Research Associate
Resume:
***********@*****.***
Kristina Tess
** ******* **, ********, ** 07069
SKILLS
Media preparation & optimization, long term cell culture, implementation of various types of cell
based assays, use of flow cytometry to detect biomarkers, morphology, cell sorting, cell cycle, and
viability. Proficient in the use of FACS Canto I, FACS Canto II, FACS Aria, and LSR Fortessa cell
analyzer. FACS data analysis with the use of FlowJo V10 and/or earlier Software. Additional skills
include protein expression, magnetic cell separation, high throughput assays, liquid handling with
robotics, PCR, IHC, fluorescent microscopy, cell cryopreservation, and cell culture of a wide range
of cell types. Autoclave, CO2, LN2 Dewar, and liquid nitrogen storage tank usage & safety.
Generation & maintenance of bacteria & yeast cultures, impeccable aseptic techniques, talented
problem solver, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Basware and Oracle ordering systems.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Research Associate Celgene Cellular Therapeutics, Warren, NJ – February 2011 to March
2015 (40h/week)
DARPA: Blood Farming Project
• Large scale ex vivo generation of RBCs from cord blood derived stem cells.
• Demonstrated maintenance of stemness during expansion to higher cell densities of
conditionally immortalized HSC.
• Performed co culture evaluation and media optimization to enable mechanistic studies in
human HSC derived reticulocytes.
• Optimized HSC derived reticulocyte culture conditions such as large scale system,
circulation volume, steering speed, and declumping agents to achieve higher enucleation.
• Performed biochemical analyses, gene profiling, IHC and cell sorting of erythrocytic
population.
Kristina Tess CV Last Updated: 03/13/2015
PK/PD Studies
• Developed labeling methods to increase sensitivity of detection of PDAC cells and refine
understanding of activity of these cells in vivo.
• Established labeling protocols, optimized conditions by concentration titration, and time
course.
• Established sensitivity of the qPCR based methods in spiking experiments using rodent
tissue, and blood samples.
• Identified labeling method with the highest sensitivity in biodistribution.
• Performed rodent dissections, removal of brain, spinal cord, lymph nodes, lungs, kidneys,
and heart, for further evaluation of PDAC cell homing, biodistribution and persistence.
Natural Killer Cell Project
• Developed research grade process for NK cultivation with the successful transfer to process
development.
• Established identity assays, assessed reproducibility, characterized non purity cell types,
and comprehensive flow based phenotype characterization of HSC derived NK cells for
the IND application.
• Defined growth /donor robustness; evaluated various sources of CD34+ as well as
optimized CD34+ isolation efficiency.
• Demonstrated in vitro cytotoxicity of differentiated cells against broad range of tumor lines.
• Tested the ability of immunomodulators to augment the effect of NK cells against NK
resistant tumor cell lines.
• Established, maintained, and provided NK cells for animal studies and for research grade
characterization and test of activity.
Lab Technician & Teaching Assistant – County College of Morris, Randolph, NJ – July 2008
to June 2010 (30h/week)
Set up & tested experiments to ascertain their safety & quality.
•
Maintained rodent, stock, laboratory supplies and equipment.
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Set up and disposure of bacteriologic, eukaryote, and drosophila cultures.
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Recorded data and results in manual format or in computer
•
Prepared chemical solutions and media for bacterial culture.
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• Maintained work area and cleanliness of laboratory.
• Ordered, stocked and distributed supplies
EDUCATION
Fairleigh Dickenson University Madison, NJ
Kristina Tess CV Last Updated: 03/13/2015
• B.S. Biology with minor in chemistry.
• Graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2012 (GPA 3.8)
County College of Morris – Randolph, NJ
• A.S. 2010 – Chemistry.
Kristina Tess CV Last Updated: 03/13/2015
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