Perry (PJ) Mitchell
University of South Florida
Department of Chemistry
Tampa, Fl 33620
acennd@r.postjobfree.com
Education:
Univ. of South Florida (2011- Present)
Ph.D in Chemistry, Bio-Organic Emphasis
Adviser: Dr. David J. Merkler
Expected Graduation: December 2015
Current work is in the elucidation of the biosynthetic routes for N-acylated
dopamines in C. Elegans.
Univ. of South Florida (2006 - 2010)
B.A. in Chemistry - Biochemistry Emphasis; Minor in Ancient History
Undergraduate research focus was in organic and peptide synthesis as well as
enzymatic kinetic studies.
Graduation GPA: 3.67
USF Honors College Member, USF Chemistry Society Member
St. Petersburg College (1/2002 – 5/2006)
A.A. w/ Chemistry Emphasis
Graduation GPA: 3.88
Dean’s Honor List, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Member
Professional Experience:
Essilor of America, Inc. (1/2006 – 6/2006)
Chemical R&D Intern
Performed various materials science techniques in relation to the development of a
novel fog-resistant polymer lens coating.
St. Petersburg College (5/2003 – 5/2006)
Chemical Laboratory Assistant
Performed the setup and maintenance of college-level chemistry teaching labs, as
well as determined the physical and chemical properties of various compounds used
in laboratory coursework. Other duties included the restocking and maintenance of
chemical storage facilities, disposal, and equipment.
Teaching Experience:
Univ. South Florida (2011 - Present)
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Instruction, supervision, facilitation and development of:
General Chemistry I & II labs (16 students per section)
General Chemistry for Engineers labs (18 students per section)
Organic Chemistry I & II labs (13 students per section)
Biochemistry lab (14 students per section)
Awards/Fellowships
USF Graduate School/Academy for Teaching & Learning Excellence: Provost’s
Teaching Assistant Award – Awarded Spring 2012
USF Foundation Diversity Fellowship – Awarded Fall 2012 (3 years, $12,000/yr)
Research Interests
Current research interests focus on investigations into the biological availability and
viability of N-acylated tyramines and tyrosines as potential biochemical precursors to
N-acylated dopamines. This research includes investigations into the elucidation of
N-acylated dopamines within C. Elegans. Some of the methods utilized in this
research include culturing, cellular extraction/purification, rtPCR, oxyelectrode
kinetics, UV-Vis, NMR, LC/GC/MS and novel organic synthesis techniques.
Memberships in Professional Societies:
American Chemical Society (2004 - present)
Manuscripts in Preparation/Publications
Perry Mitchell Jr., David J. Merkler; N-acyltyrosines as Potential Precursors to N-
acyldopamine via Oxidation by Tyrosinase. For: Biological & Pharmaceutical
Bulletin
Presentations
Perry Mitchell, Jacob A. Shafer, Sumit Handa, David J. Merkler; N-acyltyramines
and N-acyltyrosines as Substrates for Tyrosinase (poster). Florida Annual Meeting
and Exposition [FAME] 2011, Palm Harbor, Fl.
Perry Mitchell, Jacob A. Shafer, Sumit Handa, David J. Merkler; N-acyltyramines
and N-acyltyrosines as Substrates for Tyrosinase (poster). Raymond N. Castle
Conference 2011, Tampa, Fl.