Rita Das (Datta), Ph.D.

*** ****** *****,

Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08003

Email: adarnt@r.postjobfree.com

Day Phone:856-***-**** text only

Home Phone:856-***-****

CAREER SUMMARY:

US Citizen

BIOLOGIST and BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST with over 20 years of progressive experience providing highly technical analyses and expert research on molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry and microbiological techniques. Recognized success in leading innovation in biological science and supporting scientific publication projects. Known as a team builder with a passion for public service and advocacy in the science and education community. Solid record of performance managing analytical studies, and analysis of Molecular Techniques and Cell Work. Very strong critical thinking, problem solving, research and liaison skills. Recognized for outstanding communication skills, flexibility, keen political savvy and leadership abilities.

CLEARANCE: Understand the SF-86 and security clearance process; prepared to complete.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

Biomedical Research

Biochemistry / Cancer Biology

Experiment Design

Lab Equipment Management

Scientific Laboratory Management

Scientific Methodology

Scientific Projects Development

Experimental Data Analysis

Research Papers & Publications

Scientific Journals & Presentations

Train / Teach / Mentor Staff

Oral and Written Communication

Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques: Molecular cloning, cDNA library screening; Transfection, Preparation of total RNA, mRNA cDNA synthesis, qPCR, functional assays luciferase and β- lactamase using FRET blazer, Immunofluorescence, migration assays. RT-PCR of glioma RNA and cloning PCR fragments. RT-PCR and in situ hybridization of glioma sections on slides. Q-PCR using ViiA 7 Real time PCR machine. Preparation of genomic libraries from glioma genomic DNA and screening, cloning and sub-cloning of RFLP fragments. Genomic DNA from gliomas and blood of patients. Southern blotting of genomic DNA and plasmid DNA with restriction analysis then Preparation of cDNA expression library from mRNA of tumors and screening of cDNA library with nick translated probes. Sub-cloning of positive clones in expression vectors.

Microbiological Techniques: Cell culture work for Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines. Preparation of stable cell line of HNSCC cells manual and automated cell counting used to isolate single colony from 96 well plates to isolate clone for stable line. Cell culturing; Identification of bacteria; utilization of selective media; maintenance of bacterial strains, bacteriophage and performing bacterial and phage recombination.

Biochemistry Techniques: Western Blot; Immunofluorescence assay; Functional assays using dual light Luciferase Assay to study NF-kB reporter function using Victor II. High-level expression and purification of proteins after cloning in protein expression vectors and using them in Western Blots and immunohistochemistry in tissue sections.

Cell Line Culture Work: Glioma, neuroblastoma and neuroglial cell lines; UMSCC cell lines both regular and stable ones. Generation of stable cell line in HNSCC. GLI 328 vector producer cells processing for gene therapy.

Worked in close association with Novartis for gene therapy in glioma patients after surgery to put all viable cells after processing in the TC lab according to the training and experience checked by Novartis who selected me as the cell processor for this Gene Therapy project while working in the Thomas Jefferson University. Handling of both bacterial expression system by transformation and cell line expression system by transfection.

Statistical Methods: Dispersion, analysis of variance, regression and correlation analysis; writing reports, analytical interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations for scientific publication; calibrating and operating sophisticated laboratory instruments to conduct tests and analyses. Utilize statistical application and data management software to analyze and interpret biomedical research data.

Laboratory Procedures: Pipetting titration and determining pH and molarity; measuring and weighing chemical compounds; preparing solutions, reagents and buffers, media, and counting cells.

Adhere to Strict Safety Standards and Procedures: Conducted radiation and biohazard monitoring according to the radiation safety guidelines and rules of OSHA and BL2 facility. Radiation work of P32 Iodine 123 and cDNA clone screening with radioactive probes performed in adherence to radiation protection program guidelines. Maintenance of BL2 facility and radiation safe environment accomplished through meticulous monitoring with the use of radiation safety tools and radiation meters.

Selected Current Research: NIK is a central regulator of the non-canonical pathway and treatment with a small molecule NIK inhibitor implicated NF-kB function in cell migration of HNSCC. This small molecule NIK inhibitor use, decreased NIK protein in the cytoplasm, and inhibited downstream RELB and p52 in the nucleus by western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy.

Computer Applications and Software: Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word 2016, Excel 2016, PowerPoint 2016, Endnotes X7 for writing papers); Proficient in Image J; Adobe Photoshop Elements 11; NIH Software (POTS for all ordering); Evos Phase contrast microscopic image taking, processing and editing.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

National Institute of Health / National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

10 center Drive, Bldg 10, Rm 7S240

Bethesda, MD 20892

07/01/2013 – 6/30/2018

Salary: 64,000 USD Per Year

Hours per week: 40

BIOLOGIST (GSN contract)

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

Career Progression within Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch:

01/2017 – 6/30/2018 Biologist

01/2014 - 12/2016, Biologist

07/2013 - 12/2013, Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA)

EXPERT BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST AND BIOLOGIST: Plan and conduct projects and studies, and initiate scientific experiments and direct research projects in support of biomedical research. Perform biological science work in various scientific and public health areas associated with numerous biological agents. Prepare detailed plans for experiments and procedures to be performed. Analyze experimental data and draw tentative conclusions. Provide technical direction and guidance for biomedical experiments conducted in a laboratory. Develop, modify and recommend methods and procedures for projects. Review scientific material for incorporation of concepts and techniques into research activities. Adjust scientific methodology to correct problems and deficiencies in research projects, experiments, and trials. Use and maintain a variety of laboratory instruments and ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated and in working order. Perform experiments in accordance with approved and validated analytical methods and procedures. Train and teach technical and analytical concepts to laboratory staff.

Worked on the role of LTβ/LTβR signal activation of the alternative NF-kB pathway in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Established that the LTβ/LTβR alternative path way is constitutively activated and involves stabilization of NF-kB Inducing Kinase, activation of Inhibitor Kappa B Kinase-α and the processing of p100/RELB into p52/RELB.

Using genetic and pharmacologic inhibitors, obtained evidence that NIK and downstream NF-kB alternate pathway transcription factor, RELB, contribute to cell migration, a key hallmark of the malignant phenotype and metastasis of HNSCC.

The proof of principle that pharmacologic inhibitors of NF-kB Inducing kinase (NIK) can inhibit migration, invasion, prolong the survival demonstrated in a murine metastatic tumor model.

Carried out how micro RNA mimics can knockdown expression of MTDH gene in HNSCC cancers.

USE MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES to conduct research on development, improvement and application of both molecular and cultural methods. Employ basic bacterial enrichments, cell line transfection strategies and detailed detection, identification, and subtyping analyses using advanced detection and typing systems technologies. Document daily experimental work and results to provide access for future research reference.

CONDUCT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND ANALYSES: Utilize statistical application and data management software to analyze and interpret data. Conduct dispersion, analysis of variance, and regression and correlation analysis to analyze data, and accurately test, interpret and report results in a timely manner. Execute clinically significant and high complex methods. Review, evaluate and identify need to modify and redesign methods and techniques to adapt to unexpected developments during a research project. Analyze data and present findings to scientific audiences and regular audiences. Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and author presentations and reports on research in progress.

Investigated the research objectives of the project Activation of the alternative pathway of NF-kB in HNSCC and studied the role of cytokine lymphotoxin beta, which is produced by cells of the immune system, in activating the alternative nuclear factor-kappa B/RELB transcription factor in head and neck cancers. Determined the mechanism of activation, and showed this pathway and target genes promote cell migration in head and neck cancer cells. This may help explain why these cancers prefer to migrate to lymph nodes and other organs where lymphocytes produce LT beta. Presented these works at the American Association of Cancer Research for last three years (2015 - Present).

PERFORM LABORATORY PROCEDURES such as pipetting, titration, and determining pH and molarity. Develop and validate methods to measure and weigh chemical compounds. Prepare solutions, reagents and buffers, media, and counting cells. Ensure experiments conform to established protocols. Review experiments to evaluate the progress of the research. Develop protocols and reagents to study stimuli. Interpret complex data to arrive at valid conclusions and understand big picture significance.

INTERPRET REGULATIONS TO DEVELOP ORGANIZATION-WIDE GUIDANCE AND POLICIES to maximize efficiency and ensure accountability in the execution and management of program and lab activities. Develop new techniques and methods to improve overall research productivity as well as maintain compliance with all ethical guidelines for scientific and clinical research. Maintain current in associated issues by keeping abreast of research and developments potentially impacting program operations. Interpret applicable scientific, regulatory and policy guidelines. Use technical rules and procedures that apply to scientific projects and programs to maintain documentation, and prepare analyses and reports of research findings. Provide scientific and technical guidance and leadership regarding research and data collection, data management and data analysis.

LAB MANAGEMENT: Manage all ordering and routine maintenance of the Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch. Monitor laboratory equipment and inventory and develop detailed protocols. Execute routine maintenance and calibration on all lab equipment. Gather, assemble, and analyze facts, draw conclusions, and summarize findings and provide authoritative advice to address and improve laboratory operations. Inspect and identify laboratory safety and establish biosafety approaches. Survey and resolve complex problems that might have an adverse impact on the lab or on the outcomes of the research conducted in the lab. Apply knowledge and application of laboratory procedures and techniques, and management and administrative techniques to ensure effective lab operations.

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT AND ADVISOR: Sought after for expertise of different microbiologic methodologies, theories, and practices. Guide and assist associates in the lab and in collaborating labs. Discuss interpretation of data, findings, summaries and conclusions with senior staff. Provide training, consultation, and guidance to others. Apply scientific principles and techniques to develop / enrich knowledge of a topic and advance science. Train incoming lab members in lab standard operating procedure and protocol. Step-in where needed to resolve problems under tight time constraints.

USE COMPUTER APPLICATIONS such as database management, word processing and presentation software. Navigate complex databases to manage and track the progress of multiple concurrent, scientific, science-related, and clinical projects and teams to ensure due dates are met within establish timeframes. Set up functions, enter data, and process information analyzing data by using statistical methods to put statistical significance by dispersion, analysis of variance, regression and correct analysis. Calculate and record all experimental data in Excel and analyzed data to identify experiment progress and efficiency. Present and maintain data in tables and graphs and chart formats with statistical significance marked in all relevant data.

EXPERT SCIENTIFIC WRITER: Author and co-author of numerous preclinical and clinical technical reports. Provide technical writing and editing support to convey intended messages to target audiences with clarity and precision. Proofread papers before sent to reviewers. Demonstrate effective writing and editing reports and information documents for senior management review and approval.

Published 3 paper in last 4 years in one as first author which is published in Molecular carcinogenesis.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATOR: Evaluate and summarize data and prioritize key issues for management. Develop briefings, issue papers, memoranda, analyses, reports, proposals and other documents on various issues translating highly technical information into simplified format for a wide variety of audiences. Prepare extensive written reports and oral presentations for senior level management. Prepare publications and written reports on scientific investigations, studies and projects.

Use Federal relay and NIH/NIDCD disability captioning accommodation for all lab meetings. Often use lip reading for one to one communication, and regularly use UBI DUO for typewritten communication in the lab with coworkers to assist communication. Use Cap Tel phone, a captioned phone for ordering laboratory supplies and other inside NIH communications.

WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH SENIOR STAFF and with others to collect and analyze information. Communicate with staff in a professional manner. Routinely communicate with management on areas of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and current threats. Discuss the scope and objectives of the research project with the Principal Investigator find out best methods after reviewing the literature related to the project steps as discussed. Decide on the experiment that best works to develop these projects into stories that can be presented to the scientific community.

Successfully mastered the political environment and became adept in discerning with whom and when to share sensitive and confidential information.

Recognized for valuing diversity and different perspectives, and acting ethically to communicate appropriately with various sociocultural and international populations. Sensitive to diversity in all its forms. Demonstrated tact, professionalism and courtesy in all circumstances.

Supervisor: Dr Carter Van Waes, MD, Ph.D. Phone: 301-***-**** Okay to contact: Contact me first

Thomas Jefferson University

1020 Walnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

07/01/1994 - 12/31/2002

Salary: 55,000 USD Per Year

Hours per week: no specific hours always more than 40hrs

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

EXPERT PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: Designed, formatted and taught courses covering scientific topics for the Department of Neurosurgery. Assisted in the teaching and training of medical students in research involving the molecular pathogenesis of glioma. Implemented course curriculum and structure, assessed student progress and provided guidance and assistance in comprehension of course material. Employed a variety of research-based techniques, strategies and technologies to meet the needs of diverse students. Effectively interacted with academically and culturally diverse student populations.

Used complex statistical techniques to publish scientific research.

Mentored medical students in the Department of Neurosurgery and successfully trained medical students and residents to understand, plan and carry out experiments on gene expression during cell death in Glioma.

WORKED WELL IN MULTICULTURAL AND CROSS-DISCIPLINARY ENVIRONMENTS: Built strong partnerships with peers across leading scientific research and academic organizations to promote collaboration and growth. Effectively worked with faculty members to carry out assigned programs. Communicated with others to identify procedural changes that yielded efficiencies.

Supervisor: Dr. David W. Andrews, MD, FACS Phone: 215-***-**** Okay to contact: Contact me first

EDUCATION:

Calcutta University, West Bengal, India

PhD, Biochemistry

Calcutta University, West Bengal, India

MS, Biochemistry

Calcutta University, West Bengal, India

BS, Chemistry

AFFILIATIONS

The Society for Neuro-Oncology, Member, 1996 - Present

American Association of Cancer Research, Member, 2014- Present

PUBLICATIONS:

Das R, Coupar J, Clavijo PE, et al. Lymphotoxin-β receptor-NIK signaling induces alternative RELB/NF-κB2 activation to promote metastatic gene expression and cell migration in head and neck cancer. Molecular Carcinogenesis. 2018;1–15.

Anthony Saleh, Hui Cheng, Scott Martin, Han Si, Pinar Ormanaglu, Sophie Carlson, Paul Clavijo, Xinping Yang, Rita Das, Shaleeka Cornelius, Jamie Coupar, Douglas Chepeha, Ludmila Danilova, Thomas Harris, Michael Prystowski, Geoffrey Childs, Richard Smith, Gordon Robertson, Steven Jones, Andrew Cherniack, SangSoo Kim, Antonina Rait, Kathleen Pirollo, Esther Chang, Zhong Chen, and Carter Van Waes Integrated genomic and functional microRNA analysis identifies miR-30-5p as a tumor suppressor and potential therapeutic nanomedicine in head and neck cancer. (Published Online First February 5, 2019 doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-18-0716.

Lillian Sun, Paul Clavijo, Yvette Robbins, Priya Patel, Jay Friedman, Sarah Greene, Rita Das, Christopher Silvin,Carter VanWaes, Lucas A. Horn, Jeffrey Schlom, Claudia Palena, Dean Maeda, John Zebala, Clint Allen. Inhibiting myeloid derived suppressor cell trafficking enhances T cell immunotherapy. Published in JCI insight. Insight.jci.org

https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.126853

Andrews, DW, Das Rita, Kim S, Thakur M, Zhang J, Knight L, McCune C: Use of intravenous [123-I] iododeoxyuridine as SPECT imaging agent for human glioma Neurosurgery: 25: 1113-1114, 1998.

Andrews DW, Das Rita, Kim, S., Zhang, Curtis, M.: Technetium-MIBI as a glioma imaging agent for the assessment of multi-drug resistance Neurosurgery: 40: 1323-1334, 1997.

Das Rita, Reddy EP, Chatterjee D. and Andrews DW. Identification of a novel Bcl-2-related gene. BRAG-1, in human glioma. Oncogene: 12: 947-951, 1996.

Das Rita and DiBerardino DM. Remodeling of chromatin and induction of RNA synthesis after Incubation of Frog Erythrocyte Nuclei in an Oocyte extract. J of Cell. Biology: 109: 230, 1989.

Das Rita. and Dube DK. Nucleic acid synthesis in isolated gall nuclei. Indian J of Experimental. Biology: 26: 268-270, 1988.

Das Rita and Dube D.K. Ribonucleic acid synthesis in isolated plant nuclei in vitro.

Current Science: 55: 273-277, 1986.

Das Rita, Maitra T and Jalan K. An indirect hemagglutination test to detect serum antibodies to Giardia lamblia. J. Bioscience: 10: 475-480, 1986.

Datta (Das) Rita, Palit S, Sarkar G and Dube DK. Induction of crown gall tumor and studies on nucleic acid synthesis in isolated gall nuclei. Current Science: 51: 836, 1982.

Palit S., Datta (Das) Rita, Sarkar G, Dube DK, Manna, P and Chowdhury, RK. Nucleic acid synthesis by isolated plant nuclei. Indian Biochemistry and Physics: 19: 91-94, 1982.

Datta (Das) Rita, Palit S, Dube DK and Chowdhury D.K. Release of RNA in isolated plant nuclei. Cell Chromosome Newsletter: 4: 15-17, 1981.

POSTER PRESENTATION

Rita Das, Paul E. Clavijo, Clint Allen, Anthony Saleh, Zhong Chen, Carter Van Waes. Inhibition ofNF-kB Inducing Kinase (NIK) to supressNF-kB alternative pathway and cell migration in HNSCC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl).

Anthony D. Saleh, Robert F. Place, Hui Cheng, Rita Das, Thomas M. Harris, Geoffrey Childs, Gordon A. Robertson, Kathleen F. Pirollo, Esther H. Chang, Zhong Chen, Carter Van Waes. Integrated genomic and functional microRNA analysis identifies miR-30-5p as a tumor suppressor and novel therapeutic nanomedicine in head and neck cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl)

Rita Das, Paul E. Clavijo, Anthony Saleh, Jamie Coupar, Zhong Chen, Carter VanWaes (AACR April 2017)

LTβ/LTβ receptor mediates alternative NF-κB activation through NIK and RELB/NF-κB2 to promote cell migration of HNSCC.

Rita Das, Tsu-Fan Cheng, Jamie Coupar, Anthony Saleh, Xinping Yang, Carter VanWaes and Zhong Chen (AACR April 2016) The alternative NF-kB2/RELB pathway is activated by LTβ/LTβR and NIK to promote cell migration and metastasis related gene expression in HNSCC.

Rita Das, Tsu-Fan Cheng, Jamie Coupar, Anthony Saleh, Xinping Yang, Sophie Carlson, Shaleeka Cornelius, Jialing Zhang, Carter VanWaes and Zhong Chen (AACR April 2015) LTβ receptor and NIK signaling activates the alternative NF-kB pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Das, Rita., Holtz, D., Guha-roy R., Andrews, D.W.: Identification of rearrangements related BRAG-1 and Bcl-2 gene in human glioma. American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Denver, CO, (1997).

Das, Rita, and Andrews, David W: Identification of BRAG-1, a BCL-2 related gene I human glioma. Society of Neuro-Oncology 1st Annual Meeting, Santa Fe, (November 1996).

Das, Rita, and Andrews, D.W.: Identification of two novel apoptosis-related genes in human glioma patients. Congress of Neurological Surgeons, San Francisco, (1995).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Additional Research:

Gene expression in gliomas involving preparation of glioma cDNA expression library in λgt 11 vector from glioma isolated mRNA and screening with bc1-2 probe. Characterized plaque purified clones by Southern blots, Northern blots and sequence analysis, and used both manual and automatic sequencing from the forward and complementary strands.

Isolated and used genomic DNA from tumors and MNC DNA from the blood of the respective patients on the Southern blots to detect restriction fragment polymorphism using glioma library isolated cDNA clones.

Prepared Northern blots with the mRNA isolated from the gliomas and probed with the cDNA to detect the expression of the gene in gliomas. Conducted In vitro transcription and translation to detect the size of the expressed protein product of the cloned cDNA under the control of the E.coli phage T7 RNA polymerase promoter. Protein expression was done in QIA express system and the recombinant proteins were purified. Conducted Western blot analysis of the protein using bc1-2 monoclonal antibody (published).

Used purified protein as an antigen to raise poly-clonal antibody in rabbits and this antibody was affinity purified by sepharose 4B and used to screen a normal brain cDNA expression library. Isolated four normal brain clones and characterizations of these clones to determine the structure of the full-length normal RNA expressed in brain. Used antibodies in immunohistochemistry studies to analyze the expression of protein in glioma sections. Performed RT-PCR and in situ hybridization of the amplified mRNA on tissue sections to characterize the expression of the genes in glioma sections (published).

Extensive research experience with Giardia lamblia trophozoites as the antigen to detect anti- Giardia lamblia antibodies in serum of patients (published).

References:

Dr. Carter VanWaes, MD, Ph.D., Clinical Director, Chief, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, NIDCD

Senior Investigator, Radiation Oncology Branch, NCI, Bethesda, MD

301-***-****, adarnt@r.postjobfree.com

Dr. Anthony D. Saleh, Ph.D.

CEO, miRecule Inc.

443-***-****

9119 Gaither Rd

Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Clint T. Allen, MD Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-HNS

Head, Translational Tumor Immunology Program Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Head and Neck Surgery Branch adarnt@r.postjobfree.com

National Institutes of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

adarnt@r.postjobfree.com

Office phone: 301-***-****

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