PhD Research Microbiologist

Christopher L. Harding

Atlanta, GA ***** 360-***-**** (he/him)

**********@*****.***

I am an enthusiastic microbiologist with expertise in infectious diseases and strong backgrounds in mycobacteria biology, drug discovery, and innate immunology of bacterial infections. Currently, I am seeking a position where I can expand my knowledge and apply my expertise in microbial pathogenesis, infectious disease immunology, cellular molecular biology, bacterial genetics, innate immunobiology, and animal models of infectious diseases to make meaningful discoveries and ultimately contribute to efforts to treat and prevent human diseases.

EXPERIENCE

2020–2023

PhD Research Fellow, SEATTLE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH INSTITUTE Center for Global Infectious Disease Research: Lab of Dr. Tanya Parish

• Uncovered biological features of a novel drug target in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and discovered its susceptibility across diverse infection-related stress conditions.

2014–2020

Graduate Research Fellow, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE Department of Microbiology and Immunology: Lab of Dr. Nathan W. Schmidt

• Independently conducted a research project which explored the impact of Plasmodium infection on host immunity to bacterial co-infections, advancing our understanding of host-pathogen interactions in malaria.

2012–2014

Research Scientist II, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Departments of Microbiology & Internal Medicine: Lab of Dr. Pradeep K. Singh

Department of Dermatology: Lab of Dr. John E. Olerud

• Generated impactful data in projects examining in vivo virulence and persistence of several opportunistic bacterial pathogens in mouse models of acute lung and chronic/acute wound infection.

EDUCATION

AUGUST 2020

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE

Microbiology & Immunology, Laboratory of Dr. Nathan W. Schmidt

APRIL 2016

MASTER OF SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE

Microbiology & Immunology, Laboratory of Dr. Nathan W. Schmidt

AUGUST 2011

BACHELOR OF ARTS AND SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

SKILLS

• Bacterial culture, cell culture, clinical samples, research with BSL3 organism, biofilms, and parasite preparation

• 8 years of experience with animal infection models and in vitro assays with 10 different bacterial pathogens

• BSL3 containment experience, flow cytometry, ELISA, and analysis of macrophage, neutrophil, and other immune cell populations

• CRISPR technology, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing, protein detection, gene expression analysis, and data QC

• Development, troubleshooting, and optimization of new assays to examine immune cell functions

• Advanced skills in creative thinking, problem-solving, interpretation and utilization of scientific data and literature

• Statistical analysis and data interpretation via GraphPad and Microsoft programs

ACTIVITIES

In addition to my work in the laboratory, I have taught lectures in a graduate level course and have participated in science outreach with groups of students from middle school to undergraduate education levels. I previously held leadership positions in my academic department at the University of Louisville as student representative for the admissions committee and on the student council. I have also been an active member and Outreach Coordinator for SPOG, a student group that engages with local middle school and high schools to provide science research opportunities, lectures, hands-on presentations and help underprivileged youths prepare for science fairs. Beyond my roles in science, I enjoy the outdoors, backpacking, snowboarding, and playing music.

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