Assistant Project

AM RI T A P URI

**** *. ***** **. *** G* Phone: *14- 441-2323

State College, PA 16803 Email:******@***.***

http://www.linkedin.com/in/amritapuri

EDUCATION:

Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Master of Science in Food Science (M.S) Expected Graduation: Fall 09 GPA: 3.68

Major: Food Science

Vellore Institute of Technology University, Vellore, India

Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology (B.tech) Graduation: May 2007 GPA: 8.8/10

Major: Biotechnology

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Research Assistant

Thesis project: Used microbiology and molecular biology tools to investigate the role of natural

microflora in survival of E. coli O157:H7 in cow-manure compost (currently writing a paper for

publication)

Side project: Phenotypic microarray to determine differences in carbon and nitrogen utilization of

genetically distinct E. coli O157:H7

Research contributes to a better understanding of food safety especially fo r people involved in

agricultural settings

Product Development

Led the product development team with my idea for a public survey

In the process of formulating a healthy dairy- based spread as a team

Sensory Panelist

Part of a descriptive panel that evaluated perceptibility and degree of four tastes in bread extracts

Regular participant in taste tests ranging from juices, hot-pockets and chips

Undergraduate Experience (Internships)

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India (Dec 06-May 07): Cloning, Overexpression and

Purification of Als5, a GPI-anchored protein in Candida albicans

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India (May-July 05): Expression and Purification of

OmpR-coded protein of Aeromonas hydrophila (EUS112) in E.coli

Indian Association for Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, India (June-July 04): Biochemical changes

in whey medium during the growth of Rhizopus oryzae

SKILLS:

HACCP certified

Proficient in Microbiology (Aseptic techniques, Aerobic/Anaerobic Plate counts, Pathogen

Detection Techniques, Culture techniques, Microscopic identification and examination)

Designed protocols and maintained an organized laboratory

Demonstrated analytical and troubleshooting skills

Demonstrated skills in managing change and maintaining flexibility in challenging environments

Excellent time management skills

Excellent Communication skills (oral and written)

Ability to work independently and in diverse teams

Proficient in Molecular Biology Techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, Gel Electrophoresis-Agarose,

SDS-PAGE, DGGE, PCR, RT-qPCR, Sequence Analysis, Western & Southern Blot, Cloning,

Transformation, Protein Expression, Purification)

Experienced in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook) and Internet applications

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE:

Graduate Student Representative, Food Science Department Fall 2008-2009

Food Science Club, Member Fall 2007- current

Department Social Committee, Member Fall 2008- current

Food Science Product Development Team, Member Fall 2009- current

OTHER JOB EXPERIENCES:

Sensory panelist, Food Science Department, Penn State 2008- current

Teaching Assistant, Microbiology Lab 409W Fall 2008

ACADEMIC AFFILIATIONS:

American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Student Member 2008- current

Poster presentation on research project at Annual ASM conference (Philadelphia) May 2009

Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Student Member 2009-current

AWARDS

College of Agricultural Sciences Travel Award Recipient for ASM Conference May 2009

REFERENCES:

Dr. Edward Dudley, Assistant Professor, Penn State ******@***.***

Dr. Stephen Knabel, Professor, Penn State ****@***.***

Dr. Stephanie Doores, Associate Professor, Penn State *****@***.***

Contact this candidate