Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
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BLISS ZHENG

Philadelphia,PA

Summary

As a Master's student in Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, I blend a solid foundation in Molecular and Cell Biology from my undergraduate studies with advanced engineering principles. Passionate about translating scientific discoveries into practical applications, I am eager to contribute my knowledge and energy to a dynamic team, learn from industry experts, and further my career in biotechnology and bioengineering.

Overview

1
1
year of professional experience

Work History

Project Team Member

Penn Biotech Group
Philadelphia, PA
01.2024 - Current
  • Analyzed competitive therapies in the rare immunology/hematology disease sector.
  • Investigated and evaluated the cost, efficacy, and safety of various rare disease treatments, providing critical insights into treatment viability.
  • Synthesized complex research data and KOL insights into comprehensive reports and presentations, effectively communicating findings to clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Synthesized complex research data into comprehensive slideshows, effectively communicating intricate findings to the client.

Research Assistant

Alvarez Lab, University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
10.2023 - Current
  • Conducted stem cell research on differentiating human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into pancreatic beta islet cells for diabetes therapy, focusing on the impact of circadian rhythms on cell differentiation and maturation.
  • Maintained and expanded stem cell cultures in both 2D plates and 3D 30 mL bioreactors under sterile conditions, utilizing aseptic techniques to ensure optimal cell viability.
  • Performed functional assays, including glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, magnetic-activated cell sorting, and ELISA, to assess beta cell function and purity.
  • Conducted quality control analyses, including flow cytometry, RNA extraction, and microscopy, to evaluate cell morphology and experimental outcomes.

Cell Culture Manufacturing and Development Intern

Smiths Detection
Baltimore, MD
06.2024 - 08.2024
  • Assisted in the manufacturing and quality control of engineered B-cell biosensors for customers, ensuring product reliability and performance.
  • Led an independent project to scale up biosensor production from T-flasks to spinner flasks, optimizing growth conditions for larger production runs.
  • Conducted in-depth assessments of biosensor efficiency, compiling experimental data into detailed reports and presentations.
  • Presented final results to company leadership, recommending strategic next steps for future biosensor development.

Education

Master of Science in Engineering - Bioengineering

University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
05.2025

Bachelor of Arts - Biological Sciences

Cornell University, College of Arts And Sciences
Ithaca, NY
05.2022

Skills

  • Laboratory Techniques: Expertise in aseptic techniques, mammalian cell culture, light microscopy, and bioassays (ELISA, flow cytometry, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, MACS) Laboratory coursework experience in molecular biology (DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction digestion) and protein purification/analysis
  • Programming: Python, R
  • Languages: English, Mandarin Chinese

Affiliations

  • Phi Beta Kappa Honoree, Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences (2022)
  • President Volunteer Service Award Recipient, 2023
  • Co-President, University of Pennsylvania Master's Association of Bioengineers (2024)

Timeline

Cell Culture Manufacturing and Development Intern

Smiths Detection
06.2024 - 08.2024

Project Team Member

Penn Biotech Group
01.2024 - Current

Research Assistant

Alvarez Lab, University of Pennsylvania
10.2023 - Current

Master of Science in Engineering - Bioengineering

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Arts - Biological Sciences

Cornell University, College of Arts And Sciences
BLISS ZHENG