Loryn Blackburn
Palmyra,VA
Summary
Research professional with strong knowledge of molecular biology, health science, and data analytics. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Specialist Senior
University of Virginia
08.2022 - Current
- Oversaw daily lab activities by creating schedules and assigning tasks efficiently while meeting project deadlines successfully.
- Mentored interns and students gaining practical experience in the lab setting by providing valuable hands-on training opportunities.
- Facilitated effective communication within the lab and with external collaborators, enhancing project coordination and overall success.
- Provided expert guidance during complex investigations, ensuring accurate interpretation of findings and conclusions.
- Monitored compliance with regulatory requirements to ensure the highest standards of safety and ethical conduct were met consistently throughout all operations.
- Managed inventory and procurement of essential lab supplies, reducing downtime and ensuring seamless operation.
Lead Technologist
University of Virginia
09.2020 - 07.2022
- Assisted with the design, validation, and implementation of a PCR-based COVID-19 testing protocol using saliva, in order to monitor infection in asymptomatic students, faculty, and staff.
- Analyzed experiment and test results to validate adherence to standards and specifications.
- Executed corrective actions when test controls were outside specified limits.
- Managed maintenance activities, including supervising and training staff, and inspecting equipment.
- Performed analyses required for the submission of an application of Emergency Use Authorization with the FDA.
Laboratory Specialist
University of Virginia
07.2013 - 09.2020
- Managed laboratory stocks and spending.
- Trained undergraduate and graduate students, as well as visiting scholars in molecular biology experimental techniques.
- Performed experimentation and data analysis for collaborative research projects leading to publications in scientific journals.
- Managed self-generated large datasets using a variety of tools, including R and Prism GraphPad Softwares.
- Aided in the writing and editing of scientific manuscripts, protocols, and grant proposals.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Northern Kentucky University, Department of Biological Sciences
08.2009 - 04.2012
- Learned and performed molecular biology experimental techniques, while working on a research project focused on Human Respiratory Syncytial virus.
- Participated in the writing of grant proposals, leading to receipt of short-term, university-based research funding.
Education
Master of Science - Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA12.2017
Master of Science - Medical Science
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Northern Kentucky Univeristy
Highland Heights, KY12.2012
Skills
- Data analysis
- Technical writing
- Experimental design
- R Programming
- Quality control
- Laboratory Management
- Molecular Biology
Publications
Shi X, Facemire L, Singh S, et al. UBA1-CDK16 : A Sex-Specific Chimeric RNA and Its Role in Immune Sexual Dimorphism. Preprint. bioRxiv. 2024;2024.02.13.580120. Published 2024 Feb 15. doi:10.1101/2024.02.13.580120
Xie, Z., Janczyk, P.Ł., Zhang, Y. et al. A cytoskeleton regulator AVIL drives tumorigenesis in glioblastoma. Nat Commun 11, 3457 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-17279-1
Chwalenia, K. , Facemire, L. and Li, H. (2017), Chimeric RNAs in cancer and normal physiology. WIREs RNA, 8: e1427. doi:10.1002/wrna.1427
Qin F, Song Y, Zhang Y, Facemire L, Frierson H, Li H. Role of CTCF in Regulating SLC45A3-ELK4 Chimeric RNA. Kumar-Sinha C, ed. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(3):e0150382. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0150382.
Babiceanu, M., Qin, F., Xie, Z., Jia, Y., Lopez, K., Janus, N., … Li, H. (2016). Recurrent chimeric fusion RNAs in non-cancer tissues and cells. Nucleic Acids Research, 44(6), 2859–2872. http://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkw032
Niu Q, Zheng H, Zhang L, Qin F, Facemire L, Zhang G, CAo F, Zhang KQ, Huang X, Yang J, He L, Liu C, Knockout of the ADP gene related with colonization in Bacillus nematocida B16 using customized transcription activator-like effectors nucleases. Microb Biotechnol. 2015 Jul;8(4):681-92.
Qin F, Song Z, Babiceanu M, Song Y, Facemire L, Singh R, Adli M, Li H. Discovery of CTCF-Sensitive Cis-Spliced Fusion RNAs between Adjacent Genes in Human Prostate Cells., PLoS Genet. 2015 Feb 6: 11(2):e1005001
Timeline
Laboratory Specialist Senior
University of Virginia
08.2022 - Current
Lead Technologist
University of Virginia
09.2020 - 07.2022
Laboratory Specialist
University of Virginia
07.2013 - 09.2020
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Northern Kentucky University, Department of Biological Sciences
08.2009 - 04.2012
Master of Science - Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
George Mason University
Master of Science - Medical Science
University of South Florida
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Northern Kentucky Univeristy
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