UC Davis to learn business development skills.

Golden, CO, US

• Introduced precision oncology proteomic biomarker discovery to support therapeutic development and serve as a companion diagnostic.
• Gathered business intelligence on companies, leads, and qualified prospects in oncology and immune-oncology to bring in new clientele and to boost long term business success.
• Increased client reach and engagement through LinkedIn Sales Navigator and developing customized materials for sales presentations and client meetings.
• Support follow-up efforts to ensure prospect movement through the business development process.

• During clinical rounds with neurologists and oncologists, carefully coordinated and monitored patients’ conditions and outcomes.
• Participated in group therapy sessions and one-on-one interviews with patients.
• Trained and efficiently followed procedures and processes per hospital guidelines and requirements.

Davis, California, US

• Participated in a year-long collaborative learning opportunity to develop and improve leadership, teamwork, business communication, project management, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills.
• Attended a three-day UC Davis Entrepreneurship Academy, hosted by the Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UC Davis.
• Honored as Anpac Scholar at UC Davis Entrepreneurship Academy.

Basel, Basel, CH

• Designed and performed field trials of Summer Vegetable Crops with the final data analysis of the recorded observations.
• Presented research to a broad audience of Syngenta managers and researchers across different teams, and other student interns.

• Performed DNA extraction by using CTAB methodology, quantified DNA by Agarose and Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, embryo culture including media preparation.
• Performed the phenotypic Screening of wheat germplasm to evaluate Economic traits.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Ph.D., Integrative Genetics And Genomics With Designated Emphasis In Biotechnology & Translational Research

Master’S Degree, Integrative Genetics And Genomics

Bachelor'S Degree, Plant Breeding And Genetics