Leleesha Samaraweera, Ph.D

ac0hrg@r.postjobfree.com (m) 347-***-****

Executive Summary

Comprehensive knowledge of oncology therapeutic areas and familiarity with other diseases

Background in translational drug development and pre-clinical research

Experience in project management and development of collaborations with scientists and physicians

Knowledge of equity research and financial modeling

Competent communicator of science to a variety of audiences with varying degrees of scientific complexity

Education

Ph.D Cell and Molecular Biology, Fordham University, NY (GPA 3.9) 2011

M.S Cell and Molecular Biology, Fordham University, NY (GPA 3.9) 2006

B.S Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka 2002

Certificate in Marketing, Institute of Marketing, Colombo, Sri Lanka 2001 Course in Design and Conduct of Clinical Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY 2015

Scientific Research and Communication Experience

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 2011 - Present

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Translational Oncology Research)

Managed multiple research projects while collaborating with scientists and physicians representing diverse

scientific disciplines (pathologists, biostatisticians and oncologists)

Evaluated novel therapeutic interventions to eradicate therapy-resistance in multiple cancer types

Presented scientific research at international conferences (AACR) and oncology research interest groups at Einstein and Montefiore Medical Center

Served as a reviewer for scientific journals

Mentored physician scientists and graduate students

Therapeutic areas: cytotoxics, targeted-therapy, immuno-oncology, lung cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, Inflammation, drug resistance, biomarkers, senescence, cancer dormancy

Fordham University, Bronx, NY 2004 – 2011

Graduate Research Assistant (Oncology Research)

Characterized neuroblastoma cell heterogeneity (including cancer stem cells) using genome-wide miRNA profiling

Published two research articles in peer-reviewed journals

Presented scientific research at international conferences and departmental seminars

Therapeutic areas: neuroblastoma, cancer stem cells, tumor cell differentiation, microRNA

Fordham University, Bronx, NY 2010 – 2011

Post-Doctoral Teaching Fellow

Developed course curriculum and lecture notes

Lectured both introductory (40+ students) and senior level classes

Mentored graduate students with their independent research projects (biotechniques.org)

Fordham University, Bronx, NY 2004 – 2010

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Conducted laboratory classes in genetics, anatomy and introductory biology (20+ students)

Marketing/Business Development Experience

MAS Holdings, Colombo, Sri Lanka 2002 - 2003

Senior Merchandiser

Analyzed market trends and capitalized on market opportunities through new product development

Liaised and managed all activities between customers and process teams (planning and production)

Publications and Presentations

Samaraweera L, Liu L, Vogt M, Suzuki M, Ye K, Ling J, Horwitz S, and McDaid H. “Chemotherapy-Induced Senescence Contributes to the Drug Resistant Phenotype to Drive Features of Cancer Immortality”. Manuscript in Preparation.

Samaraweera L, Adomako A, Rodriguez-Gabin, A and McDaid H. A Novel Indication of Panobinostat as a Senolytic for NSCLC and HNSCC. Sci Rep, 2017. 7(1): p. 1900.

Samaraweera L, Spengler B, Ross R. Reciprocal Antagonistic Regulation of N-myc mRNA by miR-17 and the Neuronal-Specific RNA-Binding Protein HuD. Oncology Reports, In press.

Samaraweera L, Grandinetti KB, Huang R, Spengler BA and Ross RA. MicroRNAs Define Distinct Human Neuroblastoma Cell Phenotypes and Regulate Their Differentiation and Tumorigenicity. BMC cancer 14: 309, 2014

Hou JY, Rodriguez-Gabin A, Samaraweera L, Hazan R, Goldberg GL, Horwitz SB, McDaid HM. “Exploiting MEK Inhibitor-Mediated Activation of ERα for Therapeutic Intervention of ER-Positive Ovarian Carcinoma. PLoS one. 2013; 8 (2):e54103

Samaraweera L, Liu L., Suzuki M, Horwitz S, and McDaid H. “Senescence Reversion Contributes to Acquired Drug Resistance” AACR 103rd Annual Meeting; Chicago, IL. 2012

Samaraweera L, Grandinetti, BK, Huang R., Spengler BA, and Ross RA. “MicroRNAs Regulate Cell Phenotype and N-myc Expression in Human Neuroblastoma Cells” Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research (AACR conference), Boston, MA. 2009

Other Interests

Involved in academic enrichment programs in STEM fields for minority and economically disadvantaged students (STEP/CSTEP program in Fordham University)

Passionate for ecology research and wildlife conservation efforts (Former President of “March for Conservation Society” in Sri Lanka)

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