scientific research summary:

Managed drug discovery programs for immuno-oncology targets in colon cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma.
Investigated and categorized potential head and neck cancer biomarkers and therapeutic uses of stem cells in human disease.
Characterized the oncogenic processes involved in the initiation and progression of leukemia and lymphoma.

Scientific project management experience:

Writes and updates regulatory and other medical documents including Investigational New Drug Applications (INDs), Development Safety Update Reports (DSURs), study protocols, informed consent forms (ICFs), and Investigator’s Brochures (IBs)in support of early-phase clinical trials for the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Responsible for maintaining a 10+ portfolio of investigational cancer therapeutics (Phase 1 - 3) and preparing related annual reports, review support, and requests for information
Supports NCI medical officers by drafting reviews of clinical trial proposals
Reviews and compiles clinical data and adverse event summary information
Researches, writes, and edits journal manuscripts and conducts literature searches
Performs quality control (QC) review of regulatory and medical writing documents

Remodeled the drug discovery program, INV-88, in colon cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma
Overhauled the screening of 110+ small molecules directed against human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in 10+ cell lines
Managed a team to streamline the expansion of INV-88’s immuno-oncology in vitro to in vivo pipeline within a matrix environment
Developed novel biological strategies and readouts to increase the efficiency of INV-88 compound screening
Generated slide decks and presentations of INV-88’s relevant findings for scientific consultants and potential investors
Coordinated and led monthly project updates with senior management and internal & external teams
Introduced new in vitro Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) to further screen and characterize lead molecules for INV-88
Co-wrote National Cancer Institute (NCI) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant proposals.

Used RNA-Seq technology to determine potential biomarkers of and therapeutic targets for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in a murine model of human alcohol abuse
Classified the potential therapeutic effects of retinoid agonists and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors using in vivo and in vitro models
Elucidated the mechanisms of Wnt signaling pathways and retinoid metabolism during embryonic stem cell differentiation
Published four first-author and four co-author manuscripts by managing three projects
Created presentations to discuss project findings with team members and scientific audiences at national & international scientific conferences
Participated as a reviewer in the peer review process for 20+ scientific manuscripts
Trained and supervised 8+ graduate and medical students during their laboratory rotations.

Characterized the human Rgr oncogene (an activator of Ras and Ral GTPases) in human T-cell leukemia & lymphoma
Determined Rgr-induced activation of Ras and Ral GTPases in vitro (bacterial and mammalian cells) and in vivo (murine model of T-cell lymphoma)
Conducted basic and translational oncology research that employed multiple scientific techniques, resulting in two first-author manuscripts
Planned and conducted 4-5 person doctoral committee meetings for summarizing thesis project progress
Wrote and maintained two active IRB protocols for the acquisition of human lymphoid tissues
Organized and contributed to the laboratory's collection of written scientific protocols

One of thirty participants selected for the CLS Capitol Hill Days event
Campaigned the need for funding in the life sciences to members of the U.S. Senate & House of Representatives

Conducted benchmarking research for clients and provided scientific input for cancer-based projects
Generated and maintained 8+ media lists and 4+ editorial calendars for both mainstream and technical publications