ETHAN PILAT
Ijamsville,MD
Summary
Biologist with hands-on Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory experience in aseptic technique, pathogen and biospecimen handling, and high-throughput assay development. Coursework and lab experience in microbiology, bacteriology, and molecular biology, with direct infectious-disease response experience (COVID-19 specimen testing) and GLP/GIVIMP-regulated protocol execution. Seeking to apply this foundation to virology and bacteriology research in a biodefense setting.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Biologist I
The Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc.
05.2024 - Current
- Exercised aseptic/sterile technique in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory using 3-dimensional reconstructed human epithelial tissues to assess the skin irritation potential of test substances under protocols based on OECD Test Guideline 439.
- Handled and processed healthy and pathogenic lung biospecimens including inflation, gross examination, contractility assessment, and precision-cut tissue slicing supporting internal respiratory research.
- Performed cytokine analysis and ELISA assays to characterize immune and inflammatory responses in tissue- and cell-based test systems.
- Conducted and led weekly teams in skin irritation, eye irritation, corrosion, cell culture, and dermal/ocular toxicity screenings utilizing primarily ET50 and LD50 calculations.
- Developed an adapted protocol from a regulatory-accepted assay to enable high-throughput testing, increasing the historical maximum number of substances tested by over 3-fold.
- Led a team effort to test upward of 100 substances weekly by orchestrating laboratory setup, execution, and completion.
- Performed regulated laboratory work under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards in a GIVIMP-certified facility, ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance.
- Assisted in assay prediction modeling using AI tools and Python to predict genetic toxicity in reconstructed-skin micronucleus assays.
- Maintained laboratory biosafety through regular organization, hazardous waste disposal, and sterile technique.
- Operated a Molecular Devices VersaMax spectrophotometer using GXP-certified SoftMax software.
- Created custom workbooks, data templates, and detailed schedules in Microsoft Excel and Word for laboratory team meetings.
Pharmacy Technician
CVS Pharmacy
06.2022 - 05.2024
- Dispensed medications accurately in accordance with prescription orders, ensuring compliance with dosage instructions and labeling requirements.
- Provided excellent customer service, addressing patient inquiries, providing medication counseling, and offering guidance on over-the-counter products.
- Demonstrated proficiency in using pharmacy software for prescription processing, patient profile management, and generating reports for pharmacist review.
- Maintained proper storage and handling of all drug classes in compliance with Maryland Board of Pharmacy regulations.
Lab Coordinator
Frederick Health Hospital-Insight Global
04.2021 - 10.2022
- Coordinated infectious-disease specimen collection, processing, and analysis prioritizing urgent requests while maintaining accuracy and efficiency during the Omicron surge of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Collaborated with cross-functional clinical and public health personnel including phlebotomists, pathologists, hematologists, microbiologists, physicians, nurses, IT support, and the Maryland National Guard to optimize testing workflows during a public health emergency response.
- Adapted quickly to evolving testing protocols, staffing demands, and operational challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic response.
- Followed strict infection prevention and control protocols, including PPE and transmission-based precautions, while coordinating high-volume (600+ tests/day) COVID-19 specimen testing during the Omicron surge.
- Coordinated specimen processing for Frederick Health Hospital and more than 12 regional nursing homes during a large-scale infectious-disease testing effort.
- Retrieved and accurately logged specimen data within the hospital information system to support laboratory investigations.
- Updated patient profiles in accordance with the documentation submitted and tests ordered.
- Maintained laboratory biosafety through sterile technique and proper hazardous waste disposal.
- Released death certificates and specimens in accordance with laboratory guidelines.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD01-2027
Associate of Science - Chemistry
Frederick Community College
Frederick, MD05-2023
Skills
- Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory operations, aseptic/sterile technique, and pathogen and biospecimen handling, including precision-cut pathogenic lung tissue
- Bacterial culture, bacterial gene transfer, species classification, PCR, Western blot, ELISA, and cytokine analysis
- GLP/GIVIMP-compliant protocol execution, high-throughput assay development, and Python-based predictive modeling for toxicology/safety assessment
- Infectious-disease specimen processing and outbreak-response coordination (COVID-19 pandemic), including work alongside public health and National Guard personnel
AUTHORED
The impossible made possible through the use of New Approach Methodologies: Dermal safety assessment of potential insect repellent or insecticidal active compounds by combining high-throughput reconstructed human epidermis testing with artificial intelligence.
Timeline
Biologist I
The Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc.
05.2024 - Current
Pharmacy Technician
CVS Pharmacy
06.2022 - 05.2024
Lab Coordinator
Frederick Health Hospital-Insight Global
04.2021 - 10.2022
Associate of Science - Chemistry
Frederick Community College
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
University of Maryland Baltimore County