Laura Szkolar Sienkiewicz, PhD

*** *** ** *, *******, MI, 48906

linkedin.com/in/szkolar

206-***-**** ǀ acxqrw@r.postjobfree.com

BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST

5+ years laboratory experience. Highly qualified in cell culture and cell assaying techniques, with extensive knowledge of all areas of biomaterials science; including materials chemistry, fabrication and characterization, as well as experience in molecular biology and imaging. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, a great team player and experienced working in both academic and industrial settings.

Key Skills: Stem Cell Biology, Cellular Assays, Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Data analysis, Biomaterials Science.

EXPERIENCE

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Michigan State University, Department of Radiology, USA April 2015 to Present Developing novel polymeric and peptide materials for cellular imaging, cancer therapy and drug delivery. The work entails the design, fabrication and extensive characterisation of a range of nanoparticles suitable to deliver intercellular payloads, including full in vitro and in vivo testing. Presently, the work is being prepared for 2 academic publications and the application of a patent. Example Techniques: polymer chemistry, primary stem cell extraction and culture, cellular assays, animal handling and surgery, MRI, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, project management, technology transfer.

Research Associate

Peptisyntha-Solvay, Brussels, Belgium June 2011 to October 2011 Research collaboration between Peptisyntha (Solvay) and The University of Manchester investigating the viability of a range of bespoke biological scaffolds for primary cell encapsulation and expansion. The role included working as part of a large interdisciplinary team, across 2 research sites and led to the subsequent commercialisation of a biological scaffold for cell culture research. Example Techniques: Cell culture, biological scaffold design, fluorescence microscopy, peptide science, ATIR, scientific technical report writing, data analysis and management. Student Research Associate

BBSRC, Manchester, UK June 2010 to October 2010

Short lab project funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC) to investigate the use of enzymes for manufacturing new, cost-effective biomaterials for medical research. The work included the independent research and implementation of a range of chemical and biological techniques, and subsequently resulted in the publication of 2 peer-reviewed scientific papers. Example Techniques: Enzymology, MALDI-TOF, UV-Vis, TEM, Rheology, HPLC, peptide synthesis, academic writing.

EDUCATION

PhD Biomedical Materials Science

The University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, UK 2011-2015 PhD research project, funded as part of a wider industrial collaboration with Solvay. The research focused on the design, fabrication and characterization of bespoke self-assembling hydrogel scaffolds, for primary chondrocyte expansion and maintenance, with scope for use in cartilage replacement therapy. The work subsequently contributed to a commercially available cell culture scaffold for biomedical research and 2 future academic publications (subject to publishing embargo.) Thesis Title “The Development of Functional Peptide Scaffolds for Cell Culture” Example Techniques: Peptide design, Electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), Spectroscopy (FTIR, DLS), Biomechanical testing, Primary cell extraction and culture, PCR and microscopy (confocal, AFM). MEng Biomaterials Science and Tissue Engineering

The University of Manchester, School of Materials, UK 2007-2011 Undergraduate 4-year master’s degree, focusing on all aspects of materials and biomaterials design, characterization and application. Notable areas of study included; polymeric materials, biomedical devices, stem-cell biology, tissue engineering and materials manufacture and cost analysis. Practical lab skills training included; metallurgy, polymer physics, molecular biology and genetic engineering. Dissertation Title “The Design of Enzymatically-Triggered Peptide Gels” Grade - 1st Class (hons)

Award – Le Blanc Medal for Applied Chemistry

OTHER EXPERIENCE

STEM Ambassador

STEMNET, Nationwide UK September 2012 to March 2015 Designing and delivering interactive scientific research sessions, attending public relation and scientific outreach events and offering active mentoring to under-represented demographics. Here the key role was to use excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with companies, schools and the public to actively promote science and technology. Teaching Assistant

The University of Manchester, School of Materials, UK September 2011 to March 2015 Teaching role which included; leading lab classes, moderating exams, mentoring undergraduate students and managing student research projects. The main responsibilities included planning and managing time schedules

Team Leader

TESCO Stores, Manchester, UK June 2005 to June 2010 Sales assistant and junior management role, where responsibilities included all aspects of customer service and product delivery. Other duties included the organisation of staff, supply chain and financial accountability.

Ward Assistant

Stepping Hill Hospital, Orthopaedics, Stockport, UK June 2005 to September 2007 Volunteering role at the local hospital assisting with routine tasks including; basic patient care, record keeping and liaising between staff and patients. The main duty of this role, however, was to ensure the happiness and comfort of patients within the ward, and offer assistance and support. OTHER TRAINING

Conversational German (speaking/ written) – Level 1-7 Confidence Mandarin Chinese (speaking/ written) - Level 1-6 Bioinformatic Algorithms

Introduction to Python

Project Management (TBF25)

AWARDS

TERMIS-AM International Travel Award, 2014

Le Blanc Medal for Applied Chemistry, 2011

BBSRC Summer Research Grant, 2010

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Multiple conference presentations internationally, including; WMIC, New York, USA September 2016

A Novel Approach of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Encapsulation: Peptide Nanoparticles for Enzyme Activated MRI imaging, in Vitro. Laura Szkolar Sienkiewicz & Erik M. Shapiro. Enzymatically Cleavable Biopolymer Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Monitoring Stem Cell Transplants in vivo using MRI. Laura Szkolar-Sienkiewicz, Dorela Shuboni, Christiane Mallett, Barbara Blanco Fernandez, Alex Wolf & Erik. M. Shapiro. Cellulose-derived Biopolymer Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Single Cell Detection of Stem Cell Transplants in vivo using MRI. Laura. Szkolar Sienkiewicz & Erik. M. Shapiro ISMRM, Singapore. April 2016

Cellulose-triacetate Nanoparticles as Smart Contrast Agents for Single Cell Detection. Laura Szkolar Sienkiewicz, Christiane Mallet & Erik. M. Shapiro. TERMIS EU, Uppsala, Sweden July 2016

Self-assembling peptide hydrogels for articular chondrocyte culture. Laura Szkolar Sienkiewicz, Victoria Workman, Julie E Gough, Aline F Miller & Alberto Saiani. TERMIS AM, Washington DC, USA December 2014

Modification of Peptide Self-Assembling Hydrogels for Cell Culture Applications. Laura Szkolar, Aline F Miller, Alberto Saiani & J. E. Gough.

FIRM, Girona, Spain September 2014

Hydrogels for Chondrocyte Encapsulation and Expansion. Laura Szkolar, Julie E Gough, Aline F. Miller, Alberto Saiani & Laurent Jeannin.

ESB, Liverpool, UK August 2014

Fine-Tuning Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogels for Cell Culture Applications. Laura Szkolar, Julie E Gough, Aline F Miller, Alberto Saiani & Laurent Jeannin TCES, Cardiff, UK July 2014

Modification of Peptide Self-Assembling Hydrogels for Cell Culture Applications. Laura Szkolar, Aline F Miller, Julie E Gough & Alberto Saiani.

PUBLICATIONS

Cellulose Biopolymer-coat Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Smart Contrast Agents for Transplanted Cell Detection, using MRI.

Laura Szkolar Sienkiewicz, Dorela Shuboni, Christiane Mallett, Alex Wolf & Erik. M. Shapiro. Paper in review. 2016.

Novel Approach of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Encapsulation: Peptide Nanoparticles for Enzyme Activated MRI imaging, in Vitro.

Laura Szkolar Sienkiewicz & Erik M Shapiro. Paper currently in review. 2016. Self-assembling peptide hydrogels for articular chondrocyte culture. Laura Szkolar Sienkiewicz, Victoria Workman, Julie E Gough, Aline F Miller & A Saiani. European Cells and Materials. 2016.

Tailoring the Cellular Response of Bovine Chondrocytes using Charged Peptide Hydrogels. Laura Szkolar Sienkiewicz, Jonathan Gibbons, Aline F Miller, Julie E Gough, Laurent Jeannin & Alberto Saiani. Paper in preparation subject to publishing embargo. 2016. Modification of Peptide Self-Assembling Hydrogels for Cell Culture Applications. Laura Szkolar, Aline F Miller, Alberto Saiani & J. E. Gough. Tissue Engineering: Part A. 2014. Enzymatically triggered peptide hydrogels for 3D cell encapsulation and culture Laura Szkolar, Jean-Baptiste Guilbaud, Aline F. Miller, Julie E. Gough & Alberto Saiani. Journal of Peptide Science. 2014.

Enzymatic catalyzed synthesis and gelation of ionic peptides for 3D cell culture applications Jean-Baptiste Guilbaud, Laura Szkolar, Aline F Miller & Alberto Saiani. MRS Proceedings. 2012. FURTHER INFORMATION

Authorized to work in the US for any employer

Authorized to work within UK and Eurozone

Full US and UK driver’s License

Fully Mac OS and Windows competent, including office, MATlab, Graphpad, STATs direct etc Reference available on Request

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