Renee Snook Email and Phone Number

Perform all tasks associated with the manufacture of commercial product following batch records and SOPs. Responsible for cell culture media preparation, cell processing and cell expansion in a cGMP manufacturing facility for production of T cell cancer therapy. Work as part of a small team to execute GMP runs in close collaboration with Product Sciences and Quality Assist in the development of standard operating procedures, batch records, deviations and change controls.

Responsible for manufacture of Master and Working Cell Banks and performing activities within production facilities to support manufacture of Cell and Gene Therapy products, and final product fills according to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).Acted as lead technician for recurring cell therapy as well as all running Cell Banks. Responsible for in suite processing as well as pre and post documentation.

Laboratory Instructor, demonstrated techniques and introduced topics, graded lab reports, homework, quizzes, exams, and tutored students. Assisted lab technicians with media and bacterial/ fungal culture preparation.

Completed a thesis based Master's degree in Biology in June 2017.Abstract: A neuroprotective role for epigenetic regulator Tip60 in multiple neurological disordersThe advancing field of epigenetics focuses on the changes in phenotypes based on alterations in the chromatin structure rather than DNA mutations. Neurodegenerative diseases are of particular interest due to the devastating effects on the mind and body of those afflicted. Histone modifications through histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are common epigenetic alterations that occur in an array of neurological disorders. Our laboratory previously demonstrated that the HAT Tip60 plays a neuroprotective role in multiple cognitive processes impaired in Alzheimer’s disease. Intriguingly, studies in animal models and post mortem brain tissues show that Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease all have one thing in common and that is a reduction of histone acetylation levels in the brain. Based on these observations, the hypothesis tested is that increasing Tip60 levels will induce neuroprotection by restoring HAT/HDAC balance and neural gene expression profiles disrupted in each of these diseases. To test my hypothesis, I induced increased levels of Tip60 specifically in the learning and memory center of the fly brain (termed the mushroom body) in Drosophila that model Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or ALS. An array of behavioral assays such as larvae crawling and longevity assays were used to determine whether increased Tip60 restores neural circuitry and function. These results may lay the groundwork for broad understanding of a potential neuroprotective role for Tip60 HAT action in multiple neurological disorders.

Examined the Genome-Wide Association Study Linking Genetic Variation of Populus trichocarpa to Photosynthetic Traits which characterized the wide variety of genotypes of Populus trichocarpa (a poplar tree) that produce a range of phenotypic characteristics in the rate of photosynthesis. I used a gas exchange system (LI- COR model LI- 6400XT) with chlorophyll fluorescence to measure the photosynthetic rate of the trees at varying light levels. The height and diameter of the trees were also measured to establish a correlation between tree size and whole tree photosynthetic efficiency. This study provides information to predict the phenotype of individual organisms from their genomes to better integrate genetics into molecular models. This research was presented at a graduate school fair hosted by ORNL.