Mary Ferguson Email & Phone Number

Madison, Ct, Us

Branford, Connecticut, United States

Branford, Connecticut, United States

• Developed and optimized novel surrogate Western blot assay to validate antibodies which recognize post-translationally modified targets (patent application filed August 2020, UK)• Developed proof-of-concept for a novel phage display-cell surface display screening method to isolate and identify target-specific binders in a single experiment as part of a research team supported by NIH funding• Launched large scale rabbit immunization project to isolate binders specific to key HIV sequence in collaboration with Duke University• Isolated clones from immunized rabbits using mRNA extracted from B cells to target the COVID-19 spike protein and its variants and analyzed sequences using Geneious software• Managed team of 3 direct reports who work on smaller independent projects and on larger projects which require coordination of 4+ scientists’ work• Optimized functional assays to test antibodies for their ability to modulate enzyme function • Optimized novel phage display screening platform focused on discovery of antibodies which modulate GPCR activity as part of a research team supported by NIH funding• Supervised University of Connecticut collaboration project focused on isolating antibodies that recognize Treponema pallidum using phage display and animal immunization approaches• Generated treated cell lysates for PTM specific targets and performed transient transfections• Familiar with automation equipment: Janus Varispan, Janus MDT, Biotek plate washers, Dropsense 96, BioRad Transblots, Criterion Dodeca, • Served as site’s biosafety officer and on the Health & Safety committee. Improved global safety standard compliance by authoring site Biosafety Manual, writing equipment and process risk assessments, training new hires, performing internal audits, installing spill & first aid kits and organizing annual First Aid/CPR training (3+ years)

Branford Ct

Pittsburgh, Pa

*Characterized effects of novel compounds on voltage-gated potassium channel function by measuring changes in the midpoint of channel activation, dose-response relationships and single concentration responses using whole-cell manual patch clamp with Clampex software*Recorded changes in resting membrane potential in primary cortical rat neurons upon application of novel compounds using manual patch clamp in I=0 mode*Analyzed data for all manual patch clamp experiments using Clampfit and PRISM software*Familiar with set up, operation and maintenance of Sophion’s QPatch HT automated patch clamp system as part of a screening team*Cultured five stably expressing cell lines to support high and low throughput electrophysiology assays including primary, counter and safety screens*Measured changes in cellular metabolism upon application of novel compounds and varying nutritional sources using Biolog Phenotypic MicroArrays and a BMG microplate reader working with a senior scientist*Isolated mitoplasts from rat skeletal muscle in an effort to measure the effect of novel compounds on the function of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter using manual patch clamp working with a senior scientist

On Site At Merck & Co., West Point, Pa

Performed cell-based assays on Varicella-containing live vaccine products, process intermediates and related experimental samples following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in a virology laboratory.Performed up to 12 plaque assays, 50+ samples and 500 plates each, per week to support vaccine manufacturing optimization projects while adhering to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for documentation of results and laboratory recordsTrained new employees in MRC-5 cell culture and assay procedures to work in 22 member potency assay teamSkilled in the use of assay related equipment including Repeater pipets, syringes, Ovation pipets, Biological Safety cabinetsRecorded laboratory data in Electronic Laboratory Notebook 12.0 (ELN) softwareVolunteered consistently for overtime shifts on weekendsCompleted document review for temporary assignment in Operations department for compliance with GMP and document retention standardsParticipated in weekly group meetings concerning laboratory and assay issues

West Point, Pa

Cultured sixteen independent stably-expressing cell lines used in a variety of assays including FLIPR, IonWorks, PatchXpress, and binding assays in a fast paced, high-throughput environment.Delivered up to 100 flasks and 50 microplates per week at specific cell densities to support lead identification, lead optimization and target validation projects while continuously monitoring and adjusting culturing conditions to meet assay needsProficient in cell culture-related tasks including media preparation, large-scale cell harvests for membrane preparations and large-scale cell freeze-downs.Skilled in the use of cell culture equipment including the Vi-Cell viability analyzer, WellMate microplate dispenser, Incucyte live-cell imager, Pipeline dispenser, and cellSTACK culture chambersRecorded laboratory data in Electronic Laboratory Notebook 11.0 (ELN) softwareResponsible for laboratory supply orders through the COSMIC systemParticipated in bi-weekly cell culture group meetings concerning project progress

Philadelphia, Pa

Characterized voltage-gated potassium and sodium channel mutants using oocyte two-microelectrode voltage clampSkilled in oocyte patch clamp, including cell-attached and inside-out configurations, and in whole-cell patch clamp on mammalian tsA-201 cellsProficient in molecular biology techniques including cloning, PCR, ligation, DNA isolation, in vitro transcription of RNA, primer design and proficient in the use of relevant software including DNA Star, Vector NTI and MS ExcelCultured mammalian tsA-201 and HEK cells and performed calcium phosphate transfections of mutant ion channel plasmids for electrophysiological recordingExperience with immunohistochemical staining using primary and secondary antibodies in mammalian cells to determine cellular localization of proteinCared for Xenopus laevis and performed oocyte harvest surgery weeklyParticipated in bi-weekly Ion Channel Journal Club and presented at annual Biophysical Society meetings

Pittsburgh, Pa

Constructed a chimera to study a key cell division gene from M. tuberculosis and analyzed this gene in Streptomyces coelicolorOrdered supplies and created databases to organize samples, supplies and protocols

Master’S Degree, Biomedical Sciences

Graduated Summa cum laude Thesis Title: “Biophysics and Biogenesis of Drosophila Voltage-gated Potassium Channels: Consequences of RNA.

Master’S Degree, Secondary Education, Biology

Bachelor’S Degree, Microbiology And Biochemistry

Graduated Summa cum laude University Honors College