Biologist

Qianru Yang, Ph.D. Rockville, MD

Cell: 503-***-**** Email: ********@*****.*** Linkedin

Accomplished scientist with over 10 years of expertise in microbiology, molecular genetics, antimicrobial resistance, and foodborne virology. Proficient in molecular assays, analytical methods, whole genome sequencing, and compliance with FDA regulations, HACCP, GMP, and GLP. Authored 21 publications in peer-reviewed journals and served as a reviewer for 20 journals since 2014, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing scientific research and standards. Skills

Laboratory and Analytical Techniques: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT-qPCR, ddPCR, LAMP, Western Blotting, ELISA, PFGE

(Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis), Cell culture, TCID50, Chemical tests (pH, Aw, etc.), HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography), FDA BAM standard identification, API 20E Molecular Biology and Genomics: WGS (Whole Genome Sequencing) on various platforms (MiSeq, NextSeq, PacBio, etc.), Advanced sequencing techniques (RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, Metagenomic sequencing), Genetic analysis and interpretation Data Analysis and Bioinformatics: SAS, R, SPSS, Python, SQL, EndNote, Genomic data analysis, Statistical modeling Professional Skills: Regulatory compliance (FDA, HACCP, GMP, GLP), Scientific report writing, Oral and poster presentations, Project management (Jira, LIMS), Collaboration in interdisciplinary teams Professional Experience

Biologist (principal investigator) in FDA/CFSAN/OARSA- Laurel, MD 07/2022 - 03/2025

● Led and coordinated multiple high-impact projects, developing and validating cutting-edge molecular-based assays for viral detection, resulting in significantly improved diagnostic protocols.

● Directed complex data analysis and troubleshooting efforts, mentoring team members in advanced analytical techniques to optimize research outcomes and increase laboratory efficiency.

● Spearheaded the standardization of FDA BAM RT-qPCR protocol implementation across the research group, leading training sessions and ensuring consistent, reliable viral detection procedures.

● Pioneered a novel extraction method for rapid virus quantification from cell culture media, managing a team to reduce processing time by 40% while maintaining high accuracy.

● Chaired a cross-functional committee as lead consultant, guiding methodologies and result interpretation for influenza virus detection in raw milk, thereby enhancing food safety protocols.

● Established reputation as a respected peer reviewer for more than 20 prestigious scientific journals, demonstrating thought leadership and contributing to the advancement of virology and microbiology. Microbiologist in FDA/CVM & CFSAN - Laurel, MD 03/2016 - 07/2022

● Optimized foodborne virus isolation from soil and analyzed animal feed microbiomes, improving detection sensitivity by 2 logs and identifying feed safety biomarkers.

● Managed a 2-year surveillance study of over 1,000 soil and water samples, and performed virus infectivity measurements using TCID50 assays for comprehensive environmental risk assessment.

● Led multi-lab validation studies and developed novel multiplex PCR/qPCR assays for Salmonella detection, coordinating with 7 State labs to standardize rapid detection methods and reduce diagnostic time by 50%.

● Performed SAS analysis for nationwide MRSA survey and SQL processing of large-scale data, enhancing public health insights and data management efficiency.

● Implemented EndNote for the virology team, creating a shared library of current research, and developed training programs for new hires on viral sample preparation and detection techniques.

● Presented research findings through posters and oral presentations at FDA and nationwide conferences, effectively communicating complex scientific outcomes to diverse audiences. Post-Doctoral (ORISE Fellow) in FDA/CVM/OR- Laurel, MD 11/2013 - 11/2015

● Identified antimicrobial resistance genes and gene mutations by microarray and whole genome sequencing.

● Determined the effect of low-level antimicrobial residues on the development of bacterial resistance.

● Conducted thorough literature reviews for project proposals and manuscripts. Research Intern in University of Maryland & FDA/CVM/OR - College Park, MD 03/2012 - 07/2013

● Evaluated chlortetracycline stability via agar dilution, optimizing antimicrobial efficacy for veterinary use.

● Evaluation of LAMP assay for multiple Salmonella serovars detection in fresh produce samples.

● Participated in a survey of farm-grown tomatoes, soil, and irrigation water for foodborne pathogens. Education

Ph.D. Food Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 2009-2013 Master of Science Food Science & Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 2007-2009 Bachelor of Science Food Science & Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China 2000-2004 Selected Publications (in total of 21 peer-reviewed publications)

● Ge B, McDonald RC, Yang Q, Domesle KJ, Sarria S, Li X, Hsu C, Jarvis KG, Tadesse DA. 2025. Exploring animal food microbiomes and resistomes via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics. Appl Environ Microbiol 91:e02230-24.

● Yang Z, Kulka M, Yang Q, Papafragkou E, Yu C, Wales SQ, Ngo D, Chen H. 2023. Whole genome sequencing- based confirmatory methods on RT-qPCR results for detection of foodborne viruses in frozen berries. Food Environ Virol. 2024 Jun;16(2):225-240.

● Domesle KJ, Young SR, Yang Q, Ge B. 2020. Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Screening Salmonella in Animal Food and Confirming Salmonella from Culture Isolation. JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments). 159: e61239.

* For the list of my publications, please visit my ORCID profile at https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2812-7678 Selected Presentations

● Yu C, Kauffman M, Yang Q, Papafragkou E. 2024. Methods Evaluation for Concentration of Viruses in Large Volumes of Agricultural Water. International Association for Food Protection 2024 Annual Meeting, Long Beach, CA July 14 - 17, 2024.

● Papafragkou E and Yang Q. 2023. Prevalence of hepatitis A virus and norovirus RNA in a variety of agricultural soils from farms in the United State. The 8th International Calicivirus Conference, Rotterdam, Netherlands May 7 - 11, 2023.

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