Dear Hiring Authority,

Currently, I am a finishing a publication at the University of Michigan in the department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology under the mentorship of John Williams. My research over the past four years has focused on pancreatic growth and regeneration both through hormonal inputs and diet as well as following disease. Recently, the aim of my studies has been based on regeneration of pancreatic acinar cells following pancreatitis using both genetic mouse models and drug inhibitors in mice. The signaling pathway I have focused my research on is the MAPK pathway and genetic models have included choleocystokinin (CCK) deficient mice whereas drug-induced models block the MAPK pathway directly. Current results indicate that the MAPK pathway is essential for pancreatic regeneration following injury.

I have had extensive laboratory experience both as a graduate and undergraduate student as well as working for an independent startup company. My other graduate experiences have included analyzing micro RNA’s involved in growth hormone response and identifying and studying cancer cells of the adrenal gland. At the University of Minnesota as an undergraduate student, I investigated the role of the renin-angiotensin system and the impact this signaling pathway has in Type II diabetes in both animal and human samples. In the corporate sector, I used my experience as a chemist to develop protein microarrays which are currently commercially available. Our startup company focused on changing the surface chemistry of glass to allow for specific protein interactions such as proteins with His-tags or labeled with biotin. Being a part of a small startup company allowed for the opportunity for publications and presentations at national conferences.

My education and training has offered me the advantage of learning multiple laboratory techniques as well as writing scientific publications, learning software, and participating in research conferences by presenting my data or discussing current studies. This includes working on and developing genetic models in mice, using drug inhibitors and dissection of the organs of interest. Utilization of these procedures allows for analysis of desired parameters by both wet and dry lab methods such as Western blots or microscopy followed by computational systems among others. The data would then be applied to scientific publications, posters, national and local presentations and laboratory meetings. I have also had the opportunity to develop and test products designed for other scientists and learn the nuances of how small startup companies operate. I am practiced in many laboratory techniques, computer analysis and programs, scientific writing and data collection, and presenting my data and learning new procedures. I have also had the privilege to mentor and teach multiple undergraduate and summer students who are interested in science related fields.

I am confident I can help forward many different types of scientific studies based on my previous experiences and my willingness to learn new systems and techniques. I can be reached at 612-***-**** or by email at aczus7@r.postjobfree.com. I look forward to hearing more about the position.

Sincerely,

Bryan Holtz

Bryan Holtz

1321 Natalie Ln

Ann Arbor, MI 48105

612-***-**** aczus7@r.postjobfree.com

Education and Training

Doctor of Science, Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 2010-Present

• Mentor: JA Williams

Masters of Science, Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. 2016

• Mentor: JA Williams

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 2004

• Dean’s List 2000-2004 GPA: 3.7

Bachelor of Science, Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 2004

• Dean’s List 2000-2004 GPA: 3.7

Awards, Distinctions and Fellowships

•Basic and Translational Digestive Sciences Training Grant. 2014, 2015

•“CCK-mediated ERK Activation is Required for Pancreatic Regeneration After Pancreatitis”. Poster of Distinction. American Pancreatic Association Conference. 2014. Kona, HI.

•“ERK Activation is Required for Pancreatic Regeneration After Pancreatitis.” Poster of Distinction. American Pancreatic Association Conference. 2013. Miami, FL.

•“ERK Activation is Required for Adaptive Pancreatic Growth.” Outstanding Abstract/Poster Award. University of Michigan/Wayne St. University Symposium. 2013.

•Systems and Integrative Biology Training Grant 2012, 2013.

•Rackham Pre-Candidate Research Grant 2012

•Rackham Travel Award Grant 2011, 2012, 2013

•Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program Grant 2004

•Chemistry Minor, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 2004

Research Interests / Research Profile

• Under the guidance of JA Williams, I am currently studying signaling pathways involved in adaptive pancreatic growth and pancreatic regeneration. Gastrointestinal hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK) mediate pancreatic growth and prolonged CCK release activates the MAPK pathway. Using MEK inhibitors and genetic models, the aim of these projects is to determine the role of ERK signaling in pancreatic adaptive growth and pancreatic regeneration following injury including acute pancreatitis and pancreatic disease.

Publications, Presentations and Abstracts

• Holtz, BJ, Williams, JA. ERK Activation is Required for Pancreatic Regeneration Following Injury and is Affected by CCK in Mice. Am J Phsyiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2017. Submitted.

• Holtz, BJ, Lodewyk, KB, Sebolt-Leopold, JS, Ernst, SA, Williams, JA. ERK Activation is Required for CCK-Mediated Pancreatic Adaptive Growth. Am J Phsyiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. Oct 2014, 307. 700-710.

• Holtz, BJ., Williams, JA. “CCK-mediated ERK Activation is Required for Pancreatic Regeneration After Pancreatitis”. American Pancreatic Association/Japanese Pancreatic Society. November 3, 2014. Kona, HI. Oral Presentation, Poster of Distinction.

• Holtz, BJ., Williams, JA. “CCK-mediated ERK Activation is Required for Pancreatic Regeneration After Pancreatitis”. Pancreas. 2014, 43 (8) 1366. Abstract.

• Holtz, BJ. “ERK Activation is Required for Pancreatic Regeneration After Pancreatitis.” American Pancreatic Association/International Association of Pancreatology.. November 1, 2013. Miami, FL. Oral Presentation, Poster of Distinction.

• Holtz, BJ, Watson, L., Korpics, S., Williams, JA. ERK Activation is Required for Pancreatic Regeneration After Pancreatitis. Pancreas. 2012, 42 (8) 1354. Abstract

• Holtz, BJ., Lodewyk K., Williams, JA. “ERK Activation is Required for Adaptive Pancreatic Growth.” American Pancreatic Association/International Association of Pancreatology.. November 3, 2012. Miami, FL. Oral Presentation.

• Holtz, BJ., Lodewyk K., Williams, JA. ERK Activation is Required for Adaptive Pancreatic Growth. Pancreas. 2012, 41 (8) 1366. Abstract

• Holtz, B., Williams, J. Can MAPK Signaling be Inhibited in vivo to Study Pancreatic Function? Pancreas. 2011, 40 (8) 1327. Abstract

• Zhu, X., Holtz, B., Wang, Y, Wang, L., Orndorff, P., Guo, A. Quantitative Glycomics from Fluidic Glycan Microarrays. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2009, 131 (38), 13646–13650

• Deng,Y., Wang, Y., Holtz, B., Li, J., Traaseth, N., Veglia, G., Stottrup, B., Elde, R., Pei, D., Guo, A., Zhu, X. Fluidic and Air-Stable Supported Lipid Bilayer and Cell-Mimicking Microarrays. J.Am.Chem.Soc. 2008: 130 (19), 6267–6271.

• Holtz, B., Wang, Y., Zhu, X., Guo, A. Denaturing and refolding of protein molecules on surfaces. Proteomics. 2007: 7 (11), 1771-1774.

• Holtz, B., Wang, Y., Cha, T., Deng, Y., Zhu, X., Guo, A. (Oct. 2006). Surface Chemical Control for Protein Activities. Poster presented at the American Chemical Society Symposium. 3M Corporation, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Research Experience

Graduate Student, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. 2010-Present.

• Under the supervision of JA Williams in the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology our research focuses on adaptive pancreatic growth and pancreatic regeneration through MAPK signaling pathways.

Graduate Lab Rotation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. 2009.

• Under the supervision of J. Schwartz in the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology my research focused on identifying micro RNA’s involved in growth hormone mediated response.

Chemist, Microsurfaces Inc, Minneapolis, MN. 2005-2009.

• Alongside Dr. Athena Guo from Microsurfaces Inc. and Dr. Xaioyang Zhu from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota, our research focus is based on protein/glycan microarray development. Particularly, I worked on altering the surface chemistry to improve our current 2-D His-tag specific microarray as well as developing a glycan array. Other projects include developing a protein microarray specific for biotin/streptavidin and NHS, as well as publishing research papers on multiple surface moieties.

Senior Lab Technician, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. 2004-2005.

• In collaboration with Dr. Stephen Katz through the medical school and physiology department at the University of Minnesota, our research concentrated on studying the correlation between the renin-angiotensin system and Type II Diabetes in rats and mice. Through protocol development and genetic modifications I designed a specific radioimmunoassay optimal for our project. I was awarded a UROP grant from the University of Minnesota to pursue this research.

Senior Lab Technician, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. 2005.

• In collaboration with Dr. Shalamar Sibley and Dr. Stephen Katz through the Endocrinology and Diabetes department at the University of Minnesota. My research focused on the correlation between Type II Diabetes and the renin-angiotensin system in humans as a double-blind clinical study using novel assay development optimized for human patients.

Research Lab Technician, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. 2002-2004.

• Under the supervision of Dr. Margaret Davis and Dr. Shinya Sugita in collaboration with Dr. Mike Sadowsky through the Ecology Department at the University of Minnesota. Margaret Davis and Shinya Sugita specialize in the analysis of paleo-pollen in order to determine past, present and future global climate changes. My research focused on working independently to develop a new method for paleo-pollen purification using biochemical techniques including high-density ultracentrifugation, and separation based on charge principles.

Teaching Experience

Teaching Assistant: Physiology 201, Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Winter 2012

• General Physiology including cardiovascular, GI, and reproductive physiology

Professional Affiliations

• American Physiological Society

• American Pancreatic Association

References

John Williams

Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology 734-***-**** aczus7@r.postjobfree.com

University of Michigan

Yatrik Shah

Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology 734-***-**** aczus7@r.postjobfree.com

University of Michigan

Marina Pasca di Magliano

Department of Surgery

University of Michigan

734-***-**** aczus7@r.postjobfree.com

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