Research, Biology

LAURA ASHLEY ARONOW

617-***-****(c; ********@*****.***

** ****** ******, ********** ** 02143

OBJECTIVE: To obtain a preclinical research position where I can utilize my molecular/cell biology skills, while leveraging my in vivo experience, to answer specific biology questions.

SKILLS:

In vitro/cell culture: cell-line expansions; suspension, semi-adherent, adherent cell lines; cell fixation; compound screening (small molecule, siRNA); cell factories (triples, hyperflasks, hyper stacks); qRT-PCR

Sample processing: Leica Microsystems certification, PKPD collection, tissue fixation, slice preparation, fixed tissue/cell mircroscopy, tumor lysates, qRT-PCR, Elisa

In vivo: orthotopic implantation (survival surgery), dosing (PO, IV, IM, SQ, IN, IP), calipering, depilation, RFID tagging, perfusion/fixation, euthanasia (CO2, cervical dislocation, guillotine)

Systems: Licor, Leica, Zeiss, CRi Maestro, Xenogen, ART Optix, and µCT; IgorPro; Graphic Converter; Psycope; Prizm; SigmaStat; SPSS; MS Office Suite; other applications specified upon request.

Equipment: Leica ASP300s, ViCell, hemocytometer, cryostat, electrophysiology rig, vibratome, microtome, confocal microscope, micropipette-puller, wet lab equipment & materials, optical and bioluminescent imaging systems

EXPERIENCE:

Scientific Associate II

Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA

November 2007 – current

Biologics/siRNA

• Leica Microsystems Certificate for tissue processing on ASP300S

• Performed in vitro and in vivo screens of siRNA formulations and conjugates for target specificity, knockdown, and toxicity

• Carried out PKPD studies and quality control assays to quantitate siRNA in plasma and tissue samples

• Processed samples for frozen or paraffin embedded immunohistology analysis.

Pharmacology

• Received Catalyst Award, 2010

• Performed in vitro and in vivo model development, efficacy (single-agent and combination), maximum tolerated dose, dose-response, and PKPD studies in various cell and xenograft models

• Performed tissue culture for suspension and adherent oncogenic human cell lines including novel mutant lines and primary tumor/fragment passaging

Imaging

• Received Catalyst Award, 2008

• Utilized optical imaging modalities in partnership with various disease areas to investigate basic biological questions, do target validation, test toxicity, and track biodistribution of novel therapeutics in vivo

• Conducted research on relevance and efficacy of new optical probes and assay techniques for use in future projects

• Performed drug preparation; animal and tissue perfusion/fixation, and optical, bioluminescent, and microCT imaging

Research Associate

John Lisman Lab, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA

December 2006 – August 2007

• Used physiological methods to examine the effects of Neuregulin on long-term potentiation in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex

• Performed drug and solution preparation; necropsy, brain extraction and trimming, tissue slicing using microtome or vibratome, incubation, and/or fixation; electrophysiology recording; and micropippette preparation

• Recorded cortical and hippocampal responses using whole-cell voltage clamp

• Assisted lab technician with training undergraduate interns and ordering lab supplies

• Presented in journal club and assisted in reviewing and editing lab publications

Graduate Research Assistant

Sacha Nelson Lab, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA

August 2006 – November 2006

• Mapped the anatomical distribution of GFP expressing GABAergic interneurons throughout the brain using confocal photomicroscopy for a web-based database of transgenic mouse strains

• Developed proficiency in several tissue preparation techniques: cardiac puncture, perfusion/fixation, tissue slicing, slide preparation, and photomicroscopy

Technical Writer/Consultant

Macro Solutions, Inc., Arlington, VA

November 2005 – July 2006

• Subcontracted to Deloitte & Touche as a technical writer/content manager for a project with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

• Created new and copy-edited public relations communication, presentations, project documentation, as well as weekly and bimonthly project status reports, submitted to the FDIC

• Managed web and database content, including project documentation, requirements, and artifacts

• Conferred with technical staff to document processes and procedures for critical project software applications and tasks

Manager, Academic Client Services

Center for Academic Technologies, George Washington University, Washington DC

January 2004 – August 2005

• Progressively promoted to positions of greater responsibility from Technical Assistant to Manager (August 1998-2004)

• Managed the daily operations of the helpdesk and six tier-1 technical and customer support walk-in support centers

• Produced technical and public relations communication, including online information resources

• Prepared financial and operational reports, as well as monthly and annual progress reports

• Served as project or implementation manager for public relations events, special projects, internal reorganizations, and initiatives related to academic client services

• Conferred with senior technical staff to create and maintain updated support and user training manuals

Research Assistant

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD

January 2000 – May 2000

• Assisted Dr. Ben Xu with research on the functional neuroanatomy of reading for novice and experienced readers

• Performed patient screening for fMRI

• Assisted with fMRI experiments and data processing

Information Office Aide

National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD

January 2000 – May 2000

• Assisted with research and editing for the monthly newsletter in the patient information and orientation office

• Performed patient orientation, providing information about available support services and cancer-related health information

Student Researcher

Stephen Dopkins Lab, The George Washington University, Washington DC

August 1999 – May 2000

• Completed an independent research project in the Cognitive Neuropsychology department administering computer-based verbal memory and cognition tests to undergraduate student volunteers

• Worked with a faculty mentor to analyze results and discuss experimental protocol changes

PUBLICATIONS/CONFERENCES

Publication pending in collaboration with MGH on MST1/MST2 GEM model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and metastasis.

Aronow, L.A., Curtis, A., Commerford, S.R., Mullarkey, T., Basler, A., Kneuer, R., Krucker, T. Quantifying Dynamics of Gastric Emptying Using Non-Invasive In Vivo Fluorescent Reflectance Imaging [unpublished abstract]. World Molecular Imaging Congress; 2009 Sept 23-26; Montreal, Canada.

Curtis, A., Aronow, L.A., Agarwal, A., Granda,B., Kneuer, R., Krucker, T. Tracking In Vivo Bio-distribution of Biologics using Fluorescence Lifetime Gating [unpublished abstract]. World Molecular Imaging Congress; 2009 Sept 23-26; Montreal, Canada.

Mansfield, J.R., Aronow, L.A., Curtis, A., Hillman, E., Krucker, T., Levenson, R.M. In Vivo Fluorescence Kinetic Imaging for Improved Contrast and Studies of Temporal Biodistribution [unpublished abstract]. World Molecular Imaging Congress; 2009 Sept 23-26; Montreal, Canada.

Osgerby, L.A. Successfully Managing Students In An Academic Environment [seminar talk]. Washington Area Academic Computing Centers (WAACC); 2003 Oct 10; Washington, D.

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