Scientist

DHARMIL PITHWA

713-***-**** *********@*****.***, *******.******@*****.***

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DharmilPithwa Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dharmilpithwa

SUMMARY OF MY QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS ROLE

• MS Molecular Biotechnology, MS Biochemistry, BS Biochemistry/Chemistry

• 2 years of experience performing RNA/DNA extraction, RT-PCR, QPCR(Taqman), Cell Culture, Flow Cytometry (FACS), Microscopy, ELISA, Western Blot etc

• Proven record of Generating Reproducible Data and willingness to Learn New Technologies to excel in work.

• Knowledge of Basic Bioinformatics, Lab Math, Scientific Conversions and Dilutions.

• Excellent Pipetting skills and Sterile Lab techniques and ability to Follow Protocols

• Good Team player with Leadership and Troubleshooting skills and can also work independently

• Excellent Computational skills with Record keeping and Data Interpretation abilities

• Worked with Bloodborne pathogens (Human Clinical samples) at BioSafety levels 1 & 2

TECHNICAL SKILLS SUMMARY: *- Techniques used in current projects

Molecular Biology/ Immunology: *Extraction and Purification of Nucleic Acids, Lipids and Proteins, *PCR, *RT-PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, DNA Sequencing, *RNA/DNA Isolation and Nanodrop, *Genotyping, *FFPE Tissue Macrodissection, *Cytometric Bead Array and *Flow Cytometry(LSR II 4 color – FACS Diva Software), Cell Culture, SDS–PAGE, *Western Blot, Affinity Chromatography, *Media Preparation, *Microscopy, *ELISA, IEF, Agar Gel Immunodiffusion, Serological and Hematological Tests Qualitative Test for Biomolecules, Study of Normal Flora of Human Body

Instrumentation: FT-IR, UV-Vis, GC, HPLC, DNA Sequencer, Spectrophotometer, *Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time System, *Bio-Rad iCycler, and *Bio-Rad Molecular Imager Gel Doc XR+ System

Bioinformatics: NCBI, ENSEMBL, Clustal W, SWISS-PROT, Vector Screening, Sequence Alignment, Microarray Practicals, Analyze Sequence Similarity Results (BLAST)

Training: Blood Borne Pathogens, Laboratory Safety Training, Biohazard/Medical waste training, Social Media Training, Knowledge of GLP, LIMS, GMP

Computational: *MS Office, *Minitab, *Adobe Photoshop, *Prism, *Data Analysis, *Record Keeping, *Project Handling, Digital Marketing,

EDUCATION:

Master of Science in Biotechnology (Aug 2008-May 2010)

University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston, TX (GPA: 3.769/4.0)

Master of Science in Biochemistry (Aug 2006-May 2008)

University of Mumbai Mumbai, India (GPA 3.6/4.0)

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Chemistry (Aug 2003-May 2006)

University of Mumbai Mumbai, India (GPA: 4.0/4.0)

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Baylor College of Medicine (USDA/ARS CNRC) Houston, TX June 2010 – Present

Research Assistant (Full Time) Pediatrics – Leukocyte/Molecular Biology

• Leukocyte Adhesion Molecules and Obesity - Evaluation of obesity in Mac-1, MMP12 deficient mice, and the possible interactions between Leukocytes and Adipocytes

• T Cell & B Cell Activation in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Measurement of surface T cell and B cell markers in peripheral whole Blood (LSR II 4 color Flow Cytometry – FACS Diva Software)

• Comparitive Toxicity of Fatty Acids on Macrophage Cell Line (RAW 264.7 - Mouse leukaemic monocyte macrophage cell line) – The induction of Palmitic and Oleic acid toxicity was investigated by using LIVE/DEAD Viability/Cytotoxicity Flow Cytometry protocol for mammalian cells

• The analyses include tissue collections for histopathology (histology, immunofluorescence), cytology (Immunofluorescence, Flow Cytometry, Elispot), Gene Expression (RNA/DNA Isolation, qPCR, ,Microarray), Protein Expression (ELISA,Western Blot, Protein Assays), and Blood chemistry for Metabolic Analysis.

University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston, TX Aug 2009 – May 2010

Teaching Assistant – Applied Biotechnology/Advance Molecular Biology Lab

• Assisted Professors in coaching students on various Molecular Biology, Immunology, Bioinformatics procedures and techniques.

• Participated in Course and Test Design, solved student difficulties, evaluated tests, prepared reagents and set-up lab before class, and helped students with various Data Analysis, Record Keeping and Lab Mathematics.

University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston, TX Jan 2009 – Dec 2009

Independent Researcher – Genetics/Molecular Biology

• Independent research study on Reverse Genetics of Amino acids, Medicago Truncatula (PCR and Sequencing). The goal of this research study was the introduction of natural or induced DNA polymorphism in natural population of Medicago Truncatula.

• Used reverse genetic strategy known as EcoTILLING which works with mismatch endonuclease in genes from ZIP family of divalent metal transporters. Studied polymorphism by EcoTILLING and PCR amplicon sequencing as well as performed mineral analysis for metals

Klinera Inc – Clinical Trial Assistant Mumbai, India Nov 2007 – Jul 2008

• Co-ordianted activities related to Shipment of study related materials to the site, Provide Project support to travelling CRAs / Sr. CRAs/ PM’s, Tracking of Regulatory documents / files (maintain the PMF), Co-ordinating with third parties (couriers, translating Agencies, Central Lab etc.)

• Maintained in-house files for studies / project/s, Maintaining telephone contact with sites, Reviewing the Ethics Committee documents for IP release to the site, Preparation of new files for the study (CSFs and ISFs),Verifying Informed consent forms, their translations and Back-translations.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• Active Member, Mutagens Biotechnology Club, University of Houston-Clear Lake

• Member, Indian Student and Scholars Association, Baylor College of Medicine

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