Heather Callahan
Escondido,USA
Summary
Determined and well-rounded individual with more than 20 years working as Scientist within the broader microbiome industry. Sharp and focused professional offering skills in nucleic acid extraction, biochemistry, NGS workflows and applying academic discovery to commercial product and IP generation.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Scientist
Cemvita Factory Inc
05.2022 - 05.2024
- Created and lead the development of a genomics and bioprospecting program for microbial detection, identification and strain engineering to support multiple departments and projects.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
Director of Genomics Operations
Biota Technology
08.2019 - 05.2022
- Developed and led a scalable subsurface microbial DNA/RNA extraction and next-gen sequencing pipeline to map microbial communities in the earth's subsurface.
- During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic we did our part, by using our expertise to develop a sample to sequencing workflow to detect the virus from waste water at assisted living facilities using custom primers prior to the development of commercial kits.
Senior Scientist
Biota Technology
08.2017 - 08.2019
- Optimized and managed an extensive subsurface microbial DNA extraction and next-gen sequencing pipeline.
Senior Scientist
MO BIO Laboratories, Inc.
09.2008 - 07.2017
- R&D scientist with expertise in DNA, RNA, and protein extraction product development from concept to marketing and post-launch technical support.
- Developed innovative solutions to complex nucleic acid extraction problems, enhancing the company''s intellectual property portfolio.
Project Leader
Kent Seatech Corporation
05.2007 - 07.2008
- Project manager of a $2 million grant-based research program to develop bacteriophage-based therapeutics as alternatives to antibiotics for aquaculture, agriculture, and human applications.
- Collaborated with team members to develop, identify and accomplish assigned goals and objectives.
Research Scientist
Kent Seatech Corporation
03.2005 - 04.2007
- Lead research scientist responsible for planning and implementation of all research and product development of bacteriophage-based therapeutics.
- Established rigorous protocols for the discovery and application of novel phage cocktails.
Education
Ph.D. - Comparative Biomedical Sciences
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC05.1993
B.S. - Biology
University of California Riverside
Riverside, CA01.1993
Skills
- Strong leadership abilities
- Technical Writing Expertise
- Lab Safety Protocols
- Innovative problem-solving
- Results-driven focus
- Cross-functional Team Coordination
- Process optimization expertise
- Budget Management Experience
Timeline
Principal Scientist
Cemvita Factory Inc
05.2022 - 05.2024
Director of Genomics Operations
Biota Technology
08.2019 - 05.2022
Senior Scientist
Biota Technology
08.2017 - 08.2019
Senior Scientist
MO BIO Laboratories, Inc.
09.2008 - 07.2017
Project Leader
Kent Seatech Corporation
05.2007 - 07.2008
Research Scientist
Kent Seatech Corporation
03.2005 - 04.2007
Ph.D. - Comparative Biomedical Sciences
North Carolina State University
B.S. - Biology
University of California Riverside