Ahmed Ali
Madison,WI
Summary
Biomedical Scientist with 10+ years in cancer virology, specializing in mammalian cell line engineering and expression vector design. Demonstrated consistent success in leading independent projects, adhering to tight timelines. Adept at advancing gene expression research for therapeutic protein development. Proven leadership in inspiring teams to accomplish goals and facilitating clear and compelling communication. Excelled in molecular biology techniques and cell culture-based assays. Eager to bring valuable insights and expertise to contribute to the success of preclinical development programs.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, USA
10.2015 - 11.2022
- Investigated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gene expression by the RNA sequencing, identifying the viral Rta protein as the primary activator of EBV epithelial lytic transcription, significantly advancing understanding of EBV infection dynamics.
- Collaborated on studying EBV's impact on epithelial cancers and the mechanisms altering keratinocyte differentiation in EBV infection by cloning varoius recombinant viruses crucial to the study.
- Generated multiple recombinant mammalian cell lines, strategically infecting them with a diverse range of EBV mutants, revealing the intricate role of LMP1 protein in EBV lytic reactivation and epithelial cell differentiation.
- Published 3 scientific articles (in Plos Pathogens, Mbio and the Journal of Virology) and delivered impactful presentations at national and international conferences.
- Managed project timelines and presented progress presentations to lab members and collaborators.
Research Assistant Professor
National Center for Research
Sudan
04.2010 - 09.2015
- Led a groundbreaking project exploring the relationship between EBV and stomach cancer in Sudan, securing international funding and achieving significant advancements in understanding disease mechanisms.
- Orchestrated comprehensive training for over 30 students, providing mentorship to junior lab personnel in molecular biology, and actively contributed to developing training materials.
- Produced detailed technical reports and adeptly managed a team of 10 individuals during an interim department head role, showcasing strong leadership and organizational abilities.
Ph.D. Fellow
Hokkaido University
Japan
04.2005 - 03.2010
- Demonstrated proficiency in designing and executing precise cell culture and viral assays, contributing to significant advancements in understanding EBV oncogenesis, replication, and gene expression.
- Presented expertise in EBV research and expression vector design and optimization, evidenced by publishing groundbreaking insights on the profound influence of repetitive sequences (family of repeats) on B-cell transformation and EBV gene expression regulation in the prestigious Journal of Virology.
- Engineered a scalable system for producing EBV recombinants through mammalian tissue culture.
- Optimized operational efficiency by innovating EBV mutants, leading to the creation of gene therapy tools with EBV-based mini-plasmid vectors.
Research Assistant
National Center for Research
Sudan
11.2003 - 03.2010
- Elevated lab efficiency by implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for lab organization and sanitation.
- Enhanced lab efficiency through meticulous preparation and maintenance of reagents, adept operation of diverse lab instruments, and rigorous record-keeping.
- Ensured experiment reproducibility and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Upheld rigorous biosafety standards and achieved proficiency through comprehensive training in molecular biology techniques.
Education
Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences -
Hokkaido University
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honors) -
University of Khartoum
Skills
- Cancer Virology
- Mammalian Cell Culture
- Molecular Biology
- Molecular Cloning
- Cell Line Engineering
- Experimental Design
- Process Development
- Project Management
- Technical Report Writing
- Lab Safety
Research Skills
- PCR
- Gel Electrophoresis
- Western Blotting
- Aseptic Technique
- Cell Transfection
- Virus-Like-Particles Production and Purification
- Presentation Skills
- Progress Reporting
- Data Collection
- Documentation Skills
Accomplishments
- MSP Postdoctoral Scholarship, IDB | 2014-2015
- Research Grant, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Italy | 2014
- Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT) | 2005-2010
- An avid walker and dedicated runner.
Timeline
Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Wisconsin-Madison
10.2015 - 11.2022
Research Assistant Professor
National Center for Research
04.2010 - 09.2015
Ph.D. Fellow
Hokkaido University
04.2005 - 03.2010
Research Assistant
National Center for Research
11.2003 - 03.2010
Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences -
Hokkaido University
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honors) -
University of Khartoum