Product Development R D

Blerta Stringa, PhD

St. Louis, MO

!" +1-314-***-**** *************@*****.*** ORCID LinkedIn: blertastringa

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Molecular Biologist with 10+ years of experWse in biomarker discovery, genome ediWng, and stem cell- based model systems. Adept at developing and validaWng assays using organoids, zebrafish, and rodent models. Passionate about translaWng my laboratory experience to lead the development, scale-up, and commercializaWon of innovaWve flavor systems for food and beverages. Proven ability to design experiments, analyze complex data, and collaborate across disciplines. Seeking to apply my skills in conducWng experiments, assay development, explore data analysis to support commercializaWon and cross-funcWonal collaboraWon in a mission-driven industry role. Core Competencies:

• Product development: I have led lab and model system-based projects from design through validaWon (organoids, zebrafish), mirroring early-stage product development.

• Assay development: Extensive experience in in vitro assays, mulWplex analysis, and biomarker assays and quanWficaWon, cytokine analysis, and stress-response pathways gives you insight into funcWonal performance and biological interacWon

• Data Analysis: StaWsWcal analysis, gene regulatory networks, omics data integraWon

• CollaboraWve Research & Mentorship: Cross-funcWonal teamwork, mentoring, scienWfic wriWng, presentaWon skills

EDUCATION

PhD in Biomolecular Science Department of CIBIO, University of Trento (Italy) 2015-2019 Grade: 110 cum laude. Thesis Wtle: “The effect of germline variants on the genesis of early soma5c events in cancer explored via CRISPR/Cas9 genome edi5ng” Master’s degree in Healthcare Biology Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena (Italy) 2010-2013 Grade: 110/110 cum laude. Thesis Wtle: “In Vivo” effect of Pinosylvin on the development of rat adjuvant arthri5s”

Bachelor's degree in Biological Science, Laboratory of Proteomics, University of Siena (Italy) 2006-2010 Grade: 107/110 cum laude. Thesis Wtle: “Proteolysis, an actual problem in PBMCs sample” PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Postdoc Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis (MO) October 2020 – Present.

• Led research on human gastrulaWon using hESC-derived organoids to study cell fate specificaWon and movement during early development.

• Built a gene regulatory network to explore mesoderm formaWon in zebrafish, uWlizing CRISPR- based geneWc manipulaWons and NGS for pathway analysis.

• Developed cell-based assays for biomarker validaWon, focusing on differenWaWon markers and pathway acWvaWons.

• Managed the laboratory, mentored graduate and undergraduate students, and assisted with Zebrafish Development and GeneWcs courses.

PhD & Postdoc Laboratory of ComputaWonal and FuncWonal Oncology, University of Trento (Italy) 2015 – 2020

• InvesWgated 7p14.3 locus in prostate cancer and its role in somaWc mutaWons through CRISPR/Cas9 and NGS.

• Analyzed gene regulatory networks to uncover funcWonal mutaWons linked to prostate cancer progression, providing insights into biomarker discovery.

• Presented findings at internaWonal conferences and co-authored publicaWons in high-impact journals.

Research Fellowship University of Siena (Italy) 2012 – 2015.

• Led preclinical studies on phytochemicals in amelioraWng rheumatoid arthriWs therapy

• EvaluaWon of mindfulness-based stress reducWon (MBSR) programs on brain plasWcity and biological markers of stress in individuals at risk of burn-out. AWARDS & AffiliaWons

• Keystone Scholar, Stem Cell Models in Embryology Symposium, 2024

• Young InvesWgator Award, Oxygen Club of California World Congress, 2015

• Member, Women in STEM ExecuWve Council, Washington University Postdoc SocietyBayer B4U Mentee, 2025 Cohort

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

• Teaching Assistant, Zebrafish Development and GeneWcs Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole (MA) 2023-2024

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