Susannah Dirkes Email & Phone Number

Tennessee, United States

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Charleston, Sc

Charleston, South Carolina Area

Columbia, Sc

As a member of the Cancer Genetics Lab under the direction of Dr. Phillip Buckhaults at the University of South Carolina, I am exploring the effect of p53 mutations in the response of cancer cell lines to FDA-approved chemotherapeutic drugs/drug combinations. Additionally, I manage the Tissue Biorepository at USC. The biorepository collects, stores, catalogues, and disburses de-identified human tissue samples along with associated clinical data to investigators. The biorepository enables cancer research requiring human samples, including research into the genetic basis of cancer.

Columbia, Sc

Working in the lab of Dr. Eugenia Broude and Dr. Igor Roninson, I research ways to use cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors to increase the reduction of tumor cell growth and enhance the target specificity of cancer drugs currently on the market. Our work is mainly focused on hormone receptor postive and negative breast cancers, but the potential therapeutic value of our work may be applied to many different types of cancer.

Fayetteville, North Carolina Area

Provided individualized tutoring for community college students in FTCC's science learning center. Quickly assessed the student's needs and assisted him or her in grasping concepts integral to the course material. Counselled students on study techniques and encouraged them to accept that at times learning is a struggle but hard work pays off. My areas of expertise are anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, basic chemistry, and pharmacology.

Fayetteville, North Carolina Area

I instructed adult students in Pharmacology and Anatomy & Physiology courses as part of their Medical Assisting curriculum. I created lecture slides and notes to help my students review class lectures, formulated homework assignments to reinforce key topics, and wrote tests to evaluate student learning. My goal was to present the information in a way that would give students a thorough understanding of the material while still respecting the time constraints of the adult learner, and providing a supportive classroom experience.

Columbia, Sc

Within the School of Pharmacy, my work focused on human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence, which can lead to cervical, head, and neck cancers. The lab performed a longitudinal study of HPV persistence in different ethnic backgrounds and we used this clinical data to explore possible genetic determinants, or biomarkers, that would predict premalignant or malignant disease. I used molecular biology techniques such as cell culture, nucleic acid isolation and purification, RNA amplification, qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and SNP genotyping (TaqMan platform). I analyzed and interpreted data from these experiments, maintained our database, did troubleshooting and optimized new protocols, trained lab personnel in various techniques, and assured lab was in compliance with all safety requirements. In addition, I edited scientific manuscripts for grammar and accuracy before submission for publication.

Louisville, Ky

My research focused on the tumor suppressor RASSFIA and its role in kidney, ovarian, and other cancers. One line of inquiry with pharmacologic implications demonstrated that a synergistic combination of DNMT inhibitors causing re-expression of the methylated RASSFIA gene sensitized ovarian cancer cells to the killing effects of the drug Taxol. In the research as a whole, the main techniques used to determine protein-protein interactions were immunoprecipitation, Western blot, and immunofluorescence colocalization studies. I generated knockdown and overexpressing cell lines, isolated DNA and constructed plasmids for cell transfection. Additionally, I trained undergraduate students in lab techniques and safety and created figures for scientific publications.

Portland, Oregon Area

I completed two and a half years of coursework while doing rotations in pharmacology, neurobiology and immunology labs. I joined a developmental biology and a neurobiology lab where I completed my master's thesis under joint mentorship. My thesis detailed the ability of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to increase CD44 expression in oligodendrocytes and enhance production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN gamma and TNFalpha, contributing to disease symptoms of multiple sclerosis. During this time, I regularly presented my results to various audiences, both orally and in written reports. I belonged to the Developmental Biology Journal Club and to the Cell Signaling Journal Club, participating in and leading discussions as a presenter.

Greater Seattle Area

Acted as liaison between clinic offices and hospital operating room. Scheduled surgeries, ensured availability of equipment for each procedure, alerted personnel of schedule changes and emergencies, arranged for patient transport. Checked physician orders, communicated with physicians, nurses, technicians, patients, and families. Worked part-time as secretary on oncology unit, post-surgical unit, and other inpatient units.

Master'S Degree In Cell And Molecular Biosciences, Biosciences

Activities and Societies: Cell Signaling Journal Club Developmental Biology Journal Club

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Journalism