R D Research Scientist

Sapna Sharma

Research Scientist/Lab Manager/Wayne State University

Location: Windsor Ontario, Canada

Phone: 313-***-****

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

Summary

A highly organized, professional, and experienced Research Scientist/Lab Manager with over 12 years’ experience in industrial R&D lab operations & 7 years’ experience in an academic research lab. Proven expertise in managing research teams, developing complex analytical methodologies, and ensuring operational excellence through strategic planning, budget management, and technical training. I am seeking for a challenging and responsible position to utilize all my analytical, leading skills and knowledge to a greater extent. Expertise and Skill Set

• Management Skills: Inventory management; budget planning; safety compliance; writing SOP’s; equipment purchase, maintenance; quality assurance: personnel on-boarding and health & safety training.

• Chromatography Techniques: GC-MS; GC-FID; HPLC

• Spectroscopy Techniques: FTIR, mid-IR, UV-VIS, NMR

• Cell Biology Techniques: Cell Culture, Flow Cytometer, Cell Viability Assays, Bio-Tek Cytation 5(Agilent), IHC, IFC, Histology, Immunoprecipitation.

• Molecular Biology Techniques: DNA, RNA and protein extraction from tissues and cells; qPCR

• Tools and Software: Gen5, FlowJo, Graphpad prism, Chemstation and Mass hunter, LIMS.

• Language: Written and oral fluency in English

• Computer: Microsoft Office, Zoom

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Professional Experience

2022 – present

Research Scientist/Lab Manager (TN Visa)

Reproductive Immunology Unit- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Wayne State University Detroit, MI

• Managed a research team of 10 technicians, fellows, and students, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and the efficient completion of logistical and housekeeping tasks to maintain the smooth operation of the research lab.

• Assisted the Principal Investigator (PI) with budget planning and managed inventory, procurement, and organization of materials and reagents to ensure efficient lab operations.

• Oversee equipment procurement, maintenance, and repairs, and develop SOP and guidelines for proper equipment use.

• Established a new clinical laboratory(CLIA), which involved planning, purchasing equipment, setting up new protocols, writing SOP’s and conducting validation processes to ensure everything met CLIA regulatory standards. 2019 –2022

• Coached and mentored team members, guiding them to achieve professional growth and enhancing the overall team dynamic.

• Optimized protocols for automated, real-time, and quantitative cellular microscopy assays: cell growth/death assays; invasion assay; migration assay; co-culture assays; immune killing assays

• Established protocols for fixation, paraffin embedding, sectioning and IHC for different mammalian tissues and biomarkers to support research team.

• Cultured and maintained stocks of cryopreserved cell lines, performing routine tasks such as subculturing, cell counting, and contamination monitoring to support ongoing research projects.

• Conducted in vitro studies (cell and tissue culture) and quality control assays( RNA and protein isolation, RT-PCR, qPCR, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry for research.

• Conducted cytotoxic assay to test the efficacy of 8 novel multi-target inhibitors against chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells by using real-time cell imaging instrument Cytation5/Bio-spa.

• Supported Lab members with the project administration and methodology.

• Developed new protocols for trophoblast migration and invasion study using Cytation5/Bio- spa to elucidate the molecular mechanism responsible for the impairment of trophoblast function as result of benzene exposure on Cytation5/Bio-spa.

• Analyzed post-transcriptional and translational effects after treatment by measuring gene expressions via RT PCR and protein levels by western blot.

• Investigating the effect of novel therapies for aggressive, metastatic ovarian cancer cells. R&D Lab Coordinator-Global Spirits Company

Hiram Walker & Son’s - Pernod-Ricard, Windsor, ON

• Manage equipment purchase, maintenance/repair, negotiate cost, and maintain a three- year budget plan for research laboratory.

• Assisted with coaching, and performance evaluations, as well as participating in the hiring process.

• Provided training and mentorship to new and existing team members on laboratory protocols, safety and technical skills.

• Provided health & safety training to team to ensure compliance with company safety regulations.

• Expert in designing and managing workflows to track project timelines and scheduling task within the R&D team members.

• Leading continuous improvement related to testing and analytical capabilities, identifying new opportunities, developing new analytical methods.

• Analyze and interpret data, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues efficiently, making data-driven decisions to enhance lab operations.

• Leading analytical activities and investigations linked to new product development, complaints, and co-packer issues, recommending improvements.

• Ensure that laboratory safety equipment and personal protective equipment are available, in proper working order, and appropriate for the work being conducted.

• Maintain compliance with environmental regulations, to include proper management of hazardous waste.

2010 –2019

• Develop testing procedures for photostability Testing of Products Using Xenon Technology Xenotest Beta

• Ensuring Good Laboratory practice is followed.

• Executed lab renovation project to modernize the space, improve functionality, enhance safety, and provide a more collaborative and efficient environment for teams. R&D Analytical Chemist-Global Spirits Company

Hiram Walker & Son’s - Pernod-Ricard, Windsor, ON

• Developed and validated new analytical methods using GCMS; GCFID; HPLC and executed value engineering projects that prioritized cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

• Performed analysis of VOC, fusel oils, terpenes and product profiling using GCMS.

• Performed analysis of sugars and preservatives in new products using HPLC.

• Support product quality activities and initiatives with research team, copackers and cross functional teams.

• Supporting and guiding product development teams in delivery of new product innovations and value engineering opportunities via analytical and microbial testing.

• Expert in FTIR; Auto-titration, Karl Fischer titrator, pH meter, analytical balance, etc.

• Conducted comprehensive wet chemistry techniques, flavor testing and microbial testing to evaluate the shelf life, ensuring product safety and quality over time.

• Strong understanding of flavor chemistry, analytical testing, formulations, and processing, ideally those used in beverages.

• Writing and submitting technical reports to support regulatory submissions, investigations, and inquiries, writing standard operating procedure manuals.

• Created and implemented new pasteurization process in the lab, optimized the treatment process to improve microbial safety and extend shelf life of the products.

• Designing and conducting micro challenge studies on new products.

• Thorough knowledge of applicable safety and standards guidelines, such as TTB, FDA, SOP, cGMP, GLP, MSD

2009 – 2010

2004 – 2009

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Inorganic Chemistry

University of Windsor Windsor, ON

• Full responsibility for an individual research project as assigned by the supervisor.

• Managed chemistry lab inventory stock and equipment.

• Managed the day-to-day operation of the UV-specs and MID IR.

• Trained new users to use TGA, HPLC, UV-VIS and MID-IR. Graduate Student Research Assistant

University of Windsor Windsor, ON

• Assisted with research for academic publications.

• Analyzed organic and inorganic compounds to determine chemical and physical properties, using FT-IR, UV and high field NMR (300 and 500MHz) spectrometers.

• Executed qualitative and quantitative analysis on wide range of data.

• Gave public presentations of findings at conferences.

• Gathered, reviewed, and summarized literature from scientific journals.

• Responsible for daily laboratory maintenance, such as supply ordering and management, participant scheduling, etc., and research duties.

• Helped write journals-published article detailing results of research.

• Ensuring Good Laboratory practice is followed.

2008 –2009 Chemistry Instructor, Chemical Engineering Tech(part-time) St. Clair College of Applied Arts & Technology Windsor, ON

• Full responsibility for an individual research project as assigned by the supervisor.

• Supervised laboratory sessions for groups of 15-20 students for the Advanced Organic Chemistry course.

• Demonstrated the theory, use and operation of various instrumental methods like IR, TGA, UV/vis, NMR and HPLC

• Ran problem sessions for students prior to midterms and exams.

• Administered tests, quizzes and other assignments to gauge students' learning and knowledge of course materials.

Education

2009 University of Windsor, ON

Ph.D.: Inorganic & Supramolecular Chemistry

2006 Ontario Certified Teachers, Windsor

BBA: Teach in Ontario Certificate

1997 Guru Nanak Dev University, India

Master of Science: Applied Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences 1994 S.M.D.R.S.D College India

Bachelor of Science: Biochemistry

Research Publications

• Alexandra Fox, Garry D. Leonard2, Nicholas Adzibolosu, Terrence Wong, Roslyn Tedja, Sapna Sharma, Radhika Gogoi, Robert Morris, Gil Mor, Charlie Fehl, Ayesha B. Alvero1,“Adipose microenvironment promotes hypersialylation of ovarian cancer cells.” Front. Oncol., 21 July 2024 Volume 14 - 2024

• S. Sharma, G. J. E. Davidson and S. J. Loeb*, “Controlling a [2]Rotaxane Flip-Switch via Coordination Chemistry.” Angew. Chem., 2010, (submitted).

• S. Sharma, G. J. E. Davidson and S. J. Loeb*, “Controlling the ON/OFF threading of a terpyridine containing [2]pseudorotaxane ligand via changes in coordination geometry.” Chemical Communications, 2008, 582-584.

• S. Sharma, B. S. Lark, P. K. Banipal and T. S. Banipal*, “Thermodynamic and transport properties of sorbitol and mannitol in water and in mixed aqueous solutions.” Indian Journal of Chemistry, 38A, 1999, 1106-1115.

Certifications

2022- present WSU DLAR Hazard Training

2022-present WSU DLAR basic mouse handing training 2020 FTIR Training, Bruker

2019 GCMS Training-Maryland Washington

2019 Principles of Internal Auditing Certificate( IACET) 2008 OCT-Ontario Certified Teacher Certificate

Conferences

• Sapna Sharma1, Ayesha B. Alvero1, Cody McHale2, Donald Durden2, and Gil Mor (2024, October 25). Dual inhibitors targeting cyclin-dependent kinase and Aurora kinase induce cell death in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells. CS Mott Center Research Trainee Day. Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA. [Poster session].

• S. Sharma representing Hiram-Walker Distillery(2018) 1st annual ChemiConn/UWindsor, a Chemical and Biochemical Connections event.[Speaker]

• Sapna Sharma1, J. Tiburcio2 and S. J. Loeb, (2007). Using Coordination Chemistry to Control the Threading and Unthreading in Pseudorotaxane Ligands. 90th Canadian Chemistry Conference, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. [Poster session]

• Sapna Sharma1, G. J. E. Davidson2 and S. J. Loeb, (2007) Controlling the ON/OFF threading of a terpyridine containing [2]pseudorotaxane ligand via changes in coordination geometry. 40th Annual Inorganic Discussion Weekend, Toronto, ON, Canada. [Poster Session]

• Sapna Sharma1, G. J. E. Davidson2 and S. J. Loeb, (2008) Controlling Co-Conformational Preferences in a [2]Rotaxane Molecular Flip-Switch via Coordination Chemistry. 41st Annual Inorganic Discussion Weekend St. Catharine, ON, Canada. [Poster Session]

• Sapna Sharma1 and S. J. Loeb, (2007) Annual Inorganic Discussion Weekend St. Catharine, ON, Canada. [Poster Session]

References

To be provided upon request

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