Tamara McInnis
North Richland Hills,TX
Summary
Accomplished research specialist offering 14 years in planning methods and techniques to execute procedures to meet research objectives. Expert in histology, biochemistry and behavioral research with reputation for reaching sound research conclusions. Strong organizational skills and multitasker. Efficient worker and exceptional communication skills. Follows protocols to ensure accuracy and consistency. Dedicated scientist with experience in laboratory management. Expertise in data analysis and background in budget management, skills training, and team leading. Proficient in advanced laboratory equipment use and techniques.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Specialist/Lab Manager
University Of North Texas Health Science Center
2015.01 - Current
- Performed surgical procedures on rodents, following sterile technique
- Excised and prepared tissue for various types of analyses
- Adhered to protocols for analyzing biochemical content of fresh and frozen tissues to ensure accuracy and consistency
- Embedded fresh tissue in agarose, flash froze tissue to embed in O.C.T. medium
- Cut embedded tissue using vibratome or cryotome and mounted on microscope slides
- Stained tissue mounted on slides following protocol, according to cell or tissue type
- Preformed microscopic analysis to determine type and number of cells in specimen
- Analyzed complex datasets using statistical methods, identifying trends and patterns that informed decision-making processes
- Analyzed variations in tests, experiments and procedures to reduce or eliminate experimental bias
- Contributed to manuscript preparation and submission for peer-reviewed publications
- Identified areas of opportunity or gaps within existing knowledge base through critical assessment of current literature.
- Managed inventory control for chemicals and supplies, ensuring timely restocking and proper disposal of hazardous materials
- Coordinated lab budgets and resource allocation, optimizing lab operations while minimizing expenditures
- Budgeted start-up funds for purchase of equipment, selected products and equipment for new lab according to need
- Trained and supervised technicians and graduate students, to ensure accuracy and continuity of protocols and procedures for consistent results, fostering environment of collaboration and improvement
- Balanced accessibility and approachability with maintaining authority and responsibility, as manager of lab personnel and lab operations
- Used conflict resolution techniques to effectively improve morale and cooperation between team members
- Communicated goals and expectations to team members, monitored progress, and held regular progress meetings as needed
- Trained staff, scheduled work hours and assigned projects for 5-person work group.
Research Associate
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
2013.09 - 2014.12
- Performed 3 to 4 stereotaxic surgical procedures on rodents per day
- Prepared solutions and performed infusions to specifically targeted regions of brain in rodents
- Performed locomotion evaluation of rodents using complex software
- Analyzed data for modification of procedures and for study results, published in scientific journals
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to drive project success and achieve objectives
- Presented research findings at industry conferences, increasing visibility for the university
Pathologist Assistant
Delta Pathology Group
2011.02 - 2013.06
- Dissected and described gross surgical specimen, ranging from simple biopsies to liver, lung, kidney, colon and breast for pathologist diagnosis
- Dictated examination findings of up to 40 specimen per day, using sufficient detail
- Supported efficient patient care by providing detailed reports on gross histological findings for medical professionals
- Collaborated with pathologists to improve diagnostic techniques, ensuring optimal patient care
- Ensured accurate diagnoses with thorough precise gross evaluations and tissue processing
- Adhered to strict procedural protocols to ensure accuracy and consistency
- Selected and submitted representative tissue samples for embedding
- Embedded fresh and formalin-fixed tissue in medium, including paraffin and O.C.T. Compound
- Used rotary microtome and cryostat to cut embedded tissue
- Performed specialized staining techniques according to protocol indicated by tissue and case types
- Maintained safe work environment by adhering to strict safety protocols and handling hazardous materials properly
- Identified areas for improvement within daily workflows, implementing changes that resulted in increased productivity
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by implementing proper specimen handling and processing techniques
- Reduced turnaround time for test results by streamlining histology procedures and workflow
- Streamlined laboratory operations by maintaining and calibrating equipment as needed
Education
Bachelor of Science - Cell And Molecular Biology
Louisiana State University
Shreveport, LA05.2009
Some College (No Degree) -
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Shreveport, LASkills
- Budget management
- Team leading
- Employee supervision
- Staff training
- Research coordination
- Report preparation
- Sample processing
- Tissue cutting and staining
Publications
- Ceftriaxone reduces L-dopa–induced dyskinesia severity in 6-hydroxydopamine parkinson's disease model - Tanya Chotibut PhD, Samantha Meadows BS, Ella A. Kasanga MPhil, Tamara McInnis BS, Mark A. Cantu MS, Christopher Bishop PhD, Michael F. Salvatore PhD
- Tyrosine Hydroxylase Inhibition in Substantia Nigra Decreases Movement Frequency -Michael F. Salvatore, Tamara R. McInnis, Mark A. Cantu, Deana M. Apple, Brandon S. Pruett
- Dissociation of Striatal Dopamine and Tyrosine Hydroxylase Expression from Aging-Related Motor Decline: Evidence from Calorie Restriction Intervention - Michael F. Salvatore, PhD, Jennifer Terrebonne, MS, Mark A. Cantu, MS, Tamara R. McInnis, BS, Katy Venable, BS, Parker Kelley, BS, Ella A. Kasanga, MPhil, Brian Latimer, BS, Catherine L. Owens, BS, Brandon S. Pruett, MD, PhD, Yongmei Yu, MS, Robert Luedtke, PhD, Michael J. Forster, PhD, Nathalie Sumien, PhD, and Donald K. Ingram, PhD
- Synthesis and Pharmacological Characterization of a Difluorinated Analogue of Reduced Haloperidol as a Sigma-1 Receptor Ligand -Run-Duo Gao, Michelle Taylor, Tamara McInnis, Zhenglan Chen, Sadakatali S. Gori, Heather M. LaPorte, Maxime A. Siegler, Janet L. Neisewander, Robert H. Mach, Meharvan Singh, Barbara S. Slusher, Rana Rais, Robert R. Luedtke, and Takashi Tsukamoto
- Modulation of nigral dopamine signaling mitigates parkinsonian signs of aging: evidence from intervention with calorie restriction or inhibition of dopamine uptake -Michael F. Salvatore, Ella A. Kasanga, D. Parker Kelley, Katy E. Venable, Tamara R. McInnis, Mark A. Cantu, Jennifer Terrebonne, Kathryn Lanza, Samantha M. Meadows, Ashley Centner, Christopher Bishop & Donald K. Ingram
- Evaluation of Substituted N-Phenylpiperazine Analogs as D3 vs. D2 Dopamine Receptor Subtype Selective Ligands - Boeun Lee, Michelle Taylor, Suzy A. Griffin, Tamara McInnis, Nathalie Sumien, Robert H. Mach and Robert R. Luedtke
- Cardiovascular Metrics Associated With Prevention of Aging-Related Parkinsonian Signs Following Exercise Intervention in Sedentary Older Rats - Ella A. Kasanga, Joel Little, Tamara R. McInnis, Nicoleta Bugnariu, J. Thomas Cunningham and Michael F. Salvatore
Timeline
Research Specialist/Lab Manager
University Of North Texas Health Science Center
2015.01 - Current
Research Associate
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
2013.09 - 2014.12
Pathologist Assistant
Delta Pathology Group
2011.02 - 2013.06
Bachelor of Science - Cell And Molecular Biology
Louisiana State University
Some College (No Degree) -
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
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