Toola AlKhazal
Sacramento
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Laboratory Manager and Research Assistant
UC Davis Health. Laboratory for Cell Nanoengineering
07.2024 - Current
- Managed all aspects of laboratory operations, including staff training, workflow coordination, inventory management, supply procurement, and enforcement of safety and compliance protocols.
- Conducted cell culture experiments and cell viability assays to evaluate cellular responses to experimental treatments.
- Operated and maintained USPA (Ultrasound Photoacoustic) imaging systems to capture high-resolution images and monitored tumor growth through ultrasound imaging in preclinical models.
- Performed in vivo studies involving mice, including orthotopic tumor implantations, organ harvesting, and blood collection to support ongoing research objectives.
- Conducted molecular biology assays, including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and qPCR, to quantify gene expression changes in tissue and cultured cell samples following experimental treatments.
- Presented research findings at national and institutional conferences and symposia to communicate results and foster scientific collaboration.
- Served as first author of a peer-reviewed review paper published in an academic journal, focusing on pediatric cancers and emerging therapeutic strategies.
Research Assistant
UC Davis. Bales Lab
08.2021 - 06.2024
- Managed a prairie vole colony, including handling, pairing, and weaning animals to support ongoing behavioral and neurobiological research.
- Oversaw seahorse husbandry and handling, contributing to behavioral studies and ensuring animal health and welfare.
- Conducted behavioral assays such as partner preference tests, Barnes Maze, stress buffering, and social reward assessments to investigate neural and behavioral mechanisms.
- Performed tissue and blood collections from prairie voles, including brain extractions and tail bleeds, to facilitate molecular and genetic analyses.
- Monitored post-surgical recovery and administered subcutaneous pain medication to ensure humane and ethical animal care.
- Conducted Hi-Plex in situ hybridization assays and fluorescent imaging to analyze gene expression within brain tissue.
- Developed ethograms to standardize behavioral test scoring, ensuring consistent and reliable data collection.
- Trained and scheduled new laboratory personnel, enhancing team productivity and research efficiency.
Residential Mentor
Redwood SEED Scholars, UC Davis
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Mentored individuals through the transition from living with parents to independent living in a college dormitory.
- Supported individuals in navigating challenges, building self-esteem, and coping with stress or difficult situations.
- Assisted with the development of essential life skills, including personal hygiene, cooking, cleaning, money management, and time management.
- Facilitated the development of social skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and relationship building.
- Collaborated with individuals to identify personal goals and create actionable plans related to education, employment, independent living, and social integration.
- Encouraged and empowered individuals to build independence and autonomy while providing appropriate guidance and support as needed.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Neurobiology and Behavior
University of California, Davis
Davis, California06.2024
Certification
Good Clinical Practice(GCP)- NIDA Clinical Trials -3/2024
Languages
Arabic
Timeline
Laboratory Manager and Research Assistant
UC Davis Health. Laboratory for Cell Nanoengineering
07.2024 - Current
Residential Mentor
Redwood SEED Scholars, UC Davis
08.2021 - 03.2022
Research Assistant
UC Davis. Bales Lab
08.2021 - 06.2024
Bachelor of Science - Neurobiology and Behavior
University of California, Davis