Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Volunteerism
Awards
Publications
Timeline
Generic

Robert M. Lester II

Richmond,VA

Summary

Experienced scientist shifting from the physical sciences to the mental health field to pursue LMFT licensure. Currently enrolled in VCU's Counseling Education Master's program. Professional interest include, systemic work, nervous system regulation and connection, somatics, internal family systems, trauma-informed care, queer-identity development and racialized trauma.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Scientist, Second Shift Supervisor

NEXT Molecular Analytics
Richmond, VA
04.2021 - Current
  • Manage high-throughput processing of COVID-19 samples
  • Perform real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect COVID-19
  • Perform next-generation sequencing (NGS) to determine COVID-19 variants, tick-borne pathogens, and pharmacogenomic (PGx) profile
  • Perform open array PCR to detect urinary and respiratory pathogens
  • Analyze and upload PCR results to LIMS
  • Perform DNA/RNA extractions
  • Biological Safety Level: BSL-II level

Laboratory Specialist

NEXT Molecular Analytics
Richmond, VA
04.2020 - 04.2021
  • Performed molecular-based assays: reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), open array RT-PCR, and NGS
  • Performed DNA/RNA extractions
  • BSL-II level

Assistant Plant Pathologist

VA Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Richmond, VA
09.2018 - 04.2020
  • Collected water, soil, and tissue samples
  • Performed RNA extraction of plant tissue
  • Performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect Phytophthora ramorum
  • Performed RT-PCR to detect pathogen RNA
  • Maintained sample results and records
  • Compiled and presented prevalence data in annual reports

Clinical Research Assistant

Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Richmond, VA
07.2016 - 09.2018
  • Developed manuscripts for several federally-funded spinal cord injury (SCI) training studies (see publications)
  • Trained participants using functional electrical stimulation to combat paralysis effects on body composition and metabolic health
  • Analyzed MRI images using computerized software to calculate body composition
  • Performed several clinical tests: basal metabolic rate, VO2 max, Biodex dynamometry, and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
  • Entered and organized scientific data
  • Prepared tables, graphs, and figures for publication
  • Complied with FDA regulations pertaining to human research

Environmental Laboratory Technician

Air, Water & Soils Laboratory, Inc.
Richmond, VA
08.2016 - 10.2016
  • Tested alkalinty of water and soil samples using acid-base tritration
  • Reported results using LIMS

Research Assistant

Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center
Richmond, VA
03.2013 - 05.2014
  • Entered participant dietary data
  • Prepared and edited data using Microsoft Excel
  • Constructed abstracts and edited papers for peer-review

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Virginia Polytechnic And State University
2016

Master of Arts - Counseling Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Volunteerism

  • Member of Virginia Master Naturalists since 2020
  • Completed +200 hours of environmental-based service
  • Project leader of the Rain Garden at Bellemeade Park (Richmond, VA) since 2021
  • Duties include garden design, scheduling service events, organizing community events, managing budget, and writing annual reports

Awards

  • Virginia Master Naturalist 2021 Project of the Year for the Rain Garden at Bellemeade Park located in Richmond, VA

Publications

  • Gorgey AS, Lester RM, Ghatas MP, Sistrun S, Lavis T. Dietary manipulation and testosterone replacement therapy may explain changes in body composition after spinal cord injury: A retrospective case report. World Journal of Clinical Cases, In Press.
  • Ghatas MP, Lester RM, Khan MR, Gorgey AS. Semi-automated segmentation of magnetic resonance images for thigh skeletal muscle and fat using threshold technique after spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 13(10):1787-1795, Oct 2018.
  • Wade RC, Lester RM, Gorgey AS. Validation of Anthropometric Muscle Cross-Sectional Area Equation after Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Sports Med 39(5):366-373, May 2018.
  • Lester RM, Gorgey AS. Feasibility of robotic exoskeleton ambulation in a C4 person with incomplete spinal cord injury: a case report. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 4(36), Apr 2018.
  • Gorgey AS, Khalil RE, Lester RM, Dudley GA, Gater DR. Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury. J Vis Exp (132), Feb 2018.
  • Ogawa M, Lester RM, Akima H, Gorgey AS. Quantification of intermuscular and intramuscular adipose tissue using magnetic resonance imaging after neurodegenerative disorders. Neural Regen Res 12(12):2100-2105, Dec 2017.
  • Gorgey AS, Lester RM, Wade RC, Khalil RE, Khan R, Anderson ML, Castillo T. A feasibility pilot using telehealth videoconference monitoring of home-based NMES resistance training in persons with spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord Series and Cases 3:17039, Jun 2017.
  • Lester RM, Johnson K, Khalil RE, Khan R, Gorgey AS. MRI analysis and clinical significance of lower extremity muscle cross-sectional area after spinal cord injury. Neural Regeneration Research 12(5):714-722, May 2017.

Timeline

Senior Scientist, Second Shift Supervisor

NEXT Molecular Analytics
04.2021 - Current

Laboratory Specialist

NEXT Molecular Analytics
04.2020 - 04.2021

Assistant Plant Pathologist

VA Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services
09.2018 - 04.2020

Environmental Laboratory Technician

Air, Water & Soils Laboratory, Inc.
08.2016 - 10.2016

Clinical Research Assistant

Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center
07.2016 - 09.2018

Research Assistant

Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center
03.2013 - 05.2014

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Virginia Polytechnic And State University

Master of Arts - Counseling Education

Virginia Commonwealth University

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Robert M. Lester II