Nova Tasnima
El Cerrito,CA
Summary
Diligent and competent Chemist with a Ph.D. in Chemistry. Excellent academic credentials and a strong background in research. Effective time management and interpersonal communication skills. Excellent teamwork abilities and project implementation skills.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Scientist II
California Department of Public Health
02.2022 - Current
- Member of the Center of Disease Control (CDC)-partnered LRN-C program’s Level 1 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified lab
- Implements CDC methods for detecting chemical threat reagents’ toxins and metabolites in serum, plasma, whole blood, and urine using GC-MS, LC-MS-MS, and ICP-MS
- Uses high-throughput solid phase extraction (SPE) systems for sample purification and preparation
- Designated subject matter expert for GC-MS/GC-MS/MS methods and instrumentations for detecting cyanide in whole blood, tetramine in urine, and volatile organic compounds in blood and plasma
- Regularly monitors instrument status including scheduling preventative maintenance, troubleshoots when necessary, and keeps detail record of instrument use
- Operates ICP-MS to analyze mercury, cadmium and lead in blood, and metals panel: barium, beryllium, cadmium, lead, thallium, uranium, mercury in urine
- Experienced in troubleshooting instruments inducing: GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS
- Keeps detailed records and detailed documentations
- Participates in CLIA audits.
Research Scientist II
California Department of Public Health
12.2019 - 02.2022
- Implemented U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established analytical methods for GC-MS, ICP-MS, and ICP-OES to study drinking water quality in addition to studying method parameters
- Independently planned, organized, and conducts analytical experiments to analyze water samples utilizing GC-MS, ICP-MS, and ICP-OES
- Kept data record electronically using laboratory’s electronic information management system (LIMS)
- Developed and implemented EPA method 200.7 to analyze boron and lithium in drinking water
- Performed method detection limit studies for boron analysis in three different water matrices
- Analyzed field samples to detect both lithium and boron
- Further validated and implemented SRL524M to study detection of 1,2,3-trichloropropane in parts per trillion level in drinking water
- Performed Method Detection Limit at 2 parts per trillion Purge and Trap system coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) via selected ion monitoring mode
- For Purge and Trap parameters, tested experimental outcomes from sample purging volume of 5 versus 25 milliliters
- Experienced in troubleshooting GC-MS, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and Purge and Trap systems
- Updating writing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for EPA methods
- Updated existing method SRL524M and wrote SOPs in TNI format for EPA methods 200.7, 200.8, and 245.1
- Currently, being trained to implement EPA 245.1 to detect mercury in drinking water by using cold vapor AAS
- Keeps up with troubleshooting and instrument maintenance routinely
- Collaborates with coworkers to troubleshoot instruments
- Prepares scientific reports from running samples and as needed for the validation of testing of contaminants in drinking water
- Developed training materials for collaborators from California State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB)
- Provided oral presentation discussing method specific parameters, and provided lab demonstration on running samples using Purge and Trap system coupled with GC-MS
- Prepared Corrective Actions’ report as appropriate from a specific study
- Collaborated with Radiochemistry Unit (RCU) in Drinking Water and Radiation Laboratory Branch
- Analyzed water and soil samples using ICP-OES
- This collaboration allowed RCU to report voluntary Proficiency Test (PT) data
- Participant of The NELAC Institute (TNI) Certification implementation
- Updates documents including laboratory logbooks as needed
- Additionally, created new logbooks for each method, kept detailed records including Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet for all standards, reagents, and materials utilized for all experiments
- Created record books for each instrument to keep track of troubleshooting steps, instrument maintenance, instrument part numbers and consumables, service quotes, service dates, and communication with engineers
- Trained three coworkers on sample preparation, instrument operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for EPA methods with GC-MS and GC-ECD as the instrumentations to be able to independently analyze samples
- Keeps electronic record of data from running samples
- Assists with purchasing and keeping inventory of consumables.
Research Scientist I
California Department of Public Health
11.2017 - 11.2019
- Skilled analytical chemist, experienced user of GC-MS, implemented EPA established methods to analyze drinking water samples in addition to developing analytical methods
- Applied EPA methods to identify volatile organic compounds, pesticides, and halogenated organic compounds in drinking water
- Thoroughly analyzed data to ensure reported values meet project specific qualitative and quantitative standards in addition to quality control parameters
- Participated in EPA Audit
- Performed Initial Demonstration Capability and Method Detection Limits for specific analytical methods
- Analyzed drinking water samples collected by California State Water Resources Control Board engineers
- Analyzed 500+ field samples including Del Oro Water Company’s California wildfire affected districts including Lime Saddle, Magalia, and Paradise Pines
- Provided detailed analysis reports of contaminants from residential areas affected by wildfire
- Performed scientific analytical studies to identify chemical contaminants including volatile organic compounds and pesticides in drinking water
- Independently planned, organized, prepared, and summarized the results of a specific study
- Implemented EPA methods to analyze Proficiency Test and Quality Control samples
- Successfully reported values of targeted compounds within acceptable ranges while maintaining and improving competency in the specific study areas
- Validated, and implemented method to detect 1,2,3-trichloropropane in low parts per trillion level using Purge and Trap system coupled with GC-MS
- Performed Method Detection Limit at 5 parts per trillion level
- Maintained, monitored, and performed necessary troubleshooting steps to preserve instrument status and performance
- Experienced in using LIMS, entered data and quality control requirement data for both PT and drinking water samples collected State Water Resources Board engineers
- Updated Drinking Water and Radiation Laboratory Branch’s SOPs
- Trained in properly disposing chemical and solid waste materials
- Collected, labeled, and disposed hazardous waste
- Experienced in using gas chromatography instruments from Varian, Agilent Technologies, and Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Additionally, skilled and proficient in using instrument specific software such as Chromeleon
- Collaborated with coworkers
- Assisted supervisor to develop training materials for collaborators
- Assisted in purchasing laboratory supplies and services
- Maintained professional collaboration with field engineers and application chemists regarding laboratory instrument performance status and troubleshooting
- Provided data to supervisor in detail-oriented and deadline-driven manners
- Kept electronic record of data
- Received training from senior staff on instrument maintenance and operation
- Prioritized workload in efficient manner
- Updated and reported daily workload to supervisors
- Strong communication skills and a fast learner.
Doctoral Researcher
University of California, Davis
09.2012 - 08.2017
- Organic synthetic chemist used analytical instrumentations as a tool to study chemoenzymatically synthesized carbohydrates
- Organic chemist with expertise in chemoenzymatic synthesis and chemical modification of carbohydrates
- Synthesized structurally complex and synthetically challenging carbohydrate molecules including derivatives of natural and sulfated oligosaccharides using chemical and enzymatic synthesis
- Analytical skills included monitoring reaction progress using thin layer chromatography, scaling up reactions, purifying target compounds using flash column chromatography or HPLC, and verifying molecular weight using mass spectrometry and structure via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- Experienced in gram-scale enzymatic synthesis of natural carbohydrate molecules
- Led experiments, developed novel carbohydrate probes, and optimized and reported assay conditions to study a specific class of carbohydrate-active proteins including sialidase and alpha-L-fucosidase
- Generated a proposal as a Principal Investigator, received grant from National Science Foundation (Award ID 1613849) to conduct research in Academia Sinica, Taiwan
- Contributed to four published journal articles either as a first author or co-author
- Reported scientifically investigated data on peer-reviewed journals
- Completed a Ph.D
- Dissertation including four chapters
- Proficient and skilled at data collection and analysis
- Independently planned, organized, and carried out research experiments
- Professionally collaborated and engaged with faculty members, researchers, students, and staff from diverse cultural and social backgrounds via interpersonal communication skills
- Kept experiment record in organized manner
- Carried out research work independently and in a team, both resulted in peer-reviewed journal articles
- Enthusiastic, curious, and a cooperative team member
- Met project goals in detail-oriented and deadline-driven manners
- Resourceful and analytically skilled
- Proficient in Microsoft office and using internet for research purposes
- Experienced working in high-stressed environment and maintaining workflow in timely manner
- Adapted to new work environment and work schedule quickly
- Strong oral presentation skills to present materials to a broad spectrum of audiences
- Participated and presented research work in multiple research symposiums
- Assisted with contacting appropriate personnel for technical and scientific equipment support and calibration/repair services for University of California’s chemistry laboratory system
- Assisted with maintenance of scientific instruments
- Trained and practiced safety measures for workplace
- Adhered to workplace safety and health standards, including Hazardous Waste Management and Minimization, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of chemicals, Safe Use of Cryogenic Liquids, Fume Hood Usage, Illness Prevention Program, and Laboratory Safety Fundamentals
- Trained and supervised four new graduate students
- In addition, trained undergraduate students to use analytical instruments properly and handle chemicals according to SOPs
- Participant of on-campus Sustainability Program and Green Workplace Certified Group.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Chemistry -
University of California, Davis
08.2017
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Chemical Sciences -
University of California, Merced
05.2012
Skills
- ICP-MS
- GC-MS
- LC-MS-MS
- ICP-OES
- NMR spectroscopy
- Technical Troubleshooting
- Data Analysis
- Preventative Maintenance
- GDP/GLP
- Project management
- Mass spectrometry
- Chemoenzymatic synthesis
- Cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy
Websites
Software
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Acrobat
- ChemBioDraw Ultra
- EndNote
Timeline
Research Scientist II
California Department of Public Health
02.2022 - Current
Research Scientist II
California Department of Public Health
12.2019 - 02.2022
Research Scientist I
California Department of Public Health
11.2017 - 11.2019
Doctoral Researcher
University of California, Davis
09.2012 - 08.2017
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Chemistry -
University of California, Davis
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Chemical Sciences -
University of California, Merced
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