Molecular Biologist

Monika Avina

E-mail: **********@*****.***

Summary:

●Molecular Biologist experienced in molecular techniques including, PCR, qRT-PCR, Plasmid editing (ApE), Site Directed Mutagenesis (Agilent Technologies) and Gateway Recombination Cloning (Invitrogen), DNA isolation and quantitation

●Experienced in developing classic genetic crossing strategies in C.elegans.

●Experienced in cell culture techniques including maintenance, viability and growth assays, cryopreservation, cloning and transfection of adherent and suspension cells.

●Experienced in Protein purification techniques as well as analysis.

●Experienced in maintaining a well-organized and well stocked lab.

●Experienced in preparation of basic media and reagents/buffers.

●Experienced in maintenance of lab records/protocols in the laboratory notebooks and presentation of results in the form of lab reports as well as power points.

●Recent graduate with excellent research, time management and problem solving skills. Analytical and detail-oriented who works well on diverse teams.

Lab Skills Mastered: Standard Cell and Molecular Techniques including

Spin and Drip Column Plasmid Preps

Recombinant Protein Purification

Genomic DNA Extraction and Purification

PAGE and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

DNA Extraction from Agarose Gels

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Site Directed Mutagenesis

Gateway Recombination Cloning

DNA sequencing and Fingerprinting

Western Blot

Mammalian Cell Culture

Other Skills:

●Capable of working independently or on a team.

●Capable of paying close attention to details and collecting accurate data.

●Capable of doing online literature searches to identify relevant publications.

●Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel.

Research experience:

PCR and DNA sequencing: 09/2013-12/2013

Isolated genomic DNA from saliva.

Amplified Lactase gene and upstream elements by PCR.

Performed DNA fingerprinting with Identifiler kit.

Analyzed Trace DNA using Identifiler kit.

Sequenced Lactase gene promoter region using Sanger sequencing.

Performed qRT-PCR on Trace DNA sample.

Performed Next generation sequencing on Trace DNA sample.

Protein Chemistry: 01/2014-03/2014

Purified fusion protein MBP-Paramyosin from E.coli using following:

1.Affinity chromatography.

2.SDS-PAGE gel analysis.

3.Western blotting.

4.2-Dimensional electrophoresis.

Purified Lactase dehydrogenase protein utilizing following techniques:

1.Centrifugation,

2. Ammonium sulfate salt separation,

3. Dialysis,

4.Bradford assay.

5.Kinetic assays

Utilized HPLC to separate proteins.

Cell culture techniques: 03/2014-6/2014

Maintained and sub-cultured mammalian cell lines including adherent cells, Hela cells, 3T3 mouse fibroblasts and suspension cell lines, Jurkat cells and PBMCs.

Froze cells using Cryopreservation.

Quantified viable cells using MTS assay and total cells using Methylene blue assay.

Transfected mammalian cells with plasmids carrying gene of interest.

Frequently screened for contaminants including mycoplasma.

Cloned L6 cells using Cloning by limiting dilution and Physical isolation techniques.

Advance Molecular Techniques: 03/2014-6/2014

●Constructed an expression clone using molecular techniques, including, A Plasmid Editor (ApE), Primer design, Site Directed Mutagenesis (Agilent Technologies) and Gateway Recombination Cloning (Invitrogen).

●Verified the expression clone using restriction digestion, electrophoresis, Nested PCR and DNA sequencing.

Thesis related research: 09/2013-Present

I am currently working in a Molecular Genetics laboratory at Cal State East Bay, Hayward, CA under the supervision of Dr. Maria Gallegos. I am studying cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate dendrite growth and termination in C. elegans. During the course of this research project I have mastered the following skills:

●Preparation of basic media including LB, LB agar and Nematode growth medium (NGM) agar, using sterile techniques.

●Molecular techniques including Site Directed Mutagenesis (Agilent Technologies) and Gateway Recombination Cloning (Invitrogen).

●Use of the fluorescence dissecting microscope to perform classic genetic crossing strategies.

●Use of the confocal microscope to collect fluorescence images of C. elegans neurons for subsequent analysis of neuron morphology.

●Use of FIJI and/or Image J to perform all necessary measurements.

Coursework: Principles of Genetics, Principles of developmental genetic analysis, Microbiology, General Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Cell Culture, Advance Molecular Techniques, Protein Chemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, PCR, DNA Sequencing and Fragment Analysis.

mailto:**********@*****.************:

9/2013-09/2015 California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA

M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology (GPA-3.96/4.0).

9/2013-6/2014 California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA

Biotechnology Certificate Program (GPA-3.96/4.0).

4/2012-5/2013 California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA

Fourth Year Bridge Program (GPA -3.9/4.0).

6/1993-6/1996 Maitreyi College, New Delhi, India

B.S. in Biology with emphasis on Botany, Zoology and Chemistry

Academic Conferences:

Title: Evidence for contact dependent inhibition of PLM neurite growth by the interneuron, BDU. Venue: 26th and 27th Annual CSU Biotechnology Symposium, Santa Clara, CA, 2014 and 2015.

Title: Molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating mechanosensory neurite termination, refinement and tiling. Venue: Bay Area Worm Meeting 2015, UCSF Mission Bay, CA, 2015.

References:

Dr. Maria Gallegos, thesis advisor, email- *****.********@**********.***

Dr. Chris Baysdorfer, email- *****.**********@**********.***,

Dr. Claudia Stone, email- *******.*****@**********.***

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