Assistant Manager

Phuong H. Nguyen

Los Angeles, CA ***** 714-***-**** ******.***@*****.***

www.linkedin.com/pub/phuong-nguyen/33/1ba/465

SUMMARY of QUALIFICATIONS

Dynamic and mindful biophysicist who is trained for problem solving,

critical thinking and can perform well under pressure. Strong background

in utilizing applications of biophysical techniques to study and

investigate biological properties of nucleic acids and nucleic

acids/proteins complexes small/large systems including functions,

structures and dynamics. Extensive understanding of bio-molecules

optimizations and mutations. Specialties include: biophysical spectroscopy,

biochemical assays

Spectroscopy cw/pulsed-EPR, UV-VIS, MALDI mass spectrometer,

fluorescence, NMR, CD, IR

Chromatography HPLC/FPLC (size exclusion, RP, ICE, affinity)

Biological PCR, oligo-nucleotide primer design, RNA in-vitro transcription

and purification, biochemical assays development, protein

expression and purifications, SDS-PAGE, gel electrophoresis,

western blotting, radioactive 32P labeling, DNA sequencing,

biological systems design

Leadership Mentored two USC-REU summer research undergraduate students

(2010-2011)

Miscellaneous MATLAB, computer skills, graphic design and photography

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Chemistry - University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA

2014 (expected)

Student Travel Award for 55th Rocky Mountain Conference, 2013

Benson Endowed Fellowship, 2010-Present

Bachelor of Science, Chemistry (Cum Laude) - Truman State University (TSU),

Kirksville, MO May 2008

Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges, 2008

Provost's List, 2004-2008

President's Honorary Scholarship, 2004-2008

EXPERIENCE

Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California 2008 -

Present

Graduate Research Assistant: Advisor, Prof. Peter Z. Qin

. Collaborate with researchers worldwide such as Stanford University,

University of Minnesota, University of Pecs, and Science Institute

of the University of Iceland

. Expertise in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to

study structures, functions and dynamics of small and large nucleic

acid systems as well as DNA/proteins complexes (CS DNA, group I

intro/ribozyme, p53 tumor suppressor RE)

. Successfully developed the first application of rigid magnetic

probes to monitor variations in nanosecond collective motions in

large RNA systems which greatly enhanced signal sensitivity and

specificity

. Hands-on experience on biochemical assays

. Great understanding of bio-molecule mutations and optimizations to

maintain the native condition

. Performed preliminary experiments and assisted in grant proposals

writing (NSF, NIH) led to successful funding

. Extensive planning to ensure the specific timelines are followed and

deadlines are achieved

. Create and update data spreadsheets along with presentations to

record and share discoveries

. Construct detailed timelines including resources and equipment

needed, and justifications for use

Department of Chemistry, Truman State University 2005-2008

Undergraduate Research Assistant: Advisor, Prof. Ken Carters

. Epidemiological kinetics: constructed compartment model to predict the

contagious spread of H5N1 influenza A virus in controlled environment

Student Building Manager: Student Union Building

. Managed a team of 4 student building assistants

. Organized on-campus events and interacted with Student Union customers

Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin 2007

Summer Research Assistant: Advisor, Prof. Neil Hogg

. Developed an alternative cost effective immuno-spin-trap for dual

protein detection via EPR spectroscopy and western blotting

PUBLICATIONS

Nguyen, P., Shi, X., Sigurdsson, S., Herschlag, D., Qin, P. Z., (2013) "A

single-stranded junction modulates nanosecond motional ordering of the

substrate recognition helix of a group I ribozyme", ChemBioChem 14, 1720-

1723

Phuong Nguyen, Peter Z. Qin, (2012) "RNA dynamics: perspectives from spin

labels." WIREs: RNA, 3, 62-72

SELECTIVE CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Jul 2013 "A single-stranded junction modulates nanosecond motional

ordering of the substrate recognition helix of a group I

ribozyme", 55th Rocky Mountain Conference on Magnetic Resonance,

Denver, Colorado

Aug 2012 "Rigid nitroxides: advanced nitroxide spin probe to monitor RNA

nanosecond dynamics", 6th Annual iPIDD retreat, Los Angeles,

California

April 2012 "Probing nanosecond motions of large RNA systems using a semi-

rigid bifunctional nitroxide", 40th John Stauffer Distinguished

Lecture in the Sciences Poster Session, Los Angeles, California

Jun 2011 "A single-stranded junction modulates nanosecond motion of the

substrate recognition duplex of a large RNA", 5th Annual iPIDD

retreat, Burbank, California

Feb 2010 "Probing nanosecond motions of the substrate recognition duplex

in a large RNA system using a rigid nitroxide", 54th Biophysical

Society Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

International Electron-Paramagnetic Resonance Society

Biophysical Society

National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Alpha Chi Sigma

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