Research Biochemist

B urzin J . C havda

* * ** ** *** *R, Binghamton, NY 13901 ( 607) 217 - 8348 (M) b *****.******@*****.** m

SUMMARY

Technically skilled biochemist specializing in protein biochemistry . Recent PhD graduate with over

six years experience in laboratory research involving protein purification and characterization,

analytical assay development, and enzymology. Hands-on experience with numerous biochemistry,

molecular biology, and microbiology laboratory techniques. Dependable and self-motivated

individual proficient at rapid uptake of new methods, tools, and ideas. Extensive supervisory and

teaching experience.

EDUCATION

Ph.D., State University of New York at Binghamton, Feb 2013

Doctorate, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

M.Sc., University of Mumbai, India, Jun 2006

Masters of Science, Biochemistry (First Class)

B.Sc., University of Mumbai, India, Jun 2004

Bachelors of Science, Biochemistry/Life Sciences (First Class with Distinction)

EXPERIENCE

Research Assistant / Ph.D. Candidate, Sep 2006 – Dec 2012

Laboratory of Dr. Karl A. Wilson (Proteolysis in Plants; Proteomics of Multigene Families)

Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Binghamton

Designed and implemented methodologies for purification of proteolytic enzymes utilizing various

chromatographic modalities (IEC, SEC, HIC, Covalent, Affinity).

Developed and optimized in vitro enzymatic assays with native protein and synthetic substrates.

Developed a unique ‘targeted in vivo inactivation’ approach using specific inhibitors and confocal

microscopy leading to successful establishment of the role of membrane proton pumps in a critical

plant metabolic pathway.

Analyzed applicability of novel approaches such as activity-based probes, organomercurial affinity

chromatography, and thiol-sepharose covalent chromatography to purify plant cysteine proteases.

Trained and supervised a team of research assistants with respect to experimental design,

biostatistics, and execution of protocols involving SDS-PAGE, protein purification, and other

biochemical techniques.

Gained experience with mass spectrometry-based (MS/MS and MALDI-TOF) techniques.

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Jan 2007 – Jun 2011

Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Binghamton

Instructed groups of 20-30 students in biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory techniques.

Assisted in teaching and evaluating all associated course material.

Led discussion sessions and held regular office hours to advise and aid in student progress.

Responsibilities also included ordering supplies, designing experiments, lab preparative work, and

maintenance of laboratory safety practices.

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Courses Taught Biochemistry Laboratory (4 semesters)

Molecular Genetics (3 semesters)

Molecular Biology Laboratory

Introductory Biology

Tutor, Molecular Genetics, Jan 2011 – May 2011

Cultivated interest and tutored a group of underrepresented minority students in the subject of

molecular genetics.

Co-mentor, Summer Research Program, May – July 2009 and 2010

SUNY Upstate Bridges to a Baccalaureate Program

Trained and supervised visiting students in all aspects towards successful completion of their

summer research projects.

AWARDS

Amruta Rao Memorial Scholarship, Dec 2004

Department of Biochemistry, The Institute of Science, University of Mumbai, India

Life Science Merit Award (Stood 1st in the discipline), April, 2003

Roots-n-Genes Biological Society, Jai Hind College, University of Mumbai, India

ACQUIRED SKILLS

Protein Biochemistry Molecular Biology

Ion Exchange (IEC), Size Exclusion (SEC), PCR

Bacterial Transformation

Affinity, Hydrophobic Interaction (HIC), and

Restriction Mapping

Covalent Chromatography

HPLC Plasmid and Genomic DNA Isolation

Various Extraction, Pre-fractionation, Cloning into Plasmid Vectors

Dialysis, and Concentration techniques

Other

Ultrafiltration

SDS-PAGE and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

Quantitative (protein) Assays

Western and Southern Blotting

Gel-based and Colorimetric Enzyme Assays

General Microbiology techniques

Enzyme Kinetics

Software

Zymography and Electrophoretic Transfer

MS-Office Suite

Protein Zymography

SigmaPlot

Protein Identification by LC-MS/MS and

Image analysis (Quantity One-BioRad, Kodak

MALDI-TOF

1D)

Sample prep. for mass spectrometry

Protein ID tools (MS-Fit, MASCOT, etc.)

Protein Conjugation/Labeling

Various web-based bioinformatic tools

Activity-based probes

INTERESTS

Emerging trends in protein expression, purification, and characterization

Team Sports

Street Magic

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