Research Specialist Molecular Biology

Hillary Heins

*** **** ****** **, ******** Heights, IL 62208

******@*******.*** 618-***-****

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

I am a Research Specialist that designs, executes, and interprets research projects. My strengths include exceptional writing and troubleshooting skills, an in-depth knowledge of a variety of molecular biology techniques, processing study participant samples such as blood, tissue, saliva, and urine, and substantial laboratory experience. In addition, I am a strong team player who thrives in both team and individual settings.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Molecular Biology • Troubleshooting • Communication • Team player • Leadership

EXPERIENCE

Washington University, St. Louis, MO

Research Specialist Department of Allergy & Immunology 2024-2025

Research Specialist Department of Genetics 2022-2024

Research Specialist Department of Pediatrics 2016-2022

Senior Research Technician Department of Pedicatrics 2002-2016

Performs complex analyses, experiments, and project work under general direction of the PI. Ensures procedures and protocols are followed consistently and effectively. Exhibits a high degree of independent problem solving and ability to conduct research on assigned projects. May serve in a lead role, as needed.

Plans, develops, organizes, and formalizes research results and findings. May develop for presentation and/or present on behalf of department. Co-authors publications and/or papers supporting research findings in logical and sometimes multiple formats tailored to audiences.

Conducts literature searches related to research projects.

Suggests technical/procedural improvements in various methods. Able to develop and optimize experimental procedures and protocols. Provide high level troubleshooting to advance process or lab procedures.

Designs, optimizes, and performs genetic screening experiments using techniques such as PCR, restriction enzyme digest, molecular cloning, electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, RT qPCR.

Implements technology relative to protein analysis via Western blots, elisas, and immunostaining. Designs, optimizes, and performs experiments to work with cells in culture and clone constructs. Has studied adenoviral based knockdown and concurrent rescue of surfactant-associated genes in cell cultures. Uses fluorescence microscopy.

Works with study recruiters to obtain patient samples such as blood, tissue, skin and lung biopsies, saliva, urine. Processes samples for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), DNA, RNA, protein, serum, plasma.

Ensures laboratory meets all safety standards and keeps laboratory safety information and data sheets up to date and easily accessible.

Experience with supervision of laboratory assistants, medical students, and fellows

Communicates with outside research facilities toward the development of advanced technology.

Genome Systems/Incyte Genomics, St. Louis, MO

Technical Editor & Senior Associate, Technical Support 1998-2001

Team Leader, Customer Support and Clone Distribution, 1997-1998

Lab Technician 1995-1997

Employee of the Year, 1999

Established a strong rapport with customers and co-workers.

Attained thorough understanding of various vector constructs and laboratory applications.

Troubleshooting of protocols and techniques, including PCR, electrophoresis, probe labeling and hybridization, DNA/RNA extraction, gene expression, Northern and Southern analyses, DNA sequencing, and library construction. Interpretation of microarray and macroarray gene expression experiment results.

Performed plasmid DNA isolation from genomic clones, PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, electrophoresis, colony lifting, and labeling/hybridization techniques for gene target identification. For contig mapping projects, performed linear orientation analysis of multiple clones through the generation of Sp6 and T7 probes via in vitro transcription. Used Genetix robot for spotting colonies onto nylon filters and colony picking into multi-well plates. Processed spotted filters to remove bacterial host debris with subsequent UV cross-linking. Prepared solutions and growth media. Prepared agar stabs and glycerol stocks of clones for storage and shipment.

Made revisions or created new technical product manuals and product guides.

Assisted customers in using subscriber-based, on-line, and public sequence databases.

Managed a group of five handling all customer inquiries and order entry. Customer issues ranged from order status to technical troubleshooting of lab techniques and processes. Simultaneous management of a lab group that filled all clone orders for agar stabs, individual glycerol stocks, and multi-well plates.

Aided group in development and review of internal training guides. Proactively trained representatives as needed.

Liaison and trainer for contracted FISH services.

Represented company at various trade shows.

Met or exceeded all quarterly goals

Hardees O’Fallon, IL

Team Leader, Front Line 1989-1995

Provided customer service and worked in multiple roles including drive thru, front line, prep, back line.

Strong experience handling money and assuring drawer accuracy

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Hughes Summer Research Internship Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH Involved animal care and the design and implementation of experiments. Tested the toxicological effects of Benzo(α)pyrene and the drugs ketoconazole and clotrimazole on the rate of breakdown of the carcinogenic agent via hepatic enzymes. Published results in a Senior Thesis as a requirement for the McKendree Honors Program. Also included as a contributor on the Zoology department’s poster presentation at a subsequent toxicology conference and published work based on the project.

Field Biology Ecosystem of Coastal Florida, Crystal River, FL Study of the Florida gulf-side ecosystem, with an emphasis on the manatee and its habitat. Included study of various fish and plant species. Noted the environmental issues affecting this ecosystem. Swam with the manatees in the wild at Kings Bay.

Reis Biological Station, Steelville, MO Conducted a field study of a multitude of habitats within the station.

EDUCATION

1995 BS, Biology. Minor, Chemistry. McKendree University, Lebanon, IL Graduated Magna Cum Laude. Honors and awards included Presidential Scholarship, Honors Program, Lincoln Academy Laureate Award, Sigma Zeta Honor Society, Dean‘s List.

PUBLICATIONS

Proteome-Wide Assessment of Clustering of Missense Variants in Neurodevelopmental Disorders Versus Cancer. Jeffrey K. Ng, Yilin Chen, Titilope M. Akinwe, Hillary B. Heins, Elvisa Mehinovic, Yoonhoo Chang, Zachary L. Payne, Juana G. Manuel, Rachel Karchin, Tychele N. Turner. Cell Genomics accepted 2/12/25. Preprint MedRxiv: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.02.02.24302238

Preprint: Generation and Characterization of a Knockout Mouse of an Enhancer of EBF3. Emily Cordova Hurtado, Janine M. Wotton, Alexander Gulka, Crystal Burke, Jeffrey K. Ng, Ibrahim Bah, Juana Manuel, Hillary Heins, Stephen A. Murray, David U. Gorkin, Jacqueline K. White, Kevin A. Peterson, View ORCID ProfileTychele N. Turner . doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.01.09.631762 PMID: 38352539

Homozygous, Intragenic Tandem Duplication of SFTPB Causes Neonatal Respiratory Failure Jennifer A. Wambach, Daniel J. Wegner, Joseph Kitzmiller, Frances V. White, Hillary B. Heins, Ping Yang, Alexander J. Paul, Jorge L. Granadillo, Pirooz Eghtesady, Cadence Kuklinski, Tiffany Turner, Korre Fairman, Kristyne Stone, Theodore Wilson, Amy Breman, Janice Smith, Molly C. Schroeder, Julie A. Neidich, Jeffrey A. Whitsett, and F. Sessions Cole. https://doi.org/10.1165/rcmb.2023-0156LE PubMed: 38156804

Human pluripotent stem cell modeling of alveolar type 2 cell dysfunction caused by ABCA3 mutations. Yuliang L. Sun, Erin E. Hennessey, Hillary Heins, Ping Yang, Carlos Villacorta-Martin, Julian Kwan, Krithi Gopalan, Marianne James, Andrew Emili, F. Sessions Cole, Jennifer A. Wambach, Darrell N. Kotton. J Clin Invest. 2024;134(2):e164274. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI164274. 2024 Jan 16.

Preprint: High Coverage Highly Accurate Long-Read Sequencing of a Mouse Neuronal Cell Line Using the PacBio Revio Sequencer. Juana G. Manuel, Hillary B. Heins, Sandra Crocker, Julie A. Neidich, Lisa Sadzewicz, Luke Tallon, Tychele N. Turner. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37333171/

Biologic characterization of ABCA3 variants in lung tissue from infants and children with ABCA3 deficiency Kathryn K Xu, Daniel J Wegner, Lucille C Geurts, Hillary B Heins, Ping Yang, Aaron Hamvas, Pirooz Eghtesady, Stuart C Sweet, F Sessions Cole, Jennifer A Wambach. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022 May ;57(5):1325-1330. doi: 10.1002/ppul.25862. Epub 2022 Mar 17.

Functional Genomics of ABCA3 Variants. Wambach JA, Yang P, Wegner DJ, Heins HB, Luke C, Li F, White FV, Cole FS.Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2020 Oct;63(4):436-443. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2020 0034MA.PMID: 32692933

Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into Functional Lung Alveolar Epithelial Cells. Jacob A, Morley M, Hawkins F, McCauley KB, Jean JC, Heins H, Na CL, Weaver TE, Vedaie M, Hurley K, Hinds A, Russo SJ, Kook S, Zacharias W, Ochs M, Traber K, Quinton LJ, Crane A, Davis BR, White FV, Wambach J, Whitsett JA, Cole FS, Morrisey EE, Guttentag SH, Beers MF, Kotton DN.Cell Stem Cell. 2017 Oct 5;21(4):472-488.e10. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2017.08.014. Epub 2017 Sep 28.PMID: 28965766

Functional Characterization of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A3 Mutations from Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Wambach JA, Yang P, Wegner DJ, Heins HB, Kaliberova LN, Kaliberov SA, Curiel DT, White FV, Hamvas A, Hackett BP, Cole FS.Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2016 Nov;55(5):716-721. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0008OC.PMID: 27374344 3

Population-based frequency of surfactant dysfunction mutations in a native Chinese cohort. Chen YJ, Wambach JA, DePass K, Wegner DJ, Chen SK, Zhang QY, Heins H, Cole FS, Hamvas A.World J Pediatr. 2016 May;12(2):190-5. doi: 10.1007/s12519-015-0047-x. Epub 2015 Nov 7.PMID: 26547207

Synonymous ABCA3 variants do not increase risk for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Wambach JA, Wegner DJ, Heins HB, Druley TE, Mitra RD, Hamvas A, Cole FS.J Pediatr. 2014 Jun;164(6):1316 21.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2014.02.021. Epub 2014 Mar 20.PMID: 24657120

Single ABCA3 mutations increase risk for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Wambach JA, Wegner DJ, Depass K, Heins H, Druley TE, Mitra RD, An P, Zhang Q, Nogee LM, Cole FS, Hamvas A.Pediatrics. 2012 Dec;130(6):e1575-82. doi: 10.1542/peds.2012-0918. Epub 2012 Nov 19.PMID: 23166334

A method to determine the kinetics of multiple proteins in human infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Bereman MS, Tomazela DM, Heins HB, Simonato M, Cogo PE, Hamvas A, Patterson BW, Cole FS, MacCoss MJ.Anal Bioanal Chem. 2012 Jun;403(8):2397-402. doi: 10.1007/s00216-012-5953-3. Epub 2012 Apr 14.PMID: 22526637

Measurement of human surfactant protein-B turnover in vivo from tracheal aspirates using targeted proteomics. Tomazela DM, Patterson BW, Hanson E, Spence KL, Kanion TB, Salinger DH, Vicini P, Barret H, Heins HB, Cole FS, Hamvas A, MacCoss MJ.Anal Chem. 2010 Mar 15;82(6):2561-7. doi: 10.1021/ac1001433.PMID: 20178338

Developmental and genetic regulation of human surfactant protein B in vivo. Hamvas A, Heins HB, Guttentag SH, Wegner DJ, Trusgnich MA, Bennet KW, Yang P, Carlson CS, An P, Cole FS.Neonatology. 2009;95(2):117-24. doi: 10.1159/000153095. Epub 2008 Sep 6.PMID: 18776725

Population and disease-based prevalence of the common mutations associated with surfactant deficiency. Garmany TH, Wambach JA, Heins HB, Watkins-Torry JM, Wegner DJ, Bennet K, An P, Land G, Saugstad OD, Henderson H, Nogee LM, Cole FS, Hamvas A.Pediatr Res. 2008 Jun;63(6):645-9. doi: 10.1203/PDR.0b013e31816fdbeb.PMID: 18317237

Recombination as a mechanism for sporadic mutation in the surfactant protein-C gene. McBee AD, Wegner DJ, Carlson CS, Wambach JA, Yang P, Heins HB, Saugstad OD, Trusgnich MA, Watkins-Torry J, Nogee LM, Henderson H, Cole FS, Hamvas A.Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008 May;43(5):443 50. doi: 10.1002/ppul.20782.PMID: 18383112

A major deletion in the surfactant protein-B gene causing lethal respiratory distress. Wegner DJ, Hertzberg T, Heins HB, Elmberger G, MacCoss MJ, Carlson CS, Nogee LM, Cole FS, Hamvas A.Acta Paediatr. 2007 Apr;96(4):516-20. doi: 10.1111/j.1651 2227.2006.00188.x.PMID: 17391469

Genetic variant characterization in intron 4 of the surfactant protein B gene. Hamvas A, Wegner DJ, Trusgnich MA, Madden K, Heins H, Liu Y, Rice T, An P, Watkins-Torry J, Cole FS.Hum Mutat. 2005 Nov;26(5):494-5. doi: 10.1002/humu.9378.PMID: 16211553 4

Informed consent for genetic research. Hamvas A, Madden KK, Nogee LM, Trusgnich MA, Wegner DJ, Heins HB, Cole FS.Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2004 Jun;158(6):551-5. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.158.6.551.PMID: 15184218

Effect of the fungicide clotrimazole on the bioconcentration of benzo[a]pyrene in gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum): in vivo and in vitro inhibition of cytochrome P4501A activity. Steven L. Levine, Hillary B. Czosnyka, James T. Oris Envionmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 1997 Feb. doi: 10.1002/etc.562*******.

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