Scientist

DERRY E SPRAGION

** ***** **** 919-***-**** (Mobile)

Durham, NC 27703 *****.********@*****.***

Career Profile:

Performance-driven Scientist with extensive experience in Virology and Cell Biology with focus on handling viruses in a Biosafety Level 2/3 containment facility; running cell-based assays; and bioassays. Substantial experience with Assay Validation, Quality Control, and Standard Operating Procedures, as well as GLP, cGMP, and Code of Federal Regulation (21 CFR) guidelines. Excellent collaborator and communicator.

Core Areas of Expertise:

Cell Culture

TCID50 Assay

Hemagglutination

Assay (HA)

Neuraminidase Assay (NA)

NA Inhibition Assay (NAI)

Virus Propagation

Virus Purification

Residual Infection Virus Assay (RIV)

HOS Assay

Cell/Cell Fusion Assay

Virus Neutralization Assay

ELISA

Potency Assays

Immunofluorescence Assay

Method/Assay Validation

GLP

cGMP

LIMS

Residual DNA Assay

Histology

EDUCATION

Master of Science, Cell Biology, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC

Bachelor of Science, Biology, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Sr Associate Research Scientist Jul 2023 – Jul 2025

EmitBio, Inc., Morrisville, NC

Conduct Virology assays that utilizes the antiviral properties of light to speed up recovery, test negative faster and reduce severity of disease symptoms of Respiratory viruses.

Viral detection determined by:

1.TCID50 assay

2.HA (Hemagglutination Assay)

3.NA (Neuraminidase Assay)

Perform Mammalian cell culture used in assays (MDCK-SIAT1, MDCK, HEK 293, Vero E6, Hep-2, A549, Calcu3)

Propagation of Influenza viruses used in assays (Influenza A, H1N1 and H3N2, and Influenza B)

Writing Protocols of experiments that need to be executed

Perform NIA (Neuraminidase Inhibitory Assay)

PowerPoint presentation of results during lab meetings

Laboratory maintenance

Research Associate III Jan 2018 – Apr 2023

Humacyte, Inc., Durham, NC

Perform cell-based Potency Assay on engineered vascular graft material.

Conduct Residual DNA analysis on engineered vascular graft material.

Execute Histology (Grossing /Processing, Embedding, Cutting, Staining and Evaluation).

Perform Mammalian cell culture (primary and secondary) used in assays.

Utilize aseptic and sterile techniques in cell culture and cell base assays.

Perform experimental design and modeling and statistical analysis.

Compile and analyze data generated from in-house and outsourced experiments for discussion of results with other members of the Humacyte scientific staff.

Perform established analyses according to SOPs and GLP/GMP guidelines.

Ensure laboratory maintenance for smooth laboratory operation (logbook review, safety checks, restocking, equipment monitoring by phone, labware cleaning, etc.).

Scientist Sept 2012 – May 2017

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Morrisville, NC

Conducted Virus Detection by TCID50 assay and Immunofluorescence assay.

Performed Virus Propagation and Purification.

Performed Neutralization Assays using Anti RSV patient serum.

Completed protein concentrations determination in Drug Products using traditional ELISA and MSD.

Performed Cell Culture (MDCK, Vero, PK-15A, ST, RAB-9 and BS-C-1).

Ensured compliance with GLP and cGMP Practices.

QC Virology Analyst II Jan 2011 – Sept 2012

Novartis Vaccine and Diagnostics, Holly Springs, NC

Provided QC support of bulk production of a tissue culture based Influenza vaccine.

oTesting of materials for presence or absence of virus by: Hemagglutination (HA), TCID50 titering, Residual Virus Infectivity Assay and other relative assays.

Performed Cell Cultures (MDCK, VERO, AV3).

Performed Propagation and Purification of IFA.

Associate Research Scientist July 2009 – Jan 2011

Grifols (formerly Talecris Biotherapeutics), RTP, NC

Executed and validated developmental studies to identify a depth filter that provides effective removal of viruses and increases Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) removal.

Assayed for infectious viruses by TCID50 assay.

Performed ELISA and Potency Assays for quantitative determination and protein activity.

Performed Cell Culture (MDBK, BT).

Performed Propagation and Purification of viruses.

Scientist/Senior Scientist Mar 1999 – Aug 2007

GlaxoSmithKline, RTP, NC

Evaluated antiviral compounds in an HIV entry program using the Cell/Cell Fusion Assay and the HOS (Human Osteosarcoma Assay).

Evaluated antiviral compounds that would inhibit HCV RNA in the Replicon System.

Examined Mechanism of Action studies on d4T (Stavudine) in PBLs assessing cell cycle S-phase progression and apoptosis by Flow Cytometry.

Performed Cell Cultures (HOS, HEK, Huh7).

Generated real time viral load and genotypic data in the GSK clinical HIV program.

Personal and Professional references available upon request

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