Philomena Onasanya
Durham,NC
Summary
Research Associate with a focus on biopharmaceutical development, skilled in large-scale bioreactor operations and mammalian cell culture. Proven track record in maintaining GMP compliance, optimizing bioprocesses, and ensuring meticulous laboratory documentation to support efficient research outcomes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Associate
Grifols
04.2026 - Current
- Supported CMC development and bioprocessing activities in research and development lab, contributing to successful lab runs and optimized processes.
- Performed mammalian cell culture, including routine maintenance, expansion, monitoring of cell health, and preparation for downstream experiments to ensure experimental success.
- Applied sterile and aseptic techniques in handling cells, media, and reagents to maintain controlled conditions and minimize contamination risks.
Lab Technician
United Therapeutics
11.2024 - 11.2025
- Executed porcine lung decellularization procedures and maintained full decell station operations in support of tissue engineering and bioprocessing workflows.
- Supported large-scale bioreactor and stainless-steel bioreactor operations, including process setup, monitoring, and maintaining equipment readiness for laboratory runs.
- Applied sterile and aseptic techniques throughout bioprocessing activities to maintain controlled processing conditions and minimize contamination risk.
- Supported senior scientists with SCAN sampling, histology preparation, and BCA assays, while improving throughput.
- Developed new schematics for decell tubing, clarifying setup procedures and minimizing errors during equipment connections.
- Enhanced GMP practices and managed chemical inventory to ensure compliance and prevent workflow delays.
- Maintained clean and organized processing areas and followed established SOPs, safety procedures, and aseptic laboratory practices.
- Trained new lab members on protocols, laboratory safety, equipment procedures, and proper workflow practices.
Research Technician
Julius L. Chambers Biomedical & Biotechnology Research Institute
09.2023 - 09.2024
- Executed animal studies, including microdissections, euthanasia, and sample collection, to facilitate ongoing research projects.
- Conducted independent neuroscience experiments to advance research objectives and support graduate/postdoctoral researchers.
- Analyzed data and contributed to manuscript preparation, enhancing clarity and impact of research findings.
- Maintained a highly organized research environment and supported multiple ongoing projects.
- Followed established laboratory procedures and maintained accurate experimental documentation.
Research Scientist
Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise
06.2022 - 07.2023
- Optimized assay protocols, improving data reliability and experiment turnaround time.
- Managed C3A mammalian cell culture, ensuring healthy growth through routine maintenance, transfections, harvesting, freezing, and fluorescent testing.
- Applied aseptic cell culture techniques to maintain healthy cultures and minimize contamination.
- Calibrated laboratory equipment and trained junior students on essential techniques to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Organized and analyzed data using Excel, creating structured presentations for effective communication during lab meetings.
Research Intern
American Heart Association
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Conducted clinical research on A-fib studies and surveys, contributing to grant-writing efforts and presenting findings at final symposium.
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing studies and initiatives.
- Collected data for cardiovascular health research projects. for cardiovascular health research projects.
- Collaborated with team members on project planning and execution tasks.
Summer Research Scholar
Duke University
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Conducted Malachite Green assays, enzymology reactions, and mini/midi preps to support ongoing research projects, presented findings weekly.
- Collaborated with faculty on experimental design and methodology development.
- Assisted in preparing grant proposals and funding applications for research initiatives.
- Conducted literature reviews to gather relevant research data for projects.
Research Intern
NCCU/Duke University
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Assisted with neuroimaging studies (MRI, EEG) by collecting saliva and blood samples and contributing to data collection for stress-task protocols.
- Conducted literature reviews on cardiovascular health research and findings.
- Assisted in data collection for ongoing health studies and initiatives.
- Collaborated with teams to prepare research presentations and reports.
Education
B.S. - Biology (Pre-Medicine Concentration)
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC05-2022
Skills
- Large-scale bioreactors
Stainless-steel bioreactors
Bioprocessing - CMC Cell culture and expansion
Cell line maintenance
Sterile and aseptic techniques
- Regulatory compliance Lab operations management Process development
- Equipment readiness Data analysis Experimental records
- Sample preparation Molecular assays and quantification
- Assay validation Histology techniques Equipment calibration Quality oversight
Timeline
Research Associate
Grifols
04.2026 - Current
Lab Technician
United Therapeutics
11.2024 - 11.2025
Research Technician
Julius L. Chambers Biomedical & Biotechnology Research Institute
09.2023 - 09.2024
Research Scientist
Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise
06.2022 - 07.2023
Research Intern
American Heart Association
09.2021 - 04.2022
Summer Research Scholar
Duke University
05.2021 - 08.2021
Research Intern
NCCU/Duke University
05.2019 - 08.2019
B.S. - Biology (Pre-Medicine Concentration)
North Carolina Central University