Project Research

ZEENAT TINWALA

Houston, TX, USA Phone: 832-***-**** Email: ********@*****.***

OBJECTIVE

A highly motivated and passionate graduate, actively seeking a research position with the long-term aim

of building a scientific research career. I am enthusiastic to apply my theoretical and practical skills to

conduct research on biochemical level.

CURRENT EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

I have earned my masters from University of Houston-Clear Lake in Biotechnology with a focus on

Molecular Biotechnology. Alongside, I was involved in a course project in the research group of Dr. Lory

Z. Santiago-Vázquez wherein I worked on determining the effect of thermal and chemical stress on the

bacterial flora present in the gorgonian coral, Plexaura homomalla.

EDUCATION

2011-2013 MS Biotechnology University of Houston-Clear Lake

Course attended: Techniques in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Applied Biotechnology,

Eukaryotic Gene Expression, Bio-statistics & Bioethics.

2007-2011 Bachelor of Pharmacy K.M.Kundnani College of Pharmacy

Consisting of the modules: Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry,

Biotherapeutic, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics

&Pharmacology.

RESEARCH AND WORK EXPERIENCES

• November 2012- July 2013 Conference Coordinator University of Houston-Clear Lake

As a part of the Coordinator Committee for the 19th Annual Student Conference for Research & Creative

Arts, I was in charge of organizing the conference schedule and coordinate with the presenters and

evaluators.

• August 2012- May 2013 Research student University of Houston-Clear

Lake

I studied the effect of stress on the microbial diversity in the gorgonian coral Plexaura homomalla under

Dr. Lory Z. Santiago-Vázquez. This project involved cloning of the PCR amplified specific regions of the

ribosomal genes directly from environmentally isolated total DNA for the purpose of further sequencing

and performing phylogenetic analysis. We further analysed the presence of prostaglandins, PGE 2 and

PGA2 using HPLC, LC-MS and spectrophotometric analyses in the stressed coral samples.

• June 2012- August 2012 Research student University of Houston-Clear

Lake

I was working with Dr. Balzur Rashid to study the properties of modified Pfu Polymerase II protein

synthesised in the lab on a large scale and to compare it standard Pfu Polymerase II. We also analysed the

protein using techniques like HPLC, Mass Spec and UV-VIS spectrophotometry.

• March 2012- May 2012 Student Intern UniChem Pharmaceuticals, India

I was working in the Analytical department where I was involved in basic analysis (chemical and

microbiological) like Endotoxin, Microbial Limits, Sterility, Microbial Analysis, Heavy Metals test,

physical property tests and titrations of manufactured product, components, and manufacturing

environment. I learned how to read, understand and execute instructions in basic laboratory procedures as

well as follow written and verbal instructions.

• May 2010- June 2010 Student Intern Auro Chem Pharmaceutical, India

I had worked in the QA/QC department in the manufacture of tablets and capsules. I was in charge of

testing the incoming raw materials as well as checking manufactured tablets for defects and matched them

to the specified Indian Pharmacopoeia standards. Experienced in testing procedures like Shipping Test,

USP Weight variation allowance for uncoated tablets, USP Weight variation allowance for uncoated

tablets, Disintegration Tests and Dissolution testes.

SKILLS

• Skilled in Molecular biology techniques like Bacterial transformation, Cloning, protein

purification and column chromatography, Western Blotting, Yeast two-hybrid system, 2-D gel

electrophoresis, In-fusion PCR, RNA isolation and purification. Also trained in Microbiological

techniques like aseptic techniques, cell culturing, Microscopy, Streaking, Bio-assays like ELISA.

• Skilled in Analytical techniques like HPLC, LC/MS, Capillary Electrophoresis and UV-Vis

Spectrometry. Determining the physical properties of products.

• Very good presentation, interpersonal, people and leadership skills, a total team player. Excellent

communication and scientific writing skills.

• Formulate and prepare product prototype compounds in accordance to supervisory instructions

and/or established procedures with minimal supervision.

CONFERENCES AND PRESENTATIONS

• Poster Presentation: 19th Annual Student Conference for Research & Creative Arts, University of

Houston – Clear Lake, April 2013 “Does stress cause changes in the bacterial community

associated with the soft coral Plexaura homomalla?”

• Attended Indian Pharmaceutical Student Conference: Organizer IPA (Indian Pharmaceutical

Association), Mumbai University, August 2008

SOCIETY AND MEMBERSHIPS

• Member of Society of Experimental Biology (SEB): 2012 – present

• Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: 2011-2013

• Indian Student Association : 2011- present

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