Qiwen Chen
Cranston,RI
Summary
PhD candidate in Pharmacology and Toxicology, with experience in proteomics, ubiquitinomics, molecular biology, and in vivo oncology models. Skilled in LC/MS, multi-omics analysis, and mechanistic pathway studies.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI
08.2020 - Current
- Independently design and execute mechanistic studies to identify USP2a/USP2b targets, and map downstream signaling pathways using proteomics, Co-IP, and western blotting.
- Characterize protein stability and ubiquitination dynamics through cycloheximide chase assays, K-ε-GG enrichment, and LC-MS/MS to define USP2-regulated post-translational modifications.
- Integrate multi-omics data (proteomics, ubiquitinomics, STRING analysis) to uncover functional USP2b interaction networks, and prioritize therapeutically relevant pathways.
- Evaluate phenotypic outcomes of USP2 modulation, including proliferation and bile-acid–induced apoptosis, using MTS and Annexin V assays.
- Execute in vitro and in vivo studies in HepG2/Huh7 cells and USP2-KO mouse models, including dosing, sample collection, necropsy, and IACUC-compliant animal handling.
- Prepared reports and presentations to communicate research findings effectively.
- Participated in weekly lab meetings to discuss ongoing work within the lab group setting.
Research Mentor
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI
08.2020 - Current
- Independently mentor incoming undergraduate and graduate students joining the laboratory.
- Provide scientific mentorship, hands-on technical training, and support for day-to-day lab operations to ensure smooth and efficient team functioning.
- Guided undergraduate and graduate researchers in developing and executing research projects.
- Assisted mentees in preparing presentations for the lab meetings.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills among mentees through discussions.
- Monitored progress and provided feedback on projects.
- Encouraged mentees to take initiative in their own learning processes by providing resources and tools.
Chemistry Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI
08.2020 - Current
- Independently taught a total of 54 undergraduate students per semester.
- Explained and demonstrated chemical techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, stoichiometry, titration, redox reactions, calorimetry, distillation, HPLC, NMR, and recrystallization.
- Graded assignments and provided constructive feedback to students.
- Supervised laboratory sessions, ensuring safety protocols were followed.
- Conducted weekly office hours to provide academic guidance to students.
Contract Research Associate
Sanofi
Framingham, MA
06.2021 - 12.2021
- Independently set up, operate, and troubleshoot LC/MS systems (XEVO G2-XS QTof, BioAccord), including sample preparation (native intact and partially reduced), system calibration, and data acquisition.
- Familiar with automated workflows for high-throughput sample preparation.
- Experienced with electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) for compliant, organized, and reproducible experimental documentation.
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.
- Developed research protocols adhering to industry regulations and standards.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing experimental findings.
Bridge to Graduate School Fellow
RI-INBRE University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI
05.2020 - 08.2020
- Optimized and troubleshot Co-IP workflows to reliably identify and validate USP2 target proteins.
- Developed and improved ChIP assay protocols to investigate FXR–ERα signaling crosstalk, regulating USP2 isoforms.
- Analyzed data using statistical software to support experimental findings.
- Participated in regular team meetings to discuss progress and challenges.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Maintained and cultured wild-type HepG2 cells and FXR-knockout cell lines using sterile, aseptic techniques.
- Performed PCR-based genotyping of FXR, ERα, and double-knockout mouse models.
- Managed animal breeding and experimental colonies in full compliance with IACUC guidelines.
- Executed a range of molecular and cell biology techniques, including transfection, ChIP, Co-IP, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting.
- Analyzed and visualized experimental data using ImageJ, Excel, and GraphPad Prism for quantification and statistical interpretation.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow
RI-INBRE University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Investigated the effects of modulating FXR and ERα signaling pathways on USP2 expression by treating cells with FXR and ERα agonists and antagonists, followed by RT-PCR analysis.
- Quantified USP2 mRNA expression levels in wild-type, FXR-knockout, and ERα-knockout mice, as well as in human hepatoma HepG2 cells, and human liver tissue samples.
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.
Residential Academic Mentor
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Communicated course concepts clearly to first-year students, and relayed student concerns to faculty.
- Produced biweekly student newsletters and promoted URI and Chinese Flagship Program events.
- Organized extracurricular activities to support and enhance classroom learning.
- Guided students in academic planning and course selection.
Education
PhD - Pharmacology and Toxicology
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI05.2026
Master of Business Administration -
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI05.2025
BS - Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI05.2020
Skills
- Cell culture
- Passaging
- Transfection
- Transduction
- Cell-based assays
- Proliferation
- Apoptosis
- Necrosis
- Colony formation
- Wound healing
- Protein target validation
- RT-PCR
- Western blotting
- SDS-PAGE
- Pulldown assays
- Co-immunoprecipitation assays
- Flow cytometry
- Bacterial transformation
- AAV plasmid design
- Animal model handling
- Dosing
- Tissue collection
- Tissue processing
- Animal colony maintenance
- ELISA
- Immunofluorescence
- Immunohistochemistry
- Proteomics workflows
- Ubiquitinomics workflows
- RNA-seq sample preparation
- RNA-seq analysis
- LC/MS/MS operation
- Data acquisition
Publications
- Dysregulation of Bile Acids Increases the Risk for Preterm Birth in Pregnant Women., You, Sangmin, et al., Nature Communications, Nature Publishing Group, 04/30/20, www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-15923-4
- Dysregulation and activities of ubiquitin specific peptidase 2b in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma., Nadolny C, Zhang X, Chen Q, Hashmi SF, Ali W, Hemme C, Ahsan N, Chen Y, Deng R., Am J Cancer Res., 10/15/21, 11, 10, 4746-4767, 34765291, PMC8569343
- Dysregulation and oncogenic activities of ubiquitin specific peptidase 2a in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma., Zhang X, Nadolny C, Chen Q, Ali W, Hashmi SF, Deng R., Am J Cancer Res., 06/15/23, 13, 6, 2392-2409, 37424823, PMC10326592
Timeline
Contract Research Associate
Sanofi
06.2021 - 12.2021
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Rhode Island
08.2020 - Current
Research Mentor
University of Rhode Island
08.2020 - Current
Chemistry Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Rhode Island
08.2020 - Current
Bridge to Graduate School Fellow
RI-INBRE University of Rhode Island
05.2020 - 08.2020
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Rhode Island
09.2019 - 05.2020
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow
RI-INBRE University of Rhode Island
05.2019 - 08.2019
Residential Academic Mentor
University of Rhode Island
08.2017 - 05.2019
PhD - Pharmacology and Toxicology
University of Rhode Island
Master of Business Administration -
University of Rhode Island
BS - Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Rhode Island