Sam Linder Email & Phone Number

Cambridge, MA, US

Boston, Massachusetts, US

• Activation Project lead: conceived of, built, and optimized efficient epi-editors designed to either demethylate targeted CpGs or activate target gene expression
• Led a cross-functional team dedicated towards establishing proof-of-concept of newly developed platform, generating valuable in vitro and in vivo data to determine the feasibility of our approach
• Organized and facilitated bi-weekly cross-functional meetings to facilitate efficient communication, coordination, and present/troubleshoot scientific findings
• Platform representative on the Autoimmunity Program team: provided technical expertise to support the program and served to bridge platform development with program needs
• Presented findings to internal and external stakeholders
• Contributed broadly to BD discussions and IP filings

Boston, Massachusetts, US

• Joined the company as its 1st scientist and helped establish the lab, conceive of, and get the first research programs off the ground
• Trained other early scientists not familiar with epigenome editing and was actively involved in defining the company’s core values and growing Chroma from an early start-up to an established company advancing its first.
• Onboarded epigenetic silencing technology to the point of program integration, after which transitioned to the development of Chroma’s epi-activation platform

Boston, MA, US

Boston, MA, US

• Doctoral Dissertation: “Investigating metabolic adaptations of cancer cells to nutrient stress"
• Identified novel metabolic adaptations cancer cells acquire in response to nutrient stress using a genome-wide short-hairpin screen
• Characterized mechanism(s) behind stress resistance using metabolism-driven techniques such as LC-MS Metabolomics and nutrient supplementation assays
• Investigated physiological relevance of identified pathways using publicly available human tumor data and mouse xenograft studies
• Assisted in writing NIH-funded grant applications and manuscripts for textbooks and journals
• Peer-reviewed manuscripts from top journals, including Science, Molecular Cell, and Nature Metabolism

Wellesley, MA, US

• Developed biochemistry bootcamp curriculum designed to introduce female undergraduates from underserved areas to opportunities in STEM
• Provided both one-on-one and lecture-based teaching of basic biochemistry concepts, laboratory techniques, and science communication
• Empowered young women to develop confidence in themselves, particularly their analytical and communication abilities

Boston, MA, US

• BCMP 234: Cellular Metabolism and Human Disease, Spring 2015HBTM 235: Principles of Human Disease: Physiology and Pathology, Fall 2015
• Designed and taught weekly study section curriculum
• Coordinated lectures and grand rounds tutorials with Boston-based physician-scientists
• Provided administrative assistance and graded problem sets, projects, and exams

Boston, MA, US

• Collaborated closely with fellow labmates on 4 projects designed to develop and optimize the use of molecular gene editing tools (CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs, and ZFNs) to:
• Activate or repress endogenous human gene expression
• Demethylate targeted CpG islands and activate endogenous human gene expression
• Predict (in silico) off-target effects of artificially designed nucleasesThese proof-of-principle studies helped provide the rationale for the development of numerous other gene engineering tools, thus contributing to.

• Organized weekly meetings to create a safe space for LGBTQ students to discuss struggles concerning their sexuality as well as personal, social, and academic issues
• Designed and facilitated themed discussions to stimulate dialogue

New London, CT, US

• Independent Research Study: "Firefly Luciferase-RFP Fusion Proteins for BRET-FRET-based Protease Assays"Goal: To develop an assay for quantifying protease concentration in solution, with hopes of its application within.
• Engineered a luciferase-RFP fusion protein with a linker containing a specific protease recognition site, and used BRET-FRET as a readout to quantify protease concentration in solution

New London, CT, US

Auburn, AL, US

Studied the origin of effect of the hormone leptin on blood glucose levels in rat models of type 1 diabetes

Provided one-on-one mentorship to incoming LGBTQ students and coordinated monthly check-ins

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biological And Biomedical Sciences

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Biochemistry, Cellular And Molecular Biology