Master's level Molecular biologist

Adam Edmunds

***** ********** ******* *****, ******, MI 48042

586–292–6494 • ****.*.*******@*****.***

MASTER’S LEVEL MOLECULAR BIOLOGIST

Ingenuitive and results-oriented scientist with a proven record of success in research including the design, execution, and analysis of experiments. Previous responsibilities have entailed management and instruction of undergraduate research and education, experimental documentation and presentation, and maintenance of accurate lab records and data. Hard worker with excellent critical thinking, verbal and written communication skills.

Research Experience

Michigan State University

Department of Cell and Molecular Biology

East Lansing, MI 2009-11

Graduate Research Associate

In collaboration between the labs of Dr. George Sundin and Dr. Chris Waters, the regulatory role of a universal second messenger molecule called cyclic di-GMP was studied in the plant pathogenic bacterium Erwinia amylovora in regard to biofilm formation, flagellar motility, and virulence. Reverse and forward genetic approaches were employed resulting in the over-expression or deletion of the genes responsible for making the proteins that make or break this molecule. The level of cyclic di-GMP was quantified using mass spectrometry combined with HPLC, and then correlated to the phenotypic results.

Key Accomplishments:

• First to demonstrate that cyclic di-GMP regulates biofilm formation, flagellar motility, and virulence in the E. amylovora.

• Designed and modified assays which are currently used to measure these phenotypes.

• Presented research at the 54th Annual Windriver Conference on Prokaryotic Biology (Estes Park, CO. 2010).

• Presented research before the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Master’s Thesis Defense Seminar.

• Awarded Master’s Degree for Cell and Molecular Biology in 2011.

• Expected publication of this work by summer 2012.

Michigan State University

Department of Cell and Molecular Biology

East Lansing, MI 2009-11

Graduate Research Rotations

Three 10 week laboratory rotations are required by the CMB department at MSU for graduate students. My rotations were focused on different aspects of breast cancer research.

Lab Rotation Summaries:

• Lab 1 - Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of primary breast tumors and various other metastatic tumors in a mouse knock-out model in an attempt to find a progenitor cell marker.

• Lab 2 - Cell signaling and gene expression of human breast cancer cell line. Used si-RNA treatment to knock-down target gene expression and studied phosphorylation and thus activation of proteins involved in MAP-Kinase signal cascade by western blot. Also studied gene expression using quantitative real-time PCR.

• Lab 3 – Hormone-induced cell signaling in human breast cancer cell lines. Studied the protein levels of c-Myc and activated hormone receptor proteins (Estrogen Receptor and Progesterone Receptor) in response to estrogen and progesterone using western blot.

PFIZER INC.

Portage, MI 2007-08

Microbial Fermentation R&D Intern

Responsibilities started with growth studies of bacteria in different media. Analysis included modification of media components, microscopic analysis of the organisms and plotting growth curves to identify the proper induction point for trans-gene expression. Other responsibilities included preparation, observation, and data analysis of large scale fermentations.

Key Accomplishments:

• Optimized media components and induction point of trans-gene expression for scale-up to large scale fermentations.

• Tested chemical extraction procedures to optimize product titer from bacterial cultures.

• Clear and concise data was meticulously recorded to facilitate research and development with future Pfizer projects.

• Presented research progress updates periodically to project team.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Undergraduate Research Assistant for MSU Department of Biochemistry

• Designed and executed knock-out techniques in an attempt to metabolically engineer a succinate-producing bacterium such that it would divert nutrients from the 3-C pathway to the 4-C, thus resulting in a higher succinate titer.

Education

Masters of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology

MSU – East Lansing, MI 2008-11

Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology / Biotechnology

MSU – East Lansing, MI 2005-07

Associates of Science in Molecular Biotechnology

Macomb Community College – Macomb, MI 2003-05

Relevant Skills and Keywords

Research Project Management • Data Analysis • Data Entry • Experimental Design

Microsoft Office • Bioassay Design • HPLC • IHC • Aseptic Culturing Technique

DNA Manipulation • Molecular Cloning • Mutant Construction • Microscopy

Leadership, Mentoring, Supervising • Fermentation • Motility Studies • Biofilm Analysis

Media Preparation • Cell Signaling • Microbial Defense • Microbiology • Biochemistry

Biotechnology • Molecular Biology • Mass Spectrometry • Safe Lab Practices • Cell Biology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) • Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) • Flow Cytometry

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