Tani Leigh Email & Phone Number

Rockville, Maryland, United States

-Assist Scientists in development of GLP/GMP assays to test safety, purity, and potency of client biologics to ensure products are suitable for market-Participate in writing SOPs and laboratory/batch records- Perform various assays using biological techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, real time and digital droplet PCR, and fragment analysis-Program automated equipment (i.e. QIAGEN QIAgility)-Train new/junior colleagues on assays-Responsible for equipment maintenance and service, as well as laboratory housekeep and reagent preparation

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Characterized the effect of global knockout of adaptor protein LDLRAP1 on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) foam cell formation, atherogenesis, and metabolism. Isolated and cultured mouse VSMC from LDLRAP1-/- and wild-type mice and performed oxLDL uptake and proliferation assays. Performed carotid ligations on LDLRAP1-/- and wild-type mice, and measured neointima formation on H&E-stained sections after four weeks of chow or high-fat diet. Quantified plaque formation in aortic arches of LDLRAP1-/-, LDLRAP1+/-, and wild-type mice after 16 weeks of a high-fat diet. Evaluated insulin sensitivity of LDLRAP1-/- and wild-type mice with insulin tolerance testing and observed metabolic differences using metabolic cages. Lastly, characterized LDLRAP1-/- and wild-type mice adipose and insulin sensitivity by determining relative levels of hypertrophy, hypoxia, glucose uptake, and CD36 and pAKT expression.

Greater Boston Area

Assisted in the study of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 1 and 2’s role in vascular dysfunction and tumor angiogenesis in mouse models. Managed and genotyped S1P knockout and gain-of-function mice, maintained mammalian cell cultures, performed western blotting on cell lystates, and sectioned and stained paraffin- and OCT-embedded mouse tumors. In September 2016 the Hla lab moved from Weill Cornell Medicine to Boston Children’s Hospital following Dr. Hla’s new appointment at Harvard Medical School/BCH to continue work on S1P.

Manhattan, New York

Manhattan, New York

Greeted patients and escorted them to examination room, took patient vitals, and performed basic diagnostic tests such as rapid strep, rapid flu, EKG, and urinalysis. Utilized EHR software Aprima and eClinicalWorks to record patient medical history, current physical condition, and physician’s examination, as well as to submit prescriptions and generate information on the patient’s diagnosis. Assisted physician in procedures including suture/staple application and removal, wound care, cyst/abscess drainage, and IV/vaccination administration.

Kingston, Rhode Island

Instructed Introductory Microbiology (MIC 201), Introductory Biology (BIO 103), and Biology of Algae (BIO 365) laboratory classes. Lectured students at the beginning of each lab to supplement class material and give background on laboratory activities. Guided students in completing laboratory assignments and reports, created quizzes and exams to assess student knowledge, and held office hours and communicated through e-mail to answer any questions.

Characterized the genetic expression of novel centric diatom “URI BA-1” under multiple nutrient limited conditions. Cultured unknown species of Thalassiosira under iron-, nitrate-, silicate-, and phosphorus-depleted environments, and extracted RNA from each condition to submit for sequencing. Assembled and analyzed transcriptome data using bioinformatics software to determine which genes were up- or down-regulated in response to each variable compared to replete conditions.

Clinton, New York

Performed my own project in which I attempted to evaluate the quality of ribosomal protein sequences as molecular markers for reconstructing the eukaryotic phylogenetic tree, as well as to assess the validity of the unikont-bikont theory. Primarily utilized programs and resources such as the KEGG database, BioEdit, T-Coffee and Prottest in order to collect sequence information and construct a variety of phylogenetic trees for 36 eukaryotic species. Viewed and manipulated trees using the Dendroscope software in order to interpret results.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Biomedical Sciences

Bachelor Of Arts, Biology, Japanese Minor

Activities and Societies: Muslim Students Association, Secretary (2009 to 2012); HAVOC (Hamilton College Association for Volunteering.

Cell And Molecular Biology

Education record

Activities and Societies: SISEC - Sophia International Student Exchange Council, 紀尾井 LGBT Salon Study Abroad Semester