Summary
Biochemistry research scientist with over 7 years of experience working in the laboratory environment supporting multi-lab collaborative projects and pursuing independent research. My experience spans from managing laboratory maintenance needs, handling reports and ordering reagents and following standard operating procedures, to independently organizing projects, performing statistical analysis for publication, collaborating with other researchers, developing assays and project ideas for my graduate research.
-Independent Research Scientist
-Co-authored multiple published papers
-Graduate work performing in-vitro assays and Western Blot
-Experience in MS Office, R, Mac and Windows.
-Familiarity with PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR and DNA Cloning.
-Experience with Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Microbiology
-Mammalian Tissue culture and transfection experience.
-Chromatin (DNA and RNA) and protein purification and immunoprecipitation.
-Self-Initiating and motivated
Education
The Pennsylvania State University
MS Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology Aug 2016
BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Dec 2011
Professional Experience
The Pennsylvania State University
Graduate Researcher Aug 2012 – Aug 2016
-Investigated functions of histone tails and gene expression in response to stress regulation in Eukaryotes, an important aspect of cellular response to combat disease.
-Conducted independent research with a requirement to do weekly assessment and presentation of work accomplished, as well as proposal for follow-up work and new ideas for project development.
-Laboratory methods include gel electrophoresis, PCR amplification, Real-Time PCR, sequencing, Western blotting, generating mutants in yeast cells and Chromatin, protein and RNA immunoprecipitation assays.
-Co-authored paper published in Molecular and Cellular Biology – A Highly Conserved Region within H2B Is Important for FACT to Act on Nucleosomes
Teaching Assistant Aug 2012 – Aug 2014
-Taught two undergraduate laboratory courses in Microbiology for two semesters independently
-Taught aseptic techniques, gel electrophoresis, PCR and other microbiology methods.
-Prepared course material and instructed on laboratory techniques for 30 students
Research Technician Dec 2011 – Aug 2012
-Collected and analyzed sequencing data for autism spectral disorder of over 200 samples to look for patterns of inheritability and de novo mutations.
-Worked with MS excel to design graphs interpreting data for publication.
-Presented analyzed data and findings to 10 professors and graduate students from UW and PSU.
-Collaborated with several labs and coordinated team meetings and teleconferences.
-Contributed data on identification of genetic variance in autistic individuals to the SFARI gene database
-Co-authored paper published in Human Molecular Genetics – Global increases in both common and rare copy number load associated with autism
Teaching Assistant Aug 2010 – Dec 2011
-Managed course content and graded work for a class of 200 over three semesters (20 hours weekly)
-Tutored students during weekly office hours and review sessions (2+ hours weekly)
Independent Research Aug 2009 – Dec 2011
-Explored the tertiary DNA structures to further the understanding about complex mutational behavior of microsatellites
-Worked on Eukaryotic cell culture methods, DNA extraction, 2D gel electrophoresis, PCR and visualization methods.
-Co-authored a paper published in G3 – Genes Genomes Genetics – Mature Microsatellites: Mechanisms Underlying Dinucleotide Microsatellite Mutational Biases in Human Cells
Laboratory Assistant Dec 2008 – May 2009
-Managed and handled laboratory fruit fly strains. Monitored and reported reagent stocks to supervisor.
-Prepared media, reagent stocks, hazardous waste disposal and maintained laboratory stock supply.
Leadership Activities
-Hindu Students Council – Events, Secretary and Vice President Aug 2010 – May 2015
oOrganized social media presence and coordinated annual events for over 200 individuals attending. Designed fliers and maintained financial records for all club activities.
Work Authorization: Permanent Resident (no visa sponsorship required)
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhinaya-srikanth-02808155
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Abhinaya_Srikanth