EI PHOO PHOO AUNG
Denver,CO
Summary
Detail-oriented Biomedical Scientist with an M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences and six years in molecular and genetic research, alongside three years in clinical laboratories. Expertise includes CRISPR-Cas9 gene regulation, RNA sequencing, microbiome studies, and infectious disease research. Proficient in analyzing high-throughput sequencing data with QIIME2 and Python, and skilled in working with bacterial models and clinical samples.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST
Wade Lab, Department of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, NY State Department of Health
12.2022 - 05.2025
- Designed and executed RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and Sanger sequencing studies, integrating Python, QIIME2, and R for bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomic and microbiome datasets.
- Led independent molecular and genetic research projects using CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPRi in E. coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis, including plasmid-based gene expression and FRUIT recombineering.
- Investigated gene regulation and small protein function, yielding insights into bacterial molecular mechanisms that inform further research.
- Contributed to translational COVID-19 research by performing RT-PCR diagnostics and analyzing patient-derived clinical samples, ensuring compliance with strict biosafety standards.
- Developed and optimized experimental workflows, including cloning strategies, primer design, and sequencing protocols, improving efficiency and reproducibility.
- Collaborated across multidisciplinary teams, integrating wet-lab and computational approaches to advance high-throughput sequencing projects.
- Mentored and trained junior researchers, fostering collaboration and skill development in molecular and computational techniques.
- Authored/co-authored publications and presented research findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences.
- Coordinated laboratory operations, managing sample shipment, regulatory compliance, inventory, and recordkeeping to maintain efficient lab function.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
LK LAB, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
08.2021 - 11.2022
- Performed PCR, qPCR (SYBR Green and TaqMan), RT-qPCR, and multiplex PCR for molecular validation and diagnostics.
- Extracted nucleic acids from diverse sample types (stool, swabs, bacterial cultures) using a variety of commercial extraction kits.
- Performed COVID-19 RT-PCR and other diagnostic assays, optimizing workflows while ensuring compliance with biosafety and regulatory standards.
- Conducted metagenomic analysis of gut microbiota with Illumina MiSeq sequencing and performed bioinformatics analysis using QIIME2, enhancing understanding of microbial composition.
- Prepared bacterial cultures and supported cell culture experiments for molecular studies.
- Contributed to development of novel postbiotics from Lactobacillus species, advancing translational research objectives and potential therapeutic applications.
- Managed small team, mentoring junior students and interns in technical and analytical skills, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Maintained laboratory documentation, coordinated sample logistics, and ensured data integrity and regulatory compliance.
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST
Asia Pacific Medical & Dental Care Center
, Myanmar
11.2016 - 07.2019
- Conducted biochemical and serological assays per SOPs, ensuring quality and precision in testing outcomes.
- Collected blood samples and assessed acceptability, facilitating accurate and reliable testing results.
- Participated in QA/QC activities, investigating abnormal results and discrepancies to identify root causes and enhance laboratory reliability.
- Performed general laboratory duties including record keeping, equipment monitoring, and inventory management.
- Prepared and communicated detailed reports to program managers, supporting informed decision-making.
Education
M.Sc. - Biomedical Sciences
Prince of Songkla University
ThailandB.Med.Tech. - Medical Laboratory Technology
University of Medical Technology
MyanmarSkills
- Molecular & Genetic Techniques
- CRISPR-Cas9
- CRISPRi
- FRUIT recombineering
- Molecular cloning
- HiFi
- In-Fusion
- Golden Gate
- PCR
- QPCR
- SYBR Green
- TaqMan
- RT-qPCR
- Multiplex PCR
- Plasmid-based gene expression
- Electroporation
- Strain construction
- E coli
- Mycobacterium smegmatis
- 5' RACE
- RNA transcript analysis
- Small protein functional studies
- Genomics & Bioinformatics
- RNA-seq
- ChIP-seq
- Sanger sequencing
- Illumina NGS
- MiSeq
- Metagenomic analysis
- Bioinformatics pipelines
- QIIME2
- Python
- R
- Data preprocessing
- Quality control
- Statistical analysis
- Clinical & Translational Research
- COVID-19 RT-PCR testing
- Diagnostics
- Biochemical assays
- Serological assays
- Sample collection
- Handling
- Quality assessment
- QA/QC
- Regulatory compliance
- Biosafety
- SOPs
- Laboratory documentation
- Reporting
- Project Management & Leadership
- Experimental design
- Protocol optimization
- Mentoring
- Training
- Team coordination
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Sample logistics
- Inventory
- Laboratory operations
- Soft Skills
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Data interpretation
- Troubleshooting
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Multi-project coordination
References
- Joe Wade, Ph.D., PI of Wade Lab, & Chair and Department head of Biomedical Sciences, SUNY Albany
- Kerry Brown, Ph.D., Research Associate at Wade Lab
- Le Yi Phyo, Research Assistant at Kuhn Lab
Field Of Interest
- Gene editing
- CRISPR-i
- RNA-Seq
- Small proteins studies
- Microbiome studies
- Molecular cloning
Research
- Molecular & Genetic Research, Led molecular cloning and plasmid-based gene expression studies in E. coli., Designed and executed CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPRi-based gene editing and silencing in E. coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis., Investigated gene regulation and small protein function using FRUIT recombineering and 5' RACE., Independently designed primers and optimized experimental workflows.
- Sequencing, Omics & Bioinformatics, Led RNA-seq and NGS-based studies (Illumina, ChIP-seq, Sanger) from experimental design through data analysis., Performed microbiome and sequencing data analysis using QIIME2, Python, and R.
- Clinical & Translational Research, Conducted COVID-19 research and diagnostic RT-PCR testing using patient-derived clinical samples under biosafety compliance.
- Leadership & Research Operations, Mentored junior researchers and provided cross-project troubleshooting and data interpretation., Coordinated biological sample logistics and regulatory compliance.
Timeline
ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST
Wade Lab, Department of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, NY State Department of Health
12.2022 - 05.2025
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
LK LAB, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
08.2021 - 11.2022
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST
Asia Pacific Medical & Dental Care Center
11.2016 - 07.2019
M.Sc. - Biomedical Sciences
Prince of Songkla University
B.Med.Tech. - Medical Laboratory Technology
University of Medical Technology