Sydney Tola

• Executed phylogenetic reconstruction and ancestral inference of Plasmodium falciparum vaccine candidates using Nextstrain’s Augur toolkit.
• Developed version-controlled builds in Nextstrain to visualize lineage-specific mutations across over 90 clinical isolates.
• Quantified genetic diversity and entropy by region, analyzing phylogeographic structure and directional selection.
• Performed co-evolutionary analysis between CSP and AMA1 genes by comparing tree topologies.
• Deployed interactive dashboards and GitHub repository for exploring parasite evolution insights.

• Collaborated with clients to establish pre-clinical therapeutic development objectives.
• Drafted federal contract proposals for research services targeting NIH and BARDA.
• Conducted market research to uncover new growth opportunities.
• Created marketing materials, including brochures and flyers, to enhance brand visibility.
• Participated in cross-functional meetings to devise innovative revenue-generating strategies.

• Promoted twice within 2.5 years for strong performance and technical leadership.
• Scientist III (Aug 2022 – Dec 2023)
• Scientist II (Feb 2021 – Aug 2022)
• Scientist I (Jun 2020 – Feb 2021)
• Led development of internal control systems and molecular beacons for viral diagnostic assays; co-inventor on multiple international patent applications

1. International patent application published as WO2023154920A1;

(“Internal controls for nucleic acid amplification”)

2. International patent application published as WO2024054867A1;

(“Modified molecular beacons for improved detection specificity”)

• Collaborated with software, hardware, and manufacturing teams to improve assay performance and usability.
• Advised on NATDx intellectual property transfer during BD acquisition, focusing on APA assay chemistry and reagent formulation.
• Established workflows, SOPs, and supply procurement schedules to support successful project execution.

• Ensured accuracy and scalability of molecular diagnostics for pathogens, including CMV, HIV, SARS-CoV-2.
• Designed and executed validation & verification studies in compliance with FDA regulations, addressing interfering substances.
• Developed GMP protocols to enhance theefficiency and quality of whole blood matrix preperation
• Contributed to FDA approval process for SARS-CoV-2 test under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

• Executed experimental design and data analysis for assay and lyophilization formulation studies.
• Validated formulations through rigorous testing and optimization processes.
• Conducted sequence alignment and analysis of infectious pathogens to identify variations.

• Investigated infection patterns of Zika virus affecting fetal chicken brain development

• Engaged public officials and government-operated clinics to expand community access to medical resources