Wellcome trust funded PhD Programme in immunomatrix in complex disease.

Working in Genetics Laboratory at Addenbrooke's Hospital. The laboratory is part of the East NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub, led by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.• Performing dewaxing, macro-slide, and whole-slide dissection of FFPE tumour biopsies for downstream extraction methods and using microscopy to examine tumour cellularity, ensuring timely sample processing to meet TAT requirements.• Independently extracting DNA and RNA using magnetic bead-based instruments (Promega Maxwell), with meticulous attention to detail, hand-eye dexterity, and prompt troubleshooting. Familiar with other extraction methods such as Magmax, Crude, and Qiagen. Using Qubit fluorometry for DNA quantification, ensuring accurate measurements for downstream applications.• Contributing to UKAS accreditation and ISO:15189 standards, maintaining high-quality diagnostic services, and using Ideagen system for quality management. Assisting in the development, implementation, and maintenance of SOPs, collaborating with team members to identify areas for improvement and update SOPs accordingly, and raising Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) to address any discrepancies to ensure full compliance with accreditation standards.• Shadowing scientists in dataset analysis, interpreting results, writing reports, gaining insights into data analysis, documentation, and coordination with other departments.• Keeping detailed records manually and electronically. Accurately inputting data into EPIC and laboratory databases, maintaining data integrity, and addressing discrepancies promptly with a keen focus on confidentiality and data quality.• Adhering to health and safety protocols, including COSHH risk assessments, implementing proper hazardous materials disposal, and participating in safety training.• Supporting daily operations by preparing reagents, maintaining equipment, restocking supplies, and covering for colleagues during leaves.

As a part of MSc in Clinical Biochemistry, I led a project, under the supervision of Dr. Adam Byron, aiming to identify the influence of Mena protein on immunogene expression in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. This project shed light on how genes, influenced by Mena, might enable tumours to evade the immune system.• Employed a combination of proteomic, functional cell biology, and molecular biology techniques while following standard operating procedures (SOPs). This includes maintaining genetically modified cancer cell lines in Class II biosafety cabinet, performing cell lysis, protein quantification using BCA assay, and protein/gene expression using western blotting and real-time PCR.• Performed differential gene expression analysis of publicly published skin cancer microarray database (GEO) using R programming language, coupled with bioinformatics packages, to analyse, interpret, and visualize data. • Gained expertise in data analysis, interpretation, and academic writing. Thoroughly examined data trends and patterns to derive meaningful conclusions, utilising statistical techniques and visualization tools.• Carried out all laboratory tasks while strictly following established protocols and COSHH risk assessments to ensure safety and accuracy in all experiments, documented experimental findings, and maintained accurate records.• Had the invaluable opportunity to gain experience in immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy, utilised by other team members as integral techniques of the overall project.

The Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI) was established with dual purposes of promoting research in the modern areas of biological sciences and providing clinical research and diagnostics services.• Performing various biochemical and molecular biology techniques, including cell culture, DNA and RNA extraction, Real-time PCR (Bio-Rad), ELISA by Spectra max ABS plus, Western blot, and Gel electrophoresis, ensuring accurate and reliable analysis of genetic material and proteins following standard operating procedures and quality control measures.• Maintaining comprehensive and organized lab records, including accurately documenting experimental procedures, test results, sample information, and other relevant data while adhering to data confidentiality and regulatory requirements. Also, monitoring and managing laboratory inventory, including reagents, supplies, and consumables.

Working in clinical and molecular diagnostic laboratory units to deliver accurate laboratory testing following standard operating procedures while adhering to health and safety regulations and implementing quality control measures in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 15789 standards. -Clinical Biochemistry Unit:• Handling and preparing biological samples for testing by centrifuging, aliquoting, and storage, adhering to laboratory protocols to maintain sample integrity and prevent contamination.• Participating in clinical sample processing using both manual and automated methods. This includes using automated clinical biochemistry analysers (Roach) for clinical chemistry and immunoassay tests and gel electrophoresis (Sebia Hydrasys and Capillarys) for protein electrophoresis.-Molecular and Cytogenetic Unit:• RNA and DNA extraction from blood, tissue, and swab samples either manually using silica membrane mini spin columns or automated using magnetic beads (Chemagic 360 or EZ1 advanced XL instrument)• Performing Real-time PCR on various platforms (Cobas 6800, Cepheid GeneXpert). Setting up and running agarose gel electrophoresis for nucleic acid separation. • Responsible for cell culturing of peripheral blood samples and amniotic fluids for karyotyping and FISH technique for detecting any chromosomal abnormalities. • Processing IQC to ensure high-quality results, maintaining workflow, assisting with routine equipment maintenance, preparing reagents, managing stock control, and troubleshooting equipment issues.

• Handling and preparing biological samples as required for laboratory testing by labelling, centrifuging, aliquoting, and preserving according to laboratory protocols while efficiently using laboratory information management system (LIMS). • Assisting in biochemical, immunological, and haematological testing using manual or semi-automated methods including ELISA (TB gold, TORCH screening), Chemistry analyser, Electrophoresis, following SOPs and maintaining compliance with GLP and ISO 15189/2012.• Maintained strict adherence to laboratory health and safety protocols. Assisted in troubleshooting, processing and monitoring quality control (IQC), and identifying and reporting any issues, inconsistencies, or inaccuracies with QC analysed. • Contributing to the smooth functioning of laboratory operations by routinely monitoring stock levels and ensuring the cleanliness and proper maintenance of laboratory equipment.

The summer internship was provided by the University of Damietta. • Shadowing the analysis of imported and exported products using Gas Chromatography (GC/MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC/MS) to determine their nature and composition, ensuring compliance with established customs regulatory standards• Gaining practical knowledge and assisting in the overall quality management processes within the laboratories, ensuring adherence to ISO 9001/2008 and ISO 17025/2017 standards.• Contributed to the documentation and record-keeping of analytical data, the preparation of technical reports, and summarizing compliance assessments and quality control findings.