Working to develop and validate immunogenic and neutralizing antibody (NAb) cell-based assays for preclinical drug approval according to GLP regulatory guidelines.Work closely with clients to assure successful on time execution of assays, validation and sampleanalysis under GxPs.

Working to develop, qualify, and validate immunogenic and neutralizing antibody (NAb) cell-based assays for pre-clinical drug screening.

Worked to develop and optimize novel in vitro cell-based assays aimed at supporting and advancing new human systems biology based approaches to chemical compound safety and efficacy testing. Specific work focused on utilizing human cell-based assay development to test the efficacy and risk assessment of key compounds in areas of DNA damage induction, skin sensitization, and endocrine disruption.

Main efforts focused on the development and optimization of novel in vitro chemical toxicity screening assays to evaluate chemical safety and human risk assessment. In particular, major projects involved the development of in vitro molecular assays in a human cell line based system to assess chemical-induced DNA damage pathway activation and help formulate dose response safety recommendations.Additionally provided technical expertise on other related Hamner projects to advance the goals of affiliated industry sponsors.

Worked as Research Technician in the laboratory of Dr. Wendy Watford. This position was an extension of graduate research work performed in the lab. Research centered on the planning and execution of various laboratory experiments to support the publication of two manuscripts related to the Master’s thesis project involving the characterization of the role of the protein kinase Tpl2 (MAP3K8) in the innate inflammatory immune response.

Graduate Student with Dr. Wendy Watford (2011-2012)Laboratory focus was aimed at understanding the mechanisms that regulate host defense and tolerance during the inflammatory response. Thesis Project involved characterizing the role of the protein kinase Tpl2 (MAP3K8) on innate immune cell functions during the inflammatory response. Graduate Student with Dr. Harry Dickerson (2010)Laboratory focused on the mucosal immune response of channel catfish to the protozoan parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. During Master’s rotation in the lab, studied the immune response and cellular infiltration at mucosal sites in catfish infected with the I. multifiliis parasite.Graduate Student with Dr. Liliana Jaso-Friedmann (2010)Laboratory focused on the mechanisms by which natural killer cells are activated and the molecules produced by activated natural killer cells. During Master’s rotation in the lab, performed various experimental tasks to assess the roles of NK cells during the innate immune response using a catfish model.

Assisted in preparing patients for medical exams and performed in-office procedures. Also, recorded patient vitals, updated medical histories, and managed patient charts.