Iris M. Geisler, Ph.D.
**** ********* ** *****:765-***-****
Frederick, MD 21701 e-mail: d6a695@r.postjobfree.com
Citizenship: Germany VISA Type/Work Authorization: F-1, Optional Practical Training (OPT)
CAREER OBJECTIVE Detail-oriented and goal-driven bioorganic chemist seeking a position in the
chemical industry that will utilize my versatility as both a chemist (organic
synthesis and solid phase peptide synthesis skills) and a biologist (cell culture and cellular assay development skills).
HIGHLIGHTS
• Synthesized novel cell penetrating agents for efficient cell delivery of therapeutics and probes
• High proficiency and troubleshooting skills in techniques relating to organic synthesis, solid phase peptide synthesis, microscopy (Confocal and EPI fluorescence), mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry
• Proficient in techniques such as Rheology, HPLC, MALDI, ESI, CD, NMR, UV/Vis, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy
• Fluent in German and English
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry December 2009
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Jean Chmielewski
Dissertation Title: Cationic Amphiphilic Polyproline Helices (CAPHs) for Cell Delivery
B.S. in Chemistry May 2004
Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL
Magna Cum Laude
A.S. in Chemistry May 2002
College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL
High Honors
RESEARCH/WORK EXPERIENCE
Postdoctoral Research, Visiting Fellow, National Institute of Health/
National Cancer Institute, Joel Schneider, Ph.D. August 2010-present
• Design, synthesis and characterization of linear beta-sheet forming peptides for hydrogel formation
• Studied the rheological properties of hydrogel forming peptides
• Investigation of novel peptides as anti cancer agents using cell based assays
Postdoctoral Research, Purdue University, Prof. Jean Chmielewski January 2010-June 2010
• Investigating metal triggered collagen assembly for tissue engineering
Dissertation Research, Purdue University, Prof. Jean Chmielewski August 2004-2009
• Synthesized novel cell penetrating peptides (CPP) for efficient cell delivery of therapeutics and probes
• Synthesized modified hydroxyproline amino acids functionalized via O-alkylation
• Designed and synthesized a novel Fmoc-amino diacid using a total synthesis strategy
• Synthesized and optimized conditions for the creation of peptide dimers and trimers on solid support
• Implemented DNA delivery using an all cationic CPP as a model for siRNA delivery
• Developed problem solving and troubleshooting skills to overcome the challenges of synthesizing complex peptides on solid support
• Displayed proficiency in techniques such as HPLC, MALDI, ESI, CD, NMR, rheology, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy
AuPair in America, Downers Grove/Hinsdale, IL 1999-2000
• Developed time management, multi tasking and communication skills while responsibly
caring for children
• Acquired skill in effectively communicating with children, parents and grandparents
• Mastered English as a second language
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Purdue University Teaching Assistant 2004-2008
• Head teaching assistant for organic chemistry lecture 2007-2008
- Assisted with exam preparation and classroom setup/preparation
- Coordinated exam grading assignments for a group of teaching assistants
• Recitation TA 2007
- Conducted weekly lectures/problem solving sessions
• Supervised and worked with other graduates and undergraduates within
the laboratory 2005-2006
• Teaching assistant for organic laboratory undergraduate classes 2004-2006
Elmhurst College Chemistry Tutor 2003-2004
AFFILIATIONS
Member, American Chemical Society 2008-present
Member, Phi Lambda Upsilon, Nu Chapter (National Chemistry Honorary) 2006-present
Member, Phi Theta Kappa, (Honor Society for the 2 year colleges) 2000-present
ACHIEVEMENTS AND HONORS
• Research poster award recipient H. C. Brown Symposium, Purdue University April 2009
• Rudolf J. Priepke Award for Scholastic Achievement in Chemistry, Elmhurst College May 2004
• Sophomore Organic Chemistry Award, Elmhurst College 2002-2003
• The Palmer Scholarship for chemistry majors, Elmhurst College 2002-2003
• National Dean’s List 2001-2004
PUBLICATIONS
1. Li, L.; Geisler, I.; Chmielewski, J.; Cheng, J. X., Cationic amphiphilic polyproline
helix P11LRR targets intracellular mitochondria. J Control Release 2009.
2. Geisler, I.; Chmielewski, J., Cationic amphiphilic polyproline helices: side-chain variations and cell-
specific internalization. Chem Biol Drug Des 2009, 73 (1), 39-45.
3. Zhu, H.; Coleman, D. M.; Dehen, C. J.; Geisler, I. M.; Zemlyanov, D.; Chmielewski, J.; Simpson, G.
J.; Wei, A., Assembly of dithiocarbamate-anchored monolayers on gold surfaces in aqueous
solutions. Langmuir 2008, 24 (16), 8660-6.
4. Geisler, I.; Chmielewski, J., Probing length effects and mechanism of cell penetrating agents
mounted on a polyproline helix scaffold. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2007, 17 (10), 2765-8.
References available upon request.