Project Assistant

JESSE ALEXANDER GRASSO, B.S.

*** *. ******** ****** *** 423 West Chester, Pa 19380

267-***-**** ***********@*****.***

OBJECTIVE

I am a motivated and dedicated research associate with strong laboratory skills and impressive research experiences who is seeking a rewarding research position.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PPD, Wayne, PA Associate Scientist October 2011-present

Associate Scientist:

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

* Perform standard control aliquots for use in the HPV PCR assays

* Perform real-time PCR of clinical samples using the Stratagene Mx3005P

* Isolate DNA from human clinical samples using QIAGEN Biorobot MDx for HPV PCR assays

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)

* Isolate DNA from lesion samples using QIAamp DNA Mini Kit

* Perform real-time PCR detection of Varicella-Zoster virus(VZV) and Herpes Simplex virus(HSV)

Rotavirus

* RNA extraction from biological samples using the NucliSens easyMAG system

* Perform RT-PCR on rotavirus VP4, VP6 and VP7 gene fragments following Qiagen OneStep RT-PCR kit

* Purification of amplified RT-PCR products using the QIAquick PCR Purification Kit

* Verification of RT-PCR products using gel electrophoresis

* Automated sequencing using the ABI 3730xl DNA Analyzer

Additional Lab Responsibilities

* Perform QC of all laboratory data

* Stocking laboratory with reagents and equipment through outside vendors

* Trending Freezer temperatures through use of GE Kaye monitoring system

LABORATORY EXPERIENCE

Independent Research Project Sept., 2010 – May, 2011

Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA

As an independent researcher working with a collaborative, group research team on discovering novel antibiotics from fungal endophytes I focused my research on developing less expensive, less toxic DNA extraction methods that would be more conducive for teaching laboratories. Significant procedures and techniques conducted for this project included, but weren't limited to, were: DNA extraction, DNA amplification through PCR, genetic sequencing, DNA sequence blast search via DNA library database, and conducted comparative data analysis. The findings were presented via an oral presentation at Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists (CPUB).

Lab Assistant - Intern June, 2010 – August, 2010

Penn State University, Crop and Soil Sciences Department, University Park, PA

As a Lab Assistant, I worked with Dr. Surinder Chopra on the epigenetic Unstable factor for orange 1 (UFO1) gene project. Significant lab responsibilities included daily field work to collect tissue samples, large sample quantity DNA extraction, DNA amplification via realtime PCR, and genetic sequencing.

EDUCATION

Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA

Bachelor of Science - Biology, May 2011

Significant Coursework:

Cellular and Molecular Biology Genetics

Microbiology Bioinformatics

Developmental Biology Botany

Biochemistry Advanced DNA methods

Immunology Organismal Physiology

LABORATORY SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE

Taxonomy Case Studies

Microscopy Fungal Subculture

DNA Isolation Field Identification

Gene Cloning Stages of Organism Development

DNA Sequencing PCR techniques

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

Biology Club

Colleges Against Cancer

Co-chair, Relay for Life

COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficient with MS Office, DNAstar,

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Sales Associate - Lowe's – Lock Haven & Quakertown, PA, 2007 - May, 2011 (full and part-time)

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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