Objective:
Permanent position involving lab automation

Experience Summary:
Contracted to Merck Automated Biotechnology Department. Performed primary screens using high throughput technology, primarily on the Kalypsys HTS system. Performed novel experiments to characterize systems and developed protocols to use new technology. Worked closely with assay development to successfully transfer enzymatic and biological systems to 1536 well format. Also assisted compound management in replication and maintenance of the compound collection, as well as replication and transfers into higher density plates.

Professional Experience:
Merck (contracted through Kelly Scientific)
October 2004 ?present
As Kalypsys Operator:
Perform primary screens in 1536 well format using Kalypsys HTS system.
Run validation and stability tests in preparation for primary screening.
Run counter screens, confirmation assays, and follow-up assays to ensure accuracy of hit selection generated by primary screens.
Maintain instrument database and schedule repairs and PMs on laboratory instruments.
Characterized high volume (100nL) compound transfers in 1536 well format using Kalypsys pintool.
Developed Cartesian X methods for reliably dispensing various types of spa beads.
Developed database for tracking and ordering consumable items in the lab.

As Compound Management Operator:
Replicate compound collection for use on the Kalypsys HTS system and Aurora uHTS system.
Replicate and transfer compounds between 96, 384, and 1536 well formats using Biomek FX.
Transfer compounds from 384 well Aurora source plates to 3456 well assay plates using Piezo Sample Distribution Robot (PSDR).
Operate and maintain REMP Automated Storage System.
Operate and maintain Aurora Automated Storage System.

Education:
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Masters of Science: Chemistry
Summer 2003 - Fall 2004
2 semesters complete

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
Bachelor of Science: Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science: Bioinformatics
Cumulative GPA: 3.1 Graduation Date: May 20, 2003

Academic Research:
Graduate:
Research with Dr. Susan Gregurick, summer 2003 - fall 2004
Used GAMESS to computationally optimize the structure of the alanine zwitterion and predict its vibrational spectroscopy.

Undergraduate:
Research with Dr. Julian Snow, summer 2000, spring 2002, spring 2003
Used fluorimetry to determine the change in the diffusion rate of glucose through phospho-lipid vesicles when an amphipathic drug Dibucane is added.
Research with Dr. Julian Snow, fall 2001
Used a high performance isothermal titration
calorimeter to determine binding constants of proteins

Skills and Instrumentation:
Biomek FX
REMP Automated Storage System
Fluorimetry (Safire2, Victor2, Spectrafluor, Viewlux)
Kalypsys System (Pintool, Bottlevalve, Dispenser, Director)
Aurora Piezo Sample Distribution Robot
Aurora Automated Storage System
Aurora High Capacity Stacker System
Aurora FRD
Cybio Cybi-well
Computer Programming and Simulations (UNIX, C++, Visual Basic)
Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
Isothermal Titration Calorimetry
Infra-red Spectrophotometry
Limited HPLC, NMR, EPR experience

Honors:
Merit Award Scholarship, half tuition
AAAS/Merck Undergraduate Research Grant
Theodore Myers Scholarship
Sigma Xi Research Symposium
USP Student Leader of the Year, 2003
Who Who Among College Campuses, 2003
Charter Member: Pennsylvania Thespian Society Stage Crew Hall of Fame

References available upon request.

LRIG Forum

Administrator: Andy Zaayenga, [email protected]

?2002 Laboratory Robotics Interest Group