Nicole Semanik

• Performs laboratory administrative functions such as scheduling, purchasing and establishing record keeping systems
• Supervises laboratory staff assigned, assuring appropriate study procedures, review of staff work, explaining policies and procedures and screening of new employees
• Develops procedure manuals and operational/technical guidelines for lab studies
• Participates in lab study processes, maintaining records and preparing reports as required
• Researches and recommends new methods and procedures to maintain current capabilities, quality and standards
• Work with Organoids and Developing Drug Screening Assays
• Experience in a wide range of laboratory procedures
• Experience with different animal models used in research, especially in developing pdx models in mice also able to learn/experienced in specialized procedures

This was a semester-long, part-time intern position as it pertains to working towards my certificate in Clinical Research Management to gain further experience in Clinical Research

• Screen patients for clinical research studies
• Gain experience with using EPIC, Deep6, OnCore, Open Specimen, and RedCap to screen and record various research activities and data pertaining to clinical research
• Put together recruitment mailers
• Consent patients for clinical research study

• Enter data into databases
• Follow SOPs and other applicable laboratory or company procedures
• Completion of all required SOP, GLP, lab and safety training programs
• Perform multiple task(s) as assigned, or to work as part of a team
• Assist in the development of data collection forms and guideline documents
• Understanding and following study protocols/plans and facility Animal Care and Use Committee directives
• Clearly and accurately document study activities including compliance with facility requirements for data recording
• Adhering to testing facility procedures supporting compliance with applicable USDA regulations, Animal Welfare Act, facility Animal Care and Use Committee directives, and Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
• Performing various routine techniques including animal identification, clinical observations, restraint, animal randomization, test article administration (including but not limited to gavage, dermal applications, IV, IP, and subQ), and specimen collection (i.e., including but not limited to blood, urine, feces, tissues) according to the protocol or study plan and facility requirements
• Assisting in sample and/or test article transfer between Inotiv and outside parties
• Ability to accurately perform basic laboratory calculations and measurements (e.g., conversion of scientific units of measure, measuring mass and/or volume)
• Assuring that test article and dose solutions are maintained under correct storage conditions
• Demonstrating a working knowledge of relevant computer systems and of the in-life data collection system (Provantis), and assisting with validation procedures as necessary
• Assisting in the compilation of study data packages and any Inotiv general facility records
• Quality Control review of facility records and study documentation generated by peers

• Care of immunocompromised animals
• Develop PDX models via SQ engraftment of tissue chunks or SQ injection of cells
• Perform drug studies according to needs of client (Drugs delivered by oral gavage, IP injections, IM injections, etc.)
• Preparation of drugs for dosing animals
• Measure tumors and body weight using Tumor Management System
• Harvesting and processing of tissues and various fluids at end of study depending on needs of client (collections of tumor, brain, liver, kidneys, blood, CSF, etc.)
• Shipping of harvested tissues to clients both within United States and Internationally
• Maintaining accurate records and manifests
• Dissociation of tumors into single cell suspensions
• Propagation of tumor lines according to needs of client

• Develop PDX models [SQ tissue engraftment, SQ injection of cells, harvesting of tumors and organs (cryopreserving tissues, SNAP frozen, FFPE blocks)]
• DNA isolation of tumors
• Preparing single cell suspensions (cell dissociation)
• Cell culture: conventional and organoid (head/neck tumor models)
• Sectioning of FFPE blocks for staining as well as for other collaborators
• IHC (usually for breast cancer markers -ER/Her2)
• Preparation of drugs for dosing mice
• Dosing of mice for drug studies (Oral gavage and Injections: IP, IM, IV)
• Blood Collection Techniques (saphenous vein, submandibular)
• Measurement of tumors using calipers
• Flow cytometry
• Phage display
• Management of mouse colony (breeding, weaning, etc.)

• Assess and provide treatment for numerous species of animals under the direction of Veterinarian (mice, rats, NHP, pigs, dogs, turtles, pigeons, chickens, guinea pigs, sheep, etc.)
• Medical documentation/record keeping
• Communication of medical issues and plans of treatment of animals to lab personnel
• Assist labs with anesthesia maintenance of animals and prep for surgery
• Help with training of lab personnel of techniques with rodents (handling/restraint, identification methods, blood collection, injections, and some surgical procedures and special techniques: ovariectomies, castrations, skin grafts, intubation)
• Coordinate annual calibration of all anesthesia vaporizers across WashU campuses (100+ vaporizers)

• Daily Animal Census
• Provide husbandry and daily care of rodents (bedding changes, food/water, check overall health)
• Report issues or illness to appropriate party
• Daily cleaning and sanitation of animal rooms and surrounding areas to maintain animal barrier
• Prepare animals for transfer to other buildings within WashU as well as shipments to other institutions across United States and Internationally

• Assist Veterinarian with medical examinations of pets
• Medical documentation/Maintain records
• Educate clients on health conditions of pets and care of their animals
• Collect samples for and run routine laboratory tests (heart worm, blood work, fecal examinations, etc.)
• Prepare and assist Veterinarian with surgical procedures
• Monitor and maintain anesthesia
• Answer phones in busy clinic (schedule appointments/surgeries, answer general questions, give estimates of services, etc.)
• Cleaning and sterilization of surgical suite, surgical instruments, exam rooms, kennels, etc
• Take radiographs
• Care for hospitalized patients