Alysa N. Evans
PITTSBURGH,PA
Summary
Translational immunology researcher with 5+ years of experience engineering CAR-T cell therapies, performing in vivo tumor studies, and developing immuno-oncology platforms. Co-author on multiple peer-reviewed publications with expertise in cell therapy development, flow cytometry, and murine cancer models. Seeking Scientist/Research Associate roles in immunotherapy or cell therapy biotechnology.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Student Researcher
The University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
08.2023 - 05.2026
- Analyzed data using statistical software to derive meaningful insights.
- Assisted in training undergraduate students in research techniques and protocols.
- Attended industry conferences to present research both orally and through poster presentations.
- Collaborated with faculty on experimental design and methodology development.
Lead Research Specialist
Emory University School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
06.2020 - 08.2023
- Engineered IL-37-secreting anti-CD19 CAR-T cells, demonstrating potential immunomodulatory effects in tumor models
- Designed and executed in vivo studies using syngeneic and xenograft mouse models to assess therapeutic efficacy and immune remodeling
- Investigated Siglec-15 checkpoint blockade, aiming to enhance CAR-T anti-tumor activity and improve therapeutic outcomes
- Mentored undergraduate researchers and trained new lab personnel in cell culture, flow cytometry, and in vivo protocols, enhancing lab capabilities
Undergraduate Researcher
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
03.2019 - 05.2020
- Performed RNA isolation and prepared samples for next-generation sequencing, enabling transcriptomic profiling of host immune responses
- Quantified gene expression changes via RT-qPCR to validate sequencing findings and identify immune response pathways linked to aging
- Developed Drosophila melanogaster infection models to investigate age-dependent immune response differences following RNA Flock House Virus (FHV) challenge
Undergraduate Researcher
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
12.2017 - 08.2019
- Conducted technical literature assessment for Maryland Transportation Authority evaluating environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional road deicing salts, summarizing performance and environmental impact to inform decision-making
- Performed pre- and post-treatment water quality analyses assessing effectiveness of novel stormwater runoff filtration system, measuring biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and nutrient concentrations to evaluate environmental benefits
- Conducted experiments to analyze data for ongoing research projects.
- Collaborated with faculty to design research methodologies and protocols.
- Assisted in literature reviews to support project development and direction.
Summer Research Internship
Regional Obstetrical Consultants
Chattanooga, TN
06.2016 - 08.2016
- Collected informed consent, clinical history data, and placental tissue samples from obstetric patients under IRB-approved protocols, supporting research on heavy metal exposure and pregnancy complications
- Collaborated with clinical staff during high-risk obstetrical consultations and procedures, enhancing understanding of clinical research workflows, patient interaction, and biospecimen handling in a hospital setting
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Microbiology and Environmental Engineering
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL05.2020
Skills
- Molecular Cloning
- Mammalian Cell Culture
- PBMC Isolation
- Mouse T cell Isolation
- Mouse Handling and Injections
- CAR design and production
- IVIS Bioluminescence Imaging
- Flow Cytometry
- ELISA
- Western Blot
- Quantitative PCR
- FlowJo
- SnapGene
- GraphPad Data Analysis
Related Experience And Volunteering
- Winship Cancer Institute, Shadowing Experience with Dr. Edmund Waller, MD/Ph.D., Atlanta, GA, 03/01/22, 05/01/22, Shadowed Dr. Waller during appointments with cancer patients considering or preparing for bone marrow transplants, Gained valuable insight into the role of an oncologist
- Winship Cancer Institute, COVID-19 Screening Volunteer, Atlanta, GA, 01/01/21, 09/01/21, Screened patients and visitors entering the Winship Cancer Institute for COVID-19 symptoms to reduce exposure risks for vulnerable cancer patients
- The University of Alabama, Grading and Lab Assistant for Civil Surveying Engineering Course, Tuscaloosa, AL, 09/01/19, 05/01/20, Aided the teaching assistant during course labs by answering student questions and aiding in lab assignments, Graded course work, lab work, and exams for all sections of the course
Publications
- Siglec-15 Promotes Evasion of Adaptive Immunity in B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Claire E. Pillsbury, Jodi Dougan, Jennifer L. Rabe, Jairo A. Fonseca, Chengjing Zhou, Alysa N. Evans, Hasan Abukharma, Ona Ichoku, Gloria Gonzalez-Flamenco, Sunita I. Park, Ahmed Aljudi, Deborah DeRyckere, Sharon M. Castellino, Sarwish Rafiq, Solomon Langermann, Linda N. Liu, Curtis J. Henry, Christopher C. Porter, Cancer Research Communications, 07/03/23, 3, 7, 1248–1259, https://doi.org/10.1158/2767-9764.CRC-23-0056
- Engineering optimal CAR T cells to overcome pancreatic tumors with secreted antagonistic peptides, Lin H, Freeman R, Evans A, Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2022-SITC2022.0310
- Using adoptive cellular therapy for localized protein secretion, Alysa N. Evans, Lin, Heather K., Hossian, A. K. M. Nawshad, Rafiq, Sarwish, The Cancer Journal, 03/01/21, 27, 2, 159-167, https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000510
- Age-dependent impairment of disease tolerance is associated with a robust transcriptional response following RNA virus infection in Drosophila, Sheffield L, Sciambra N, Evans A, Hagedorn E, Goltz C, Delfeld M, Kuhns H, Fierst J, Chtarbanova S, G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkab116
Timeline
Graduate Student Researcher
The University of Pittsburgh
08.2023 - 05.2026
Lead Research Specialist
Emory University School of Medicine
06.2020 - 08.2023
Undergraduate Researcher
The University of Alabama
03.2019 - 05.2020
Undergraduate Researcher
The University of Alabama
12.2017 - 08.2019
Summer Research Internship
Regional Obstetrical Consultants
06.2016 - 08.2016
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Microbiology and Environmental Engineering
The University of Alabama