Antonio Timoteo Junior
Dover,DE
Summary
Accomplished Gene Editing Research Assistant with a proven track record at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, showcasing expertise in CRISPR-Cas9 and plant biotechnology. Excelled in leading multidisciplinary projects, enhancing crop traits, and advancing soil health research. Demonstrates exceptional teamwork, analytical thinking, and scientific writing skills, driving innovation and project success.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Gene Editing Research Assistant
University Of Maryland Eastern Shore
01.2021 - 05.2024
- CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing: Proficient in targeted gene editing in grapevines to enhance traits.
- Trait Discovery: nominated gene targets and designed gene editing alleles for crop development. Started with Gene Target Identification, CRISPR-Cas9 Design, Agrobacterium mediation and/or particle bombardment, PCR, sequencing, and gel electrophoresis for validation, phenotype screening, tissue culture propagation, and field testing.
- Molecular Biology: Skilled in restriction enzymes, ligases, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, and Illumina sequencing.
- Plant Biotechnology: Expertise in plant transformation and cell/tissue culture for regenerating transformed cells (callus and shoots).
- Analytical Techniques: Performed bioinformatics and biostatistical analysis.
- Project Leadership: Led multidisciplinary research projects in trait discovery and gene editing. Coordinated collaboration meetings for team alignment and communication. Utilized data systems for project tracking and collaborated with R&D leadership on project strategies.
- Optimized breeding protocols for industrial hemp, focusing on seed feminization, inbred line development, and hybridization.
- Conducted method development and analytical testing of phytochemical using GC-MS, GC-FID, and HPLC-DAD analytical techniques.
Soil Health Research Assistant
Delaware State University
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Conducted DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and molecular identification techniques to study genetic diversity in soil rhizosphere to assess microbial diversity populations.
- Investigated soil fertility and evaluated the effectiveness of biochar amendments in enhancing soil health and crop productivity in acidic soils.
- Assessed soil health parameters including bulk density, aggregates stability, pH, electric conductivity, soil respiration rate, organic matter, mineral ash content, cation exchange capacity, water holding capacity, and microbial biomass Carbon (C) using a Shimadzu TOC-L OC analyzer.
- Quantified soil total carbon using analytical techniques.
- Supervised and trained students in laboratory procedures and protocols, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.
Education
Ph.D. - Food And Agricultural Sciences
University of Maryland Easter Shore
Princess Anne, MD05.2024
Master of Science - Plant Sciences
Delaware State University
Dover, DE12.2020
Bachelor of Science - Agronomy And Crop Science
EARTH University
Limon, Costa Rica12.2018
Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Microsoft Office
- Problem-Solving
- Analytical Thinking
- Data Collection
- Statistical Analysis
- Scientific Writing
- Laboratory Operations and equipments
- Experimental design
Accomplishments
- 2024: Speaker on “Maximizing Terpenoid Yield with Precise harvest Timing and Inbred Line Development” at Cannabis Science Conference, Kansas City, MO.
- 2024: Speaker on “Hemp seed feminization” at ARD Research Symposium, Nashville, TN.
- 2023: Speaker on "Analytical Testing of Cannabis-Derived Cannabinoids and Terpenes" Cannabis Sciences Conference West, Portland, OR.
- 2023: Speaker on "Dynamic Cannabis Phytochemical Behavior in Response to Different Harvest Timing", Research Society on Marijuana, Long Beach, CA.
CONFERENCES
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
1. Jonhson, G., Jackson, C., Junior, A., Sardaru, P., Foland, M., & Dhekney, S. (2024). Optimizing Growth Regulator Concentrations for Cannabis sativa L. Micropropagation. Frontiers in Plant Sciences [Under review].
2. Junior, A., & Guo, M. (2023). Efficacy of Sewage Sludge Derived Biochar on Enhancing Soil Health and Crop Productivity in Strongly Acidic Soil. Frontiers in Soil Sciences. 3:1066547. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoil.2023.1066547
3. Junior, A., Gana, D., Adukeye, E., & Ahuchaogu, C. (2023). Unlocking the Socioeconomic Advantages of Cannabis Sativa L. Legalization in African Countries: An In-Depth Review. Global Journal of Agricultural Research, 11 (1), 32-52. https://doi.org/10.37745/gjar.2013/vol11n13252
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Portuguese
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Additional Information
Dr. Sadanand Dhekney (Sdhekney@umes.edu), Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, UMES.
Dr. Mingxin Guo (mguo@desu.edu), Professor of Soil & Environmental Chemistry, Delaware State University.
Dr. Simon Zebelo (Sazebelo@umes.edu), Professor of Entomology and Plant Biology, UMES.
Timeline
Gene Editing Research Assistant
University Of Maryland Eastern Shore
01.2021 - 05.2024
Soil Health Research Assistant
Delaware State University
01.2019 - 12.2020
Ph.D. - Food And Agricultural Sciences
University of Maryland Easter Shore
Master of Science - Plant Sciences
Delaware State University
Bachelor of Science - Agronomy And Crop Science
EARTH University
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