Data Analysis Molecular Biology

AMAAL ALTALHI

Vienna, VA - Open to Relocation ********@***.*** LinkedIn

SENIOR PROTEOMICS & BIOANALYTICAL SCIENTIST MASS SPECTROMETRY, PEPTIDE DISCOVERY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Summary: PhD-level Senior Scientist with expertise in proteomics, bioanalytical mass spectrometry, peptide discovery, and molecular biology. Skilled in advanced LC-MS/MS techniques (Orbitrap, DDA/DIA) for peptide and protein characterization, with hands-on experience in biomarker identification and antimicrobial peptide research. Proven track record in molecular biology, including primer design, genetic manipulation, and crosslinking chemistry for biofunctional materials. Proficient in bioinformatics tools such as PEAKS Xpro, Spectronaut, and NCBI BLAST. Passionate about discovering peptides with therapeutic potential and advancing translational biomedical research through integrative omics approaches.

KEY SKILLS

Analytical Techniques:

Mass Spectrometry: Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid MS, Exploris 480 MS, LC-MS/MS (DDA/DIA), MALDI-TOF, GC-MS

Spectroscopy & Imaging: NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis, Fluorescence, DLS, AFM, SEM

Microscopy: Compound Microscope, Fluorescence Microscope, Micro-Vu Microscope

Separation Methods: HPLC, Chromatography, Electrophoresis

Analytical Instrumentation: YSI 2900 Biochemistry Analyzer, CH Potentiostat, Viscosity Meter, DSC

Molecular & Cell Biology:

Techniques: PCR, qRT-PCR, Cloning, Transformation, Cell Culture, Flow Cytometry, Western Blot, ELISA, Plate Reader

Proteomics: Protein Purification & Expression, Characterization, Enzymatic Assays, Lyophilization

Genomics: Primer Design, Genotyping, Sequence Analysis, DNA/Protein Analysis

Laboratory Skills: Media Preparation, Buffer Formulation, Seed Expansion & Harvesting, Peptide Harvesting

Bioinformatics & Data Analysis:

Software: Experienced with PEAKS Xpro (including PEAKS 10/11/12) for de novo sequencing, DDA/DIA analysis, and proteomics data interpretation; also proficient in Spectronaut, BLAST+, Diamond BLAST, UniProt, NCBI

Programming: Python Scripting, MATLAB Modeling, R

Data Processing: Large Dataset Analysis, Statistical Evaluation, Custom Coding Pipelines

Research & Development:

Therapeutic Applications: Peptide Capture & Identification, Drug Discovery, Biomarker Identification

Specialized Research: Antimicrobial Peptides, Bioactive Molecule Discovery

Laboratory Management: IRB Protocols, Regulatory Compliance (GMP, GLP), Laboratory Safety (SDS/MSDS), Lab Safety

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

rGeorge Mason University, Fairfax, VA

–Adjunct Assistant Professor (Jan 2025 to Present)

Tasked with teaching Organic Chemistry I & II, developed comprehensive course materials and learning strategies for students. Led organic chemistry labs with a focus on advanced synthesis and purification techniques.

Key Achievements:

Implemented innovative teaching strategies that increased student engagement by 35% and improved average grades by 50%

Developed comprehensive course materials that enhanced conceptual understanding of complex organic chemistry principles

Created an interactive learning environment that fosters student participation and success

–Graduate Researcher (2019 to Present)

Innovated a peptide capture method using magnetic iron oxide particles, enhancing proteomic analysis in antimicrobial peptide research. Led significant studies on amphibian skin tissue and alligator plasma peptides, optimizing extraction methods for mass spectrometry workflows.

Key Achievements:

Pioneered a novel peptide capture method using functionalized magnetic iron oxide particles with cross-linked polymer matrices, enhancing stability and efficiency in proteomic analysis workflows

Investigated alligator serum for the treatment of Venezuelan equine encephalitis disease, resulting in a published paper advancing therapeutic development

Synthesized hydrogel particles coated with MA6AHA (N-methacryloyl-6-aminohexanoic acid) for targeted NK cell harvesting in cancer immunotherapy research; analyzed samples via LC-MS/MS and optimized peptide extraction efficiency as part of a collaborative project

Analyzed amphibian tissue extracts to identify antimicrobial and bioactive peptides, advancing understanding of the symbiotic relationship between Xenopus laevis and its skin microbiome

Led breakthrough research on amphibian skin tissue peptides, optimizing extraction methods that improved peptide identification

Developed early peptide harvesting techniques using functionalized magnetic iron oxide particles, significantly increasing peptide capture efficiency prior to mass spectrometry analysis

Developed and maintained a comprehensive amphibian proteomic/genomic database integrating advanced bioinformatics

Created automated Python scripts for peptide data analysis after processing with PeaksXPro and Spectronaut, increasing efficiency in large dataset processing by over 40%

Supervised and trained aSAP students, undergraduates, and graduate students in wet lab techniques and proteomics research

Developed custom coding pipelines using DIAMOND for high-throughput sequence alignment in proteomic studies

–Graduate Teaching Assistant (2020 to 2023)

Instructed General Chemistry I & II labs, focusing on atomic/molecular structure, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Led biochemistry labs, providing guidance to students in protein purification, enzymatic assays, and gel electrophoresis.

Key Achievements:

Provided academic support that increased class average by 25%

Developed improved biotechnology course materials and presentations

Maintained strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols while fostering an effective learning environment

–Adjunct Graduate Lecturer (2019)

Taught Analytical Chemistry labs, incorporating gravimetric, volumetric, and instrumental analysis techniques; optimized and improved the lab manual.

Key Achievements:

Implemented innovative teaching methods enhancing students' hands-on skills and understanding

Optimized and updated the laboratory manual to reflect current scientific standards and practices

rResearch Associate Open Scientific, Fort Lauderdale, FL (2018 to 2019)

Conducted extensive research on blood glucose monitoring, optimizing experimental protocols to enhance detection accuracy and boost biomedical diagnostic applications.

Key Achievements:

Played a central role in developing new chemical formulations for blood glucose monitoring, leading to patents

Led a project team that improved detection accuracy of a key biomedical diagnostic tool by 20%

Optimized experimental protocols resulting in increased efficiency and accuracy

Developed novel chemical formulations that significantly improved product stability and efficacy

Performed hematological analyses using Crit Spin centrifugation, enhancing the precision of blood-based diagnostics and supporting ongoing biomedical tool development

Conducted enzyme assays to evaluate protein functionality in experimental formulations, contributing to a 20% increase in assay reliability

rBiochemistry Researcher Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL (2016-2018)

Investigated and identified key metabolic pathways in retinol biosynthesis and metabolism, contributing to advancements in non-invasive diagnostic techniques for biomedical applications.

Key Achievements:

Developed and validated a MATLAB-based cancer screening model later adopted by several diagnostic laboratories

Contributed to advancements in non-invasive diagnostic techniques through metabolic pathway research

Applied advanced biochemistry knowledge to enhance laboratory techniques, improving experimental accuracy

Led seed expansion and harvesting experiments as part of plant–bacteria interaction studies, identifying novel plant defense responses and contributing to new insights in plant biochemistry

Discovered and characterized signaling-induced defense pathways, advancing understanding of metabolic resistance mechanisms in plants

rChemist Industrial Support Services (2015)

Conducted quality certification and environmental testing for various substances including oil, water, and cosmetics. Utilized advanced laboratory techniques and equipment to ensure compliance with industry standards.

Key Achievements:

Developed new methodologies for oil and water quality certification, improving accuracy and efficiency

Implemented testing protocols that reduced processing times by 20%

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline testing processes, reducing errors by 25%

Utilized distillation techniques in water and oil sample analysis to purify and identify compounds, improving overall processing time by 20% and ensuring testing met regulatory standards

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

rNutritional Assistant Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY (2015 to 2016)

Focused on assessing nutrient roles in exercise and training, with particular emphasis on macronutrient metabolism. Established tailored nutritional requirements for physically active individuals.

Key Achievements:

Developed personalized nutritional plans for athletes, improving health and performance outcomes

Conducted comprehensive assessments of nutrient roles in physically demanding activities

Implemented regulated nutrient standards successfully for various athletic programs

rManaging Director Star Gate Institutes (2014 to 2015)

Oversaw successful implementation and supervision of TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT training programs, ensuring high-quality training delivery that contributed to overall success.

Key Achievements:

Exceeded revenue targets by diversifying product offerings and expanding into new markets

Implemented strategic initiatives resulting in 40% increase in program efficiency

Spearheaded business development initiatives that increased overall organizational revenue

EDUCATION

PhD, Chemistry and Biochemistry George Mason University, Virginia (2024)

Thesis: Comprehensive Approaches to Peptide Capture & Identification from Biological Sources

Developed novel peptide harvesting techniques using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles

Specialized in mass spectrometry-based proteomics using Orbitrap systems and LC-MS/MS (DDA/DIA)

Conducted comparative proteomic studies on peptide capture efficiency using C8 and C18 solid-phase extractions

Analyzed raw mass spectrometry data to identify captured peptides via Spectronaut, PEAKS Xpro, and PEAKS 11

Integrated advanced bioinformatics tools (BLAST+, Diamond, Python, R) for peptide and protein identification

Advanced research in antimicrobial peptides and bioactive molecule discovery

Published peer-reviewed work in proteomics, peptide chemistry, and analytical biochemistry

Master of Science, Biochemistry Florida Institute of Technology, Florida (2017)

Thesis: Investigating Retinol Metabolism and Its Biomedical Applications

Investigated retinol biosynthesis and metabolism to support non-invasive diagnostic innovations

Explored the biomedical applications of vitamin A derivatives on cellular signaling and enzymatic pathways

Applied biochemical techniques (HPLC, UV-Vis, fluorescence assays, enzymatic kinetics) for metabolite analysis

Developed a MATLAB-based cancer screening model combining biochemical and computational methods

Contributed to research in metabolic pathways and clinical biochemistry, advancing diagnostics

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey (2013)

Built foundational expertise in molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry

Conducted undergraduate research on biochemical regulation and metabolic pathways

Gained hands-on experience in enzymatic assays, protein purification, and FTIR/UV-Vis/HPLC techniques

Studied biomedical applications, drug metabolism, and disease-linked biochemical processes

CONTRIBUTIONS & EDUCATIONAL IMPACT

Authored a biochemistry lab manual for CHEM 456, Site-Directed Mutagenesis of GFP, adopted by George Mason University (2021–Present), guiding students in GFP mutagenesis using PCR-based primer design, site-directed mutagenesis, and bacterial transformation.

Designed specific primers to mutate GFP to YFP and CFP variants via point mutations (T203Y and Y66W)

Oversaw and instructed students on molecular cloning, protein purification, gel electrophoresis, and fluorescence characterization techniques

PUBLICATIONS

1.Carfagno, Amy et al. "Bioprospecting the American Alligator Peptidome for antiviral peptides against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus." Proteomics vol. 23,5 (2023): e2200237. doi:10.1002/pmic.202200237

2.Chafran, Liana, et al. "Green Hydrogel Synthesis: Emphasis on Proteomics and Polymer Particle-Protein Interaction." Polymers, vol. 14, no. 21, 2022, p. 4755, https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214755

3.Torres Hinojosa, K. et al. "Exploring Host Defense in Xenopus laevis via Mass Spectrometry." JSSR, 2023

4.Altalhi, A. "Synthesis & Characterization of Magnetic Iron Oxide Particles (IOPs) for Antimicrobial Peptide Capture." (Manuscript in preparation)

5.Altalhi, A. "Comparative Analysis of DIA Databases in Xenopus laevis Antimicrobial Peptide Identification." (Manuscript in preparation)

CERTIFICATIONS

LC-MS/MS: Principles, Applications, Tips & Tricks – Pittcon 2024, San Diego, CA

Data Analytics Part 2: Extending and Applying Core Knowledge LinkedIn Learning Completed: May 30, 2025

HONORS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Provost PhD Award Recipient (2020-2023)

Pittcon 2024 Conference & Exposition – Analytical Chemistry & Applied Spectroscopy

Dean’s List Recognition at VCU & Fairleigh Dickinson University

Invited Guest, L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Honoree Celebration, Washington, DC – Nov 2024 Recognized for academic excellence and impactful research in Chemistry & Biochemistry

AFFILIATIONS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

rOrganizer, Intercultural Festival (ICF), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA (2010)

Led organization of a campus-wide event celebrating cultural diversity

Coordinated performances, art displays, food, fashion shows, and community booths

Promoted cross-cultural engagement and inclusivity

rVolunteer, Virginia Commonwealth Medical Center, Richmond, VA (2009–2010)

Evaluated medical equipment and participated in patient rounds

Assisted patients with their needs and directed them to appropriate resources

Engaged in discussions regarding patient medical records

rMember, American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS)

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