Assistant Research

TARA C MAYO

*** ************* ******, ******, ** 02118

848-***-**** ****.****@******.*********.***

.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, PA, May 2010

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Boston,

MA February 2011-present

Trained as a Research Assistant within the Department of Medical Oncology,

Reinherz Laboratory. Greater understanding of epitope targets and the T

cell receptor have implications for effective vaccine development

applicable toward a variety of infectious diseases (Influenza, HPV, Merkel

Cell Carcinoma, HIV etc.). Prepared immunoprecipitation samples for the

detection of HLA-A02 epitope targets. Immunoprecipitation samples were

analyzed by state-of-the-art MS3 Poisson mass spectrometry. Conducted and

optimized Western Blot analysis for T cell HLA-A02 epitope proteins.

Performed cell culture maintenance techniques, specifically for human and

rodent T cell and Merkel cell lines. Responsible for Hazardous Waste

disposal in accordance to EH&S guidelines. Animal husbandry

responsibilities included breeding, sacrifice and organ/blood collection.

Effective communicator and troubleshooter, demonstrated by ability to

edit/provide constructive criticism for scientific papers and experiments.

Skills: Western Blott, Immunoprecipitation, rt-PCR, ELISA, ELISPOT, gel

casting, antibody purification, FACS

Cell Culture: DMEM media preperation and cell freezing, passaging,

harvesting (HLA-A02 lines, BEAS, Merkel Cell); Murine Model breeding,

sacrifice, organ removal dissection, subcutaneous/retro orbital injections

Microsoft Suite, Environmental Health & Safety compliance, grant/paper

editing, blood collection/processing, inventory management/ordering

"Defective expression of class I antigen presentation pathway members in

Merkel cell carcinoma may underlie low

MHC I expression and contribute to immune evasion" (May 2013, Journal of

Investigative Dermatology)

Pfizer Global Research & Development (PGRD), Groton, CT

Summer 2009

Interned in the Neuroscience Research Unit-Alzheimer's Disease as a

Laboratory Scientist through the PGRD Summer Student Program for twelve

weeks. Examined the role of endocannabinoids in LPS induced TNF-?

production using in vivo (mice model) and in vitro (astrocyte and

microglial cell culture) techniques. Conducted ELISAs to detect pro-

inflammatory cytokine concentration in the mouse model. Presented research

at Pfizer Summer Poster Session & LVSFN.

Skills: ELISA, Tissue Culture Preparation/Culture/Passage/Lyse microglial

and astrocyte cell lines

Murine Model intraperitoneal & subcutaneous injections, Oral gavage,

cardiac blood collection, microwave irradiation, micro-dissection

Poster: The Role of Endocannabinoids in LPS Induced TNF alpha production

Columbia University, New York, NY

Winter 2010

Conducted research on stem cells of the adult mammalian hippocampus, with

Lafayette alumna, for four days through the Lafayette Gateway Program.

Externship experience provided insight into the daily life of a

postdoctoral fellow and academic research in the Department of Psychiatry.

Skills: Immunohistochemistry, Parafin block mounting/histology/staining,

mouse breeding/dissection

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH), Bethesda, MD

Winter 2009

Observed Scientific Director of Cardiac Energetics lab for five days

through Lafayette Gateway Program. Research focused on the mitochondria of

cardiac muscle. Witnessed state-of-the-art in vivo imaging and its research

and clinical (MRI) applications. Gained insight into various careers

pertaining to biomedical research.

SKILLS

Animal Work: Familiarity with mouse model: handling, breeding,

intraperitoneal & subcutaneous injections

Oral gavage, retro-orbital and cardiac blood collection,

microwave irradiation, micro-dissection

Cell Culture: Freezing, feeding, passaging, lysing, and harvesting

various cell lines, hybridomas

Immunology: Western Blot, Immunoprecipitation, ELISA, ELISPOT, Antibody

Purification

Miscellaneous: SDS-PAGE, rt-PCR, FACS, NMR, histological preparations &

staining

Computer: Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop

Publications:

"A Comprehensive List of Current Therapies for the Treatment of Multiple

Sclerosis" (Accepted Summer 2013)

"Defective expression of class I antigen presentation pathway members in

Merkel cell carcinoma may underlie low

MHC I expression and contribute to immune evasion" (May 2013, Journal of

Investigative Dermatology)

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Emmanuel College Varsity Women's Lacrosse Program, Boston, MA Fall

2012-present

Assistant Coach: Provide mentoring, skill-based critique/feedback, and

gameplay strategy to players. Developed strength and conditioning regimen.

Spring 2013 season set record for most wins in program history.

Lafayette College Greater Boston Alumni Chapter, Boston, MA Fall 2012-

present

Committee Member: Aid in Alumni Interviewing for prospective students.

Implement networking/outreach events.

Lafayette College Rugby Club Team-Captain Spring 2010

Competed in Tryouts for USA Women's National Sevens Rugby Program

(Summer 2010)

Lafayette College Division I Varsity Women's Lacrosse Team Fall 2006-

2009

Competed in National Tournament (WDNT): First Round of US

Developmental Team Tryouts (2009)

Nationally Ranked 27th in NCAA Division I Groundballs (2007)

Girl Scouts of the USA-Lifetime Member and Gold Award Recipient

Contact this candidate