Emma Hoffman, PhD

***** ************* *****, ****, **, 27511 C: 919-***-**** ac0ssm@r.postjobfree.com

SUMMARY

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with 6 years of combined research experience in neuroscience, cancer biology, and pre-clinical studies of new therapeutics including gene therapy. Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in a range of cellular, molecular, and biochemical techniques associated with designing and executing studies in animal and in vitro models of human disease. This includes a high level of competency in PCR/qRT-PCR, mammalian cell culture, ELISA, and DNA/RNA isolation. Adept at planning, organising, and managing multi-disciplinary projects independently or collaboratively, particularly where high attention to detail and accurate record keeping are a must. Passionate about progress in developing innovative biopharmaceuticals and understanding translational priorities in research.

HIGHLIGHTS

Trained in RNA extraction, cDNA preparation, and PCR/qRT-PCR (incl. genotyping)

Experience of optimising ELISA and Flow Cytometry assays

Proficiency in cell culture techniques including DNA transfection

Expertise in immunofluorescence and IHC/ICC

Excellent computer and organizational skills

Plasmid preparation, AAV virus production

Confident in statistical analysis (Excel and SPSS), manuscript writing, and presenting research reports orally or in written format

EDUCATION

12/2009 – 02/2014 PhD, Biology (Specialization: Neuroscience and Behavior)

PI: Prof. Jane Hurst, MBE Group, University of Liverpool, UK

Thesis: “Sexual communication in mice: linking male signals, female learning, and adult neurogenesis”

09/2004 – 06/2007 BSc Biology Hons

University of Nottingham, UK

Dissertation: “Elucidation of a genetic regulatory network (GRN) for T-Cell development”

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

12/2016 – Present Research Associate

Gene Therapy Center, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC

Development of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene vector systems for clinically-relevant global gene transfer to the central and peripheral nervous system.

RNA extraction and cDNA preparation for downstream PCR/qPCR

Cell culture, DNA transfection, plasmid preparation and QC analysis

Develop and manage project to genotype and phenotype mouse model of Rett Syndrome

Analysis of preclinical AAV therapeutic treatment outcomes

Mouse surgery, blood collection and necropsy

IHC/IF microscopy and Western Blots

Perform extensive statistical analysis and regularly compile progress and QC reports

Write manuscripts for publication and present work at research consortium meetings

03/2016 - 09/2016 Research Assistant

Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, UK

Development of strategies to target HOX transcription factors in cancer

Sterile technique, cell culture techniques and transfection procedures

PCR/qPCR for gene profiling of in vitro models before and after drug treatment

Optimisation of flow cytometry assays

MTT and Caspase-3 cell assays

Detailed analysis of cancer cell and tumour pathology: IHC/ICC/IF of spheroids/tissues

Bradford assays, SDS-PAGE and Western Blotting

Supervision of undergraduate pathology projects

10/2014 - 10/2015 Research Associate

Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK

Dystroglycan phosphorylation as a therapeutic target for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Project management: selection, administration, and evaluation of a range of small molecule inhibitor drugs at varying timescales and doses

Cognitive, behavioural and physiological phenotyping of disease model

Collection of blood samples and subsequent serum marker analysis

Extensive necropsy and tissue collection

Detailed analysis of muscle pathophysiology

SDS-PAGE and Western Blotting

Presentation of research outcomes at international meetings and conferences

09/2007 – 01/2009 Microbiology Analyst

ALcontrol Laboratories, Bradford, UK

Testing water samples from public sources (e.g. hospitals, swimming pools) for the presence of Legionella species in a GMP/GLP environment

Receipt and logging of water samples

Filtration of samples using in-house processing system and sterile technique

Manufacture of agar plates and culture of filtrates

Detection and secondary culturing of Legionella spp.

Reporting outcomes on LIMS system and subsequent report preparation for clients

Leader of working group for development of new practices to improve efficiency and accuracy of sample processing

PUBLICATIONS

Hoffman, E., & Winder S.J. (2016) A Modified Wire Hanging Apparatus for Small Animal Muscle Function Testing. PLOS Currents Muscular Dystrophy May 2 Edition 1

Hoffman, E., LaRiviere, T., Miller, G., & Winder, S. (2015) Repurposed cancer therapeutics as treatments for DMD. Abstracts of the UK Neuromuscular Translational Research Conference 2015. Neuromuscular Disorders 25, Supplement 1

Hoffman, E., Mclean, L., Pickavance, L., Thippeswamy, S., Beynon, R.J., & Hurst, J.L. (2015) The male sex pheromone darcin stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis and cell proliferation in the subventricular zone in female mice. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 9, 106.

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