Chemist

Rebecca S Schmelzer

**** ***** ** ***** ** *****

402-***-**** (H) 402-***-****(C)

***********@***.***

Professional Qualifications . . .

Comprehensive knowledge of organic chemistry.

Sound understanding of molecular biology and tissue culture techniques.

Strong background in GMP and research environments.

Proven track record of leadership roles.

Experienced with state of the art computer systems and software.

Solid abilities with leading technical instrumentation.

Academic Profile . . .

Master of Science in Organic Chemistry, May 1998 University of Iowa

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, December 1994 Morningside College

Career Related Experience . . .

QA Analyst I: Novartis OTC, Lincoln Nebraska (June 2006-Present)

Rotation in QA complaint department. Help with the remediation of the QA Complaint department to bring current complaints up to FDA standards. Provide training on CRTS software to new team members. Manage retain product requests project. Perform basic statistical data analysis, prepare tables/charts/graphs and organize data for the complaint work stream. Investigate, write and close complaints.

Perform routine analytical testing in cGMP laboratory environment according to written procedures and test methods. Analytical method transfer to and from the site (e.g. from R&D and 3rd parties; to site QC and 3rd parties) Test stability samples. Develop assays using NIR instrumentation. Validate and remediate testing methods for QC labs. Develop and validate cleaning methods. Perform testing using titrations, IR, NIR , Karl Fisher, dissolutions, hardness, friability, Instron and HPLC techniques. Serve on Lab Safety Committee.

Chemist II: Aerotek,Omaha Nebraska (Feb. 2006-June 2006)

Position at Novartis OTC in Analytical Technical Services Laboratory. Perform routine analytical testing in cGMP laboratory environment according to written procedures and test methods. HPLC, and IR instrumentation used.

Research Technologist II: Pediatrics UNMC, Omaha Nebraska (Oct. 2004-Feb. 2006)

Plan and perform analytical studies using GC-MS, HPLC and LC-ESI-MS. Develop new methodologies using HPLC and MS instrumentation. Perform basic assay and instrumental troubleshooting and maintance. Run biochemical enzyme assays. Silver Staining, TLC and Immunohistochemistry. Perform basic statistical data analysis, prepare tables/charts/graphs and organize data. Review literature and customize techniques for application in lab. Order lab supplies. Train summer students.

Researcher: Ob/Gyn department UNMC, Omaha, Nebraska (Feb. 2004-Oct. 2004)

Design experiments and conducts research creating an autologous tumor cell vaccine in mouse tumor models. Maintenance of tumor cell lines, harvest of cancer cells from tumor passage animals, and preparation of vaccines, injection and monitoring animals for signs of tumor growth. Perform data analysis, prepare and present experimental summaries/reports to explain findings and conclusion. Worked on IACUC protocol changes, and yearly review. Organic chemistry project studying properties of IDU and DU to find alternative chemicals to use as fixatives. Developed test for quantification of formaldehyde in products developed by the lab. Run Flow cytometry assays and stabilities on products developed and sold by Streck Laboratories for their QC department. Prepare spreadsheets and graphs to be sent to Streck, which are used in the product inserts. Review literature and customize techniques for lab. Provide training/supervision in lab procedures for support staff, and newer employees. Maintain budget /inventory/ordering records and stock solutions.

Researcher: Eppley Institute UNMC, Omaha, Nebraska (Nov. 2002-Feb 2004)

Maintain budget, inventory / ordering records and stock solutions. Process external and internal request for viruses and cell lines. Responsible for monitoring and assuring compliance during use and disposal of radioactive and hazardous materials. Execute experimental studies based on lab goals and grant commitments. Tissue culture, Northern Blotting, PCR, RT-PCR, adenoviral vectors, plasmids and MTT, SRB staining assays used. Perform basic statistical data analysis, prepare tables/charts/graphs and organize data, co-author papers and presentations. Review literature and customize techniques for application in lab. Perform basic assay and instrumental troubleshooting. Train summer lab student.

Senior Research Technologist I: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. (May 2000-Nov. 2002)

Execute experimental studies based on lab goals and grant commitments in oncology

research department. Tissue culture, Immunohistochemistry, Immunoblotting, Flow

cytometry, micro array, and HPLC techniques used to perform experiments. Developed set of drug resistant cell lines. Perform basic statistical data analysis, prepare tables/charts/graphs and organize data, co-author papers and presentations. Review literature and customize techniques for application in lab. Perform basic assay and instrumental troubleshooting. Assist in lab maintenance of stock solutions and supplies. Assist in training of fellows, graduate students and temporary lab personnel in lab techniques. Attended Molecular Techniques course spring of 2002.

Laboratory Technologist: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. (June 1998-May 2000)

Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological specimens in Biochemical

Genetics Laboratory. Review and correlate data to aid in interpretation of results. Report

test results. Prepare reagents, standards and controls. Perform routine maintenance.

Perform basic assay and instrument troubleshooting. Respond to telephone inquires from

internal and external clients. Monitor QC for test procedures and ensures appropriate

follow-up is performed.

Teaching Assistant: University of Iowa Chemistry Department, Iowa City, Iowa.

(August, 1996-May 1998) Conduct Labs in organic and general chemistry. Teach

discussions for organic chemistry classes. Grade lab reports and exams, and remain

available to tutor students.

Research: University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. (January 1997-May 1998)

Manage organic synthesis research project, working toward total synthesis of the natural

product Pancratostain, through macrocyclic systems. Manage all aspects of research from testing to data compilation and analysis. Serve as safety coordinator for lab. Reviewed literature and prepared monthly presentations for group meetings.

Lab Assistant: Physicians Laboratory Services, Omaha Nebraska.

(November 1995-August 1996) Responsible for processing incoming specimens and

test requisitions. Contacting clients with problems. Pouring specimens and sending them to the correct department for testing.

Research: Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa. (August-December 1994)

A study of acyl anion equivalents. Conducted a number of experiments to produce

molecules with chiral centers, that could be used in the place of acyl anions in other

reactions. The hypothesis was that these molecules could be used to produce pure

samples of one enatantimer. Wrote paper-discussing results.

Publications . . .

Yan Y, Black CP, Cao PT, Haferbeir JL, Kolb RH, Spieker RS, Ristow AM,

Cowan KH. Gamma-irradiation-induced DNA damage checkpoint activation

Involves feedback regulation between extracellular signal-regulated kinase

And BRCA1. Cancer Res. 2008 Jul 1;68(13):5113-21.

Yan Y, Spieker RS, Kim M, Stoeger SM, Cowan K. BRCA1-mediated G2/M cell cycle arrest requires ERK1/2 kinase activation. Oncogene. 2005 May 5;24(20):3285-96.

Sgagias MK, Wagner KU, Hamik B, Stoeger S, Spieker R, Huber LJ, Chodosh LA, Cowan KH. Brca1-deficient murine mammary epithelial cells have increased sensitivity to CDDP and MMS. Cell Cycle. 2004 Nov; 3(11):1451-6. Epub 2004 Nov 8.

Erlichman C, Boerner SA, Hallgren CG, Spieker R, Wang XY, James CD,

Shaeffer GL, Maliepaard M, Ross DD, Bible KC, Kaufmann SH. The HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor CI1033 enhances cytotoxicity of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin and topotecan by inhibiting breast cancer resistance protein-mediated drug efflux. Cancer Res. 2001 Jan 15; 61(2): 739-48.

Erlichman C, Boerner S, Hallgreen C, Stensgard B, Spieker R, Ames M, Toft D:

Effects of Geldanamycin on HSP90 cochaperone proteins. Proceedings of the

11th NCI-EORTC-AACR Symposium.

Clinical Cancer Research, Vol. 6 No. 11, Nov. 2000 (Supplement): 4545s#393.

R. Spieker, L.D. Martin. The use of Molecular Orbital Theory to explain reactivity in the Undergraduate Organic Course; Program abstracts 106th Session, Iowa Academy of Science.

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