Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Leadershiproles
Volunteerroles
Achievementsandawards
Publications
Presentations
Timeline
Generic

Tomisin Latona

Philadelphia,USA

Summary

I am a dedicated researcher and graduate student with a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and chemical biology techniques. My expertise includes protein expression, purification, and analysis using techniques such as FPLC, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and SDSPAGE. I have conducted advanced assays like ELISA, Ferrozine Assay, and Precision Red Protein Assay to quantify biomolecules. Proficient in data analysis tools, including Image J and bioinformatics software, I have experience in cutting-edge laboratory methods like LC-MS/MS, HPLC, and confocal microscopy. With a passion for interdisciplinary research, I excel at experimental design, research presentations, and manuscript preparation, ensuring contributions that advance scientific discovery.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

Graduate Researcher

Dr. Ann Valentine's Lab, Temple University
12.2023 - Current
  • Developing bioremediation and phototherapy techniques using Dps proteins bound with gold nanoparticles
  • Cultivated MCF7 cell lines and assessed the cytotoxic effects of Ferritin-AuNP constructs on cell viability
  • Purified Listeria Dps proteins via size-exclusion chromatography and characterized them using UV-Vis spectroscopy
  • Conducted assays to quantify iron content and protein concentrations, optimizing experimental protocols
  • Integrated ELISA, flow cytometry, and cell inhibition assays to evaluate protein interactions and cell response

Research Assistant

Dr. Seth Childers' Lab, University of Pittsburgh
08.2021 - 04.2023
  • Discovered a small molecule inhibitor disrupting bacterial condensate formation, with potential applications in antibiotic development
  • Cloned DNA fragments using Gibson Assembly and PCR, enhancing precision in experimental workflows
  • Presented research at national and local NOBCChE conferences, earning recognition for innovative findings
  • Co-authored a publication focused on bacterial segregation mechanisms, currently under review

Summer Researcher

SURF Program, University of Pittsburgh
06.2022 - 08.2022
  • Investigated the phase separation of biomolecular condensates regulating mRNA decay in bacterial systems
  • Expressed and purified proteins, analyzing material properties using fluorescence microscopy
  • Presented findings to mentors and peers, refining scientific communication skills

Education

Master's - Chemistry

Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
05.2025

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry with a Bioscience Concentration

University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2023

Leadershiproles

  • Tech Liaison, Nucleate Philadelphia Chapter, Temple University, 09/24, Present, Facilitated communication between Temple University's IT office and Nucleate events, promoting biotech entrepreneurship., Supported initiatives translating academic research into impactful startups.
  • Co-Founder, NOBCChE Chapter, University of Pittsburgh, 08/22, 04/23, Established a local chapter to support underrepresented chemists and engineers, organizing workshops and conferences.
  • Vice President, Quad Hall Council, University of Pittsburgh, 09/19, 04/20, Coordinated campus-wide events, fostering community engagement among residents.

Volunteerroles

  • Student Intern, Black Action Society, University of Pittsburgh, 08/20, 06/21, Organized cultural and social events for Black students, enhancing campus inclusivity.
  • PR Committee Member, Premedical Organization for Minority Students, 08/20, 04/21, Designed promotional materials for events aimed at guiding pre-med students.
  • Volunteer, NOBCChE National Conferences, 2022, 2024, Provided support for conference attendees and presenters, contributing to successful event execution.

Achievementsandawards

  • NOBCChE Poster Presentation: 2nd Place, Undergraduate Section (2022)
  • Temple University Future Faculty Fellowship (2024)
  • Panther Pride Merit Grant and Cathedral Achievement Scholarship
  • Wass Fellowship Award for academic excellence (University of Pittsburgh)
  • NOBCChE Advancing Science Conference Grant Tier 1 (2022 & 2024)

Publications

Yang, Xiaole, Duvall, Samuel, Liu, Hui, Song, Xinyue, Latona, Tomisin, Childers, W., 2022, Identification of a Small Molecule Inhibitor That Disrupts Biomolecular Condensate Formation of the Bacterial Segregation CTPase ParB., In revision

Presentations

  • Identification of a Small Molecule Inhibitor That Disrupts Biomolecular Condensate Formation of ParB, NOBCChE 2022 Charter 1 Collaborative Spring Conference, University of Pittsburgh
  • Identification of Small Molecule Inhibitors Altering Material Properties of Bacterial Ribonuclease Bodies, Summer Undergraduate Research Program 2022, University of Pittsburgh
  • Small Molecule Inhibitors for Biomolecular Condensates in ParB and RNase E, NOBCChE Global Science Awakening National Conference 2022, Orlando, FL
  • DNA-Binding Proteins from Starved Cells (Dps) as a Gold Nanoparticle Binding Platform for Bioremediation, NOBCChE National Conference 2024, Orlando, FL

Timeline

Graduate Researcher

Dr. Ann Valentine's Lab, Temple University
12.2023 - Current

Summer Researcher

SURF Program, University of Pittsburgh
06.2022 - 08.2022

Research Assistant

Dr. Seth Childers' Lab, University of Pittsburgh
08.2021 - 04.2023

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry with a Bioscience Concentration

University of Pittsburgh

Master's - Chemistry

Temple University
Tomisin Latona