CHRISTABEL TOMLA
Research Scientist/ Lead Engineer
Richmond,TX
Summary
Proficient in conducting laboratory and field experiments while informing new hires on research methods and data collection procedures. Hardworking and driven with superior organizational and analytical skills combined with unparalleled dedication to research excellence. Skilled in conceptualization, design and implementation of scientific projects.
Overview
13
13
years of post-secondary education
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Engineer / Research Scientist
Baker's Hughes
Houston, TX
06.2013 - 04.2020
- Collaborated with senior leadership as project manager on several projects including product synthesis/formulation, new product development protocol; synthesized smart gels resulting in application being approved for patent.
- Led design and synthesis projects aimed at discovering new demulsifier intermediates; resulted in new products undergoing plant manufacturing and testing to confirm performance.
- Successfully executed several projects in developing new demulsifier chemistries for heavy and conventional processes, surfactant formulation and analytical experiments for EOR application and sub free alternatives for dithiocarbamates (DTCs).
- Applied extensive expertise in System Development Lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies and Agile project management techniques to manage multiple projects.
- Performed research into study topics to increase knowledge and ability to provide valuable contributions.
- Wrote research papers, reports, reviews and summaries regarding new product development for water clarification and demulsification.
- Streamlined research processes to meet tight deadlines for multiple projects.
- Recognized abnormal test results and devised corrective actions to retain accurate and valid results.
- Provided project management in areas of project status, budget and solutions to difficulties encountered, chemical formulation processes, technical issue, product quality and resources for complex issues, both on-time and under-budget.
- Evaluated test results for completeness and accuracy, submitting results to supervisor, leadership and operation personnel and support chemical treatments or diagnostics.
- Led special projects from conception to execution while reducing product failure problems through proper stability test evaluation and performance and saving time.
- Led research team of 5 scientists and operational technical support personnel on new technology development projects and successfully met all key milestones.
- Maintained confidentiality of all new product development information to conform to internal and other regulatory standards.
- Provided qualified input and development support for manufacturing plans and study protocols carried out by operation technical support personnel.
- Completed testing projects by deadline and under budget for company-wide initiatives.
- Documented and reported test results after making graphical solutions and representations for all projects.
- Performed and developed new procedures for testing chemicals under high temperature conditions for specific systems.
- Used product ratio, performance and product chemistry to determine structure performance correlations while initiating qualitative functions.
- Collaborated with leadership team to identify relevant questions and determine best methods of collection.
Research Assistant
Texas Children's Hospital
Houston, TX
05.2011 - 05.2013
- Designed and synthesized new bio conjugates for nanoparticles used for an insulin smart delivery system; synthesized water soluble PDE4 inhibitors for incorporation into nanoparticles designed for target delivery system.
- Completed thorough analyses of solids, liquids and gaseous materials to assess nature and reactivity of each compound.
- Served as research expert by offering suggestions to other RA's on improved lab techniques and alternative reaction conditions to solve synthetic issues, namely on array chemistry.
- Planned, modified and executed research techniques, procedures and tests.
- Gathered, arranged and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations.
- Prepared materials for reports, presentations and submission to peer-reviewed journal publications.
- Summarized search results by preparing written reports, graphs, fact sheets and tables.
- Worked with principal investigators to coordinate qualitative research into development of nanoparticles for insulin delivery systems.
- Documented procedures and results with high degree of accuracy and precision.
- Evaluated potential subject participants to assess suitability for planned studies.
- Developed macros, special formulas and other actions to produce reliable and consistent statistical reviews.
- Generated data models, performed qualitative analysis and helped produce reports outlining results.
- Validated incoming data to check information accuracy and integrity while independently locating and correcting concerns.
- Performed statistical, qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- Conducted research for proposals and assessed potential impact on constituents.
- Supervised undergraduate students working on research projects.
- Supported research and development efforts to create new products, equipment and processes.
- Developed fact sheets, graphs and tables to analyze and summarize survey data.
Research Associate
University of Texas Health Science Center, UTHSC
Houston, TX
10.2010 - 04.2011
- Synthesized bio conjugates for targeted drug delivery systems and developed analytical protocol for the lead product of Marval Biosciences, LLC.
- Conducted quality control checks, calibration and technical troubleshooting of hematology analyzer.
- Replenished laboratory supplies and maintained equipment to support optimal productivity.
- Trained new students on proper usage and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Gathered, arranged and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations.
- Validated incoming data to check information accuracy and integrity while independently locating and correcting concerns.
- Collaborated with leadership team to identify relevant questions and determine best methods of collection.
- Set up equipment, organized inventory and maintained facilities.
- Gathered and organized information for research purposes.
- Collaborated with team members to initiate best practices to achieve organizational goals.
- Led special projects through effective emergency resolution by diminishing obstacles and saving time.
- Maintained accurate records of research findings and provided statistical analysis of data results.
- Followed experimental protocols when conducting quality research into product stability and toxicity.
- Designed and executed procedures for different research phases.
- Gathered, documented, analyzed and presented findings.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Houston
Houston, TX
01.2009 - 10.2010
- Documented step process towards the total synthesis for new antimalarial products.
- Compiled analytical data and recorded all test results.
- Employed separation and purification techniques during chemical experimentation and testing to support research finding optimization.
- Conducted tests and experiments using various techniques, including chromatography.
- Contributed to and actively participated in research conception, design and execution to address defined problems.
- Maintained accurate records of research findings and provided statistical analysis of data results.
- Maintained high levels of confidentiality to protect data quality and project research.
- Followed best practices and scientific protocol to reach defensible conclusions based on solid evidence.
- Worked to improve collective knowledge for the retrosynthesis of natural products.
- Developed unique research into the synthesis of active natural products.
- Designed research projects and alternative approaches and discussed results with supervisor.
- Leveraged interpersonal and communication skills to mentor PhD, graduate and undergraduate students.
- Upheld all university and regulatory requirements for documentation of findings.
- Analyzed data to determine which theory to select for further research.
- Recorded data from research to allow for accurate analysis.
- Conducted and evaluated research using cutting edge technology, including analytical tools such as NMR, FTIR, IV, GCMS.
- Supported and supervised students in undergraduate research programs from brainstorming areas for potential research through publishing papers on completed projects.
Research Assistant/Teaching Assistant
USU
Logan, UT
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Developed a novel sonication-based synthetic protocol for synthesis of oligosaccharides and managed the laboratory, including ordering chemicals, stocking chemicals as well as maintaining lab equipment's.
- Synthesized intermediates for total synthesis of the microtubule stabilizing agent, Laulimalide.
- Kept classroom focused on academic and intellectual discussions to further students' critical thinking skills as well as understanding of materials presented.
- Tracked class and student metrics including attendance, projects, labs and reports.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Set up visual aids, equipment and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Optimized learning plans and quantified student progress through test administration.
- Organized and guided activities for students, including skills practice, research and memorization tasks.
Education
No Degree - Chemical Engineering
University Of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC)
10.2010 - 04.2011
No Degree - Chemistry
University Of Houston
Houston, TX 01.2009 - 10.2010
Ph.D. - Chemistry
Utah State University
Logan, UT 01.2004 - 12.2008
Master of Science - Chemistry
University Of Dschang
Dschang, Cameroon 09.1999 - 05.2001
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University Of Dschang
Dschang, Cameroon 09.1994 - 05.1997
Master of Science - Chemistry
University Od Dschang
09.1997 - 06.1999
Skills
Project Management
Metrics, upstream chemicals and presenting Proficient in organic chemistry synthesis, polymer
Synthesis and formulation
Research and DevelopmentGood Laboratory Practices (GLP)Experiment Protocol DevelopmentInterpersonal SkillsFlexible & ReliableAttention to DetailAnalysis skills & Data AnalysisTeam leadership & CommunicationProduct ManagementProblem Solving & MentoringLaboratory ManagementCritical Thinking/ EvaluationTeamwork & ResponsibilityTeamworkGood Laboratory Practices (GLP)
Method validation
Advanced synthesis and characterization
Training and mentoring
Report generation
Microsoft Excel proficiency
Research program planning
Quality assurance controls
Spectroscopy
Additional Information
Patents
- Modified cationic starch based additives for water clarification, US Patent Application: WO 2020/023394 A1 Saet B. Debord and Christabel Tomla;
- Aqueous downhole fluids having charged nanoparticles and polymers. US 2015/0057196 A1 Christabel Tomla, Oleksandr V. Kuznetsov, Radhika Suresh:
- Treatment of mature fine tailings in produced water by flocculation and dewatering. US 10,513,451 B2 Saet B. Debord and Christabel Tomla;
- Aqueous downhole fluids having polymers and charged nanoparticles. US 2018/0282616 A1
Timeline
Lead Engineer / Research Scientist
Baker's Hughes
06.2013 - 04.2020
Research Assistant
Texas Children's Hospital
05.2011 - 05.2013
No Degree - Chemical Engineering
University Of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC)
10.2010 - 04.2011
Research Associate
University of Texas Health Science Center, UTHSC
10.2010 - 04.2011
No Degree - Chemistry
University Of Houston
01.2009 - 10.2010
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Houston
01.2009 - 10.2010
Ph.D. - Chemistry
Utah State University
01.2004 - 12.2008
Research Assistant/Teaching Assistant
USU
01.2004 - 01.2009
Master of Science - Chemistry
University Of Dschang
09.1999 - 05.2001
Master of Science - Chemistry
University Od Dschang
09.1997 - 06.1999
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University Of Dschang
09.1994 - 05.1997