Melanie Leonhardt Email & Phone Number

Prion Diseases Section - One Health - Science Reference and Surveillance - Public Health Agency of Canada

Researched and analyzed numerous innovative technologies to expand departmental capabilities for characterizing antibodies (polyclonal, monoclonal). Developed protein characterization assays (as subject matter expert) for departmental use (re: polyclonal/ monoclonal antibodies, virus-like particles). Collaborated with colleagues for the large-scale production of immunogen (re: transfection of mammalian-cell culture) and subsequent purification/ formulation. Typical communication formats: reports, posters, presentations, newsletter articles and internal proposals.

Researched and evaluated infectious diseases as potential candidates for R&D pipeline. Performed discovery research/ analysis which included the construction of immune libraries (from flow-sorted B cells) and the generation/ affinity maturation of monoclonal antibodies (from hybridomas). Developed protein characterization assays for departmental use. Typical communication formats: reports, posters, newsletter articles, presentations and invention disclosure forms (IDFs).

Performed discovery research through the use of recombinant DNA technology and mammalian cell culture. Expressed/ purified immunogen to be used in animal studies (associated with monoclonal antibody platform). Typical communication format: reports

Member of team accountable for optimizing the production of therapeutic molecules (by GLP fermentation) and associated down-stream processing events. Provided technical guidance/ support to facility during scaling up of manufacturing process. Typical communication format: reports

Bachelor Of Science, Microbiology

Master Of Science, Food Microbiology