Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Melissa Lamm, PhD

Molecular And Organismal Biologist
Morris Plains,NJ

Summary

Experienced biological scientist with over a decade of expertise in molecular-based research, two years of scientific support in industry, and two years assisting in a clinical research lab. Detail-oriented with exceptional research management, collaboration, and troubleshooting skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for proactive issue identification and resolution, focusing on process optimization and supporting team objectives. Scheduled for the Molecular Biologists (MB) certification exam through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) in Dec. 2024.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Technical Support Scientist I & II

Novogene Corporation
02.2022 - 05.2024
  • Provided expert next-generation sequencing (NGS) pre-sales and post-sales technical support to clients in academia, industry, and government related to experimental design, sample handling, quality control (QC), library preparation, sequencing methodologies, and data management
  • Closely worked with sales and project coordinators to manage on average 10 overlapping projects per week, troubleshoot quality issues, and deliver data within contracted turnaround times
  • Developed SOPs and presented complex technical cases to improve workflow and troubleshooting
  • Received frequent positive feedback from clients, colleagues, and supervisors for enthusiasm, initiative, communicativeness, and rapid turnaround times

Postdoctoral Research Scholar

North Carolina State University
07.2017 - 04.2021
  • Designed and executed complex genomics and genetics experiments using NGS, PCR/qPCR, enzymatic assays, and histological approaches to study evolution of sex determination systems and trophic level in cichlid fishes
  • Designed, optimized, and troubleshooted laboratory assays
  • Managed research projects, fish care, dissection schedules, tissue storage/processing, and chemical inventories
  • Drafted and edited manuscripts and grants; obtained $5,743 total in university research grants
  • Continued in unpaid position until 10/2021 to wrap up research projects; took temporary 8-week paid position from 11/2021-01/2022 to help close out molecular biology laboratory spaces and their safety plans

Graduate Student Researcher

North Carolina State University
08.2010 - 06.2017
  • Planned and conducted neuroendocrine research in coral reef fish using molecular technologies including NGS, PCR/qPCR, ELISA, in vitro transcription, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and histology
  • Managed lab spaces, coordinated lab safety procedures and training sessions for lab members, managed chemical inventories, and ordered kits, reagents, and consumables
  • Wrote and edited manuscripts, reviews, and grants; obtained $19,785 total in NSF and university funding
  • Trained and mentored 15 undergraduate students in laboratory techniques and research methods, fostering their professional development
  • Instructed undergraduate laboratory-based courses over five semesters, including three independent research courses

Research Assistant

Rutgers University
09.2008 - 07.2010
  • Entered clinical data from post-menopausal women undergoing weight loss with or without intervention
  • Executed colorimetric-based assays to measure serum protein metabolites
  • Completed a senior honors research project

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Biological Sciences, Minor: Psychology

Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
09.2005 - 05.2009

Ph.D. - Zoology, Minor: Biotechnology

North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
08.2010 - 08.2017

Skills

Research management

Laboratory techniques

Safety procedures

Molecular biology

Assay design

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Time management

Attention to detail

Statistical analysis: JMP, R

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Timeline

Technical Support Scientist I & II

Novogene Corporation
02.2022 - 05.2024

Postdoctoral Research Scholar

North Carolina State University
07.2017 - 04.2021

Graduate Student Researcher

North Carolina State University
08.2010 - 06.2017

Ph.D. - Zoology, Minor: Biotechnology

North Carolina State University
08.2010 - 08.2017

Research Assistant

Rutgers University
09.2008 - 07.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Biological Sciences, Minor: Psychology

Rutgers University
09.2005 - 05.2009
Melissa Lamm, PhDMolecular And Organismal Biologist