Michael Benitez Email and Phone Number

Developed and executed methods for assigned research-related experiments, contributing to the development of novel nucleic acid sample preparation/isolation techniques, reagents and methodologies for automated, manual, and point-of-care molecular diagnostic assays; exploring and optimizing new methodologies for the improvement of singleplex and multiplexed PCR , qPCR, RT-PCR, and LAMP assays via reagent design.• Successfully formulated and transferred novel green extraction reagents from R&D to Manufacturing for several lines of high-revenue nucleic acid isolation kit products in time-sensitive projects; analyzed data, evaluated results, formed conclusions, implemented process improvements and integrated previous and current results to determine next experimental steps and impact.• Made recommendations, acted to independently resolve scientific problems encountered during experimental procedures to improve productivity of results, while ensuring activities are consistent with projects’ critical path; contributed to the definition and timely achievement of overall project goals• Development, execution, and troubleshooting of HPLC, UPLC, MS, UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy assays designed for guiding oligonucleotide designs for PCR and next-generation sequencing based assays; accurately recorded experimental methods, materials, results in eNotebook

Regularly conducted various assays of moderate complexity to evaluate the suitability of diverse protein purification resins, electrophoretic materials, and raw materials used in the production of bio-pharmaceutical research materials (in a GLP and GMP environment), often necessitating spectroscopic and HPLC analysis.• Lead root-cause analysis studies troubleshooting complex production quality issues, regularly made decisions relating to quality and conformance via SAP, accelerating efficient product-conformance decision-making and product-release• Assisted with QC test methodology development, performed technical reviews of departmental documents for accuracy/quality, validated and revised complex QC protocols and test methods

Independent experiment operation and data analysis/summarization for various validation/verification studies, precision/accuracy studies as well as other HPLC protein-analysis projects utilizing SOPs as well as some technical writing. Performance evaluations of products from M&A candidates, and design control for medical devices per FDA and ISO 13485 guidelines.• Oversaw experiment planning, sample procurement/preparation, data analysis, instrument calibrations, statistical manipulation, execution, recording and documenting all procedures with detail and accuracy in accordance with CLSI guidelines; evaluated candidate future products, and performing data reviews to influence marketing decisions in a time-efficient manner • Set-up and operated high-throughput D-100, D-10, and Variant II Hemoglobin Testing System instruments for diabetes molecular diagnosis in accordance with cGMP for protein analysis in a BSL-2 setting.

Investigated the multi-step synthesis, utility and stability of novel reactive mono-substituted alpha-lactam compounds.• Managed independent research, trouble-shooting, all synthesis, characterization, isolation/purification and analysis of all intermediates and final compounds.• Adept at chemical analysis and characterization; all compounds were analyzed via 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and FT-IR at every reaction step and to monitor reaction progressions.• Benitez, M., Wang, Y., Lengyel, I., Fitzsimmons, M., Cesare, V. “About the first stable α-lactam with a secondary alkyl substituent in position three.” J. Heterocyclic Chem., 2018, 55, 2877-2882.

Taught the essentials of chemistry lab technique with an emphasis on safety, the fundamentals of science, and various synthetic and experimental methods.• Prepared all reagents and solutions, assisted with answering questions and troubleshooting with all experiments; responsible for lab safety compliance of all 30 students in each course.• Proctored, graded and organized exams for approx. 500 students for 4 semesters.

Prepared tests, materials, and overall thematic flow of the course, focusing on key synthetic principles, and experimental technique.• Oversaw lecturing on organic syntheses background and techniques.• Supervised and ensured laboratory/chemical safety compliance for all 60 students.• Trouble-shot all irregularities/problems during syntheses, maximizing student success and safety

• Computational data collection and analysis on biologically relevant cyclic organic molecules• Researched anomalous properties of fluorouridine isomers via conformational studies• Catalogued and organized graphical bond-torsion data via Microsoft Excel and ChemDraw