HIMANGI R. JAYAKAR, PhD

• Spearheaded and successfully led the company through four AS9100D audits since initial certification
• Established and customized the Quality Management System for the company compliant with AS9100D Aerospace standards
• Authored SOPs, trained personnel on Quality systems
• Ensured compliance with SOPs through regular internal audits
• Established process improvement methods to ensure high levels of quality and compliance during all stages of technical development and production
• Organized procurement process and inventory management systems
• Track and maintain data on vendors to maximize product quality and performance
• Develop processes and ensure adequate project documentation
• Track and maintain data on vendors to maximize product quality and performance.
• Updated quality control standards, methods and procedures to meet compliance requirements.
• Followed quality standards and procedures to minimize errors and maximize customer satisfaction.
• Managed and archived quality documentation and participated in internal and external quality audits.
• Devised specifications for processes.

• Developed and implemented “Organ-on-chip” models using cutting edge microfluidics technology
• Performed preliminary and exploratory data analysis for 3D invitro model studies into Blood-Brain-Barrier (BBB) permeability and Renal Toxicity.
• Interacted and forged relationships with cross functional teams across multiple sites to evaluate these invitro models.
• Performed research into study topics to increase knowledge and to provide valuable contributions.

• Studied host-pathogen interactions and resistance to interferon signaling using Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) as a virus model
• Exercised Used reverse-genetics methods to establish novel mutant viruses of LCMV as tools for the studying the pathophysiology of the disease caused by the virus
• Designed siRNA screens to identify novel mutants of nucleoprotein which lack host antagonistic functions.
• Oversaw studies, documented data and extrapolated results.

• Contributed to and actively participated in research conception, design and execution to address defined problems.
• Vaccine projects: Led the design and implementation of studies to develop Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) based viral mutants as candidate recombinant vaccines
• Oncology projects: Developed new attenuated VSV viral vectors for application in treatment of glioblastoma and other glial tumors
• Collaboration project with Department of Neuroscience at UTHSC
• Viral Vector Development: Produced Developed VSV viral vectors that specifically target prostate tumors in collaboration with Dept of Urology, University of Pittsburg
• Bacterial Pathogenesis: Designed and performed invivo murine studies in host-pathogen interactions for Tularemia, a bacterial disease
• Developed a vaccine candidate for pathogenic FTularensis type A virulent strain SchuS4
• Hands- on experience working in Biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) lab with animal models of respiratory disease.

Therapeutic Area Lead: Led the preclinical team in production of GLP test material in the anti-HIV therapeutic program

Led the development of attenuated VSV based vectors for gene therapy (patent filed in 2003)

Collaboration: Partnered with UTHSC scientists for development of VSV based oncolytic viral vectors. It led to a three-year collaborative project and a successful STTR I grant (a one-year, $100,000 award) and one publication.

Regulatory: Discussion with FDA about development of the VSV vectors for IND filing for planning of the pre-clinical development package

Publications: Published an invited review article on Rhabdovirus budding for a special issue of Virus Research.