XIAOYA ZHOU
San Diego,CA
Summary
Aspiring Ph.D. candidate in Immunology with a strong academic background, culminating in a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from UCSD with a 3.84 GPA. I bring over two years of intensive research experience from my roles at the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative at Scripps Research and other esteemed laboratories. Proficient in advanced molecular biology techniques, I have a proven track record in PCR, flow cytometry, antibody characterization, and a passion for virology and vaccine research. I am recognized for my analytical abilities, innovative problem-solving skills, and a fast learner of complex scientific concepts. My goal is to expand upon my research capabilities, contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in immunology, and develop strategies for global healthcare solutions through the Ph.D. program.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Associate
IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center - Sok Lab
La Jolla, CA
02.2023 - Current
- Antibody Research and Characterization:
- Engage in the discovery and characterization of broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV, evaluating their functionality and engineered forms in collaboration with colleagues from the IAVI NAC and Schief Lab at Scripps Research.
- Participate in the evaluation of memory B cell responses to immunization in mouse models, independently performing antigen-specific B cell sorting and 10X Genomics sequencing library preparation to support CAVD activities
- Independent Projects in Progress:
- Conduct and implement NHP (Rhesus Macaque) BCR sequencing by 10X genomics, capable of designing own flow panel for the NHP fusion peptide immunization study based on literature.
- Collaborate closely with a tem member ber on a pediatric bnAb discovery project, Independently responsible for one donor K031. Tasks include neutralization assays, making HIV Env trimer as sort bait, performing single cell sorting, testing activated B cell culture screening vs. traditional single cell PCR . This will also include subsequent downstream recombinant antibody production and characterization.
- Molecular Biology Techniques:
- Conduct high-throughput plasmid production, protein overexpression, and virus transfection.
- Perform endotoxin-free recombinant antibody expression and purification, in addition to in vitro transcription, as part of routine experimental procedures.
- Assay Development and Execution:
- Execute antibody characterization assays, including ELISA, and manage high-throughput neutralization assays, handling over 40 96-well plates simultaneously to assess antibody efficacy.
- Set up and optimize ELISA protocol used in the PK studies of transgenic hFcRn mice in collaboration with Modex Theraoeytucs, improving detection and quantification of antibodies in mouse serum,
- Animal Handling:
- Administer retro-orbital (RO) injections , RO blood collections, cardiac puncture in mice to study the pharmacokinetics of antibodies, gaining insights into their in vivo behavior.
- Data Analysis and Management:
- Capable of analyzing neutralization assay and Elisa data using Prism, Excel, and PowerPoint. Deliver analyzed data package within 1 week of plate reading.
- Generate sort report for CAVD acitivities, using FlowJo, Prism, and PowerPoint. EUnsure the relvant sort logs are maintained and updated by the end of the day of the sort.
- Lab Maintenance and Inventory Management:
- Provide essential support to maintain the optimal function of a laboratory consisting over 20 researchers, in close coordination with the lab manager
- Monitor inventory and order supplies to ensure the lab is well-stocked with necessary reagents and consumables
- Assist with receiving, unpacking and organizing lab shipments, maintaining an orderly and efficeint workspace.
Lab Assistant
UCSD Rosenfeld Lab
San Diego, CA
10.2022 - 02.2023
- Project Contribution: Involved in a project aiming to identify specific proteins and protein types regulating cell proliferation.
- Construct Development: Executed the construction of a diverse array of protein expression constructs, encompassing critical factors involved in cell proliferation, including endogenous transcription factors, cofactors, enzymes, and peptides expressed exogenously.
- Genetic Verification: Employed colony PCR and plasmid miniprep techniques for screening, confirming the integrity of DNA samples for subsequent analyses.
- Cellular Experiments: Conducted cell culture and proliferation experiments and engaged in transfection and immunostaining procedures.
- Model Organism Research: Participated in the creation and characterization of knockout mouse models for gene deletion studies.
Lab Assistant
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
SAN DIEGO, CA
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Project Contribution: Supported research efforts on a project that focused on intrahepatic duct cell regeneration in Alagille syndrome, which culminated in the publication "Regenerative failure of intrahepatic biliary cells in Alagille syndrome rescued by elevated Jagged/Notch/Sox9 signaling."
- Technical Assistance: Engaged in laboratory techniques and experiments essential to the project’s success, including sample preparation, data collection, and preliminary analysis. Acquired proficiency in gel electrophoresis, PCR, and microdissection under a stereomicroscope.
- Laboratory Management: Responsible for the preparation of media and buffers, proper sterilization through autoclaving, and laboratory inventory management. Ensured operational efficiency and compliance with safety protocols.
- Zebrafish Model Maintenance: Managed zebrafish colonies essential for genetic studies, performing daily care tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and breeding. Executed precise genotyping to maintain the genetic integrity of the research models.
- Research Environment Immersion: Actively observed and learned from advanced research processes, including confocal microscopy, to gain insights into cellular-level impacts of genetic disorders.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of California - San Diego
La Jolla, CA09.2022
Skills
Lab skills:
- Protein expression: plasmid construction, protein purification, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing
- Cell culture: maintaining and manipulating various cell lines (293T, TZMBL, Expi293F, 293F cells)
- Mouse handling: RO injections, RO blood collection, Cardiac puncture
- Chemical Analysis techniques: separation and purification techniques, titrations, electrochemical methods, IR, crystallization
- Other techniques: flow cytometry, ELISA, neutralization assays, qPCR, Western blot, Octet, AKTA
- Professional tools: Graphpad Prism, FlowJo, Geneious Prime
- General tools: Windows Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- GRE Score: Verbal 163, Quantitative 170, Writing 35
Publications
- Schiffner, T., Phung, I., Ray, R., et al. (2024). Vaccination induces broadly neutralizing antibody precursors to HIV gp41. Nature Immunology, 25, 1073–1082. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-024-01833-w.
- Willis, J.R., Prabhakaran, M., Wu, W., Naidoo, A., Sincomb, T., et al. "Vaccination with mRNA-encoded nanoparticles drives early maturation of HIV bnAb precursors in humans." Manuscript submitted to Science, under review. 2024
Conference Presentations and Posters
- Kędzior, M., Joyce, C., Saye-Francisco, K., Woehl, J., Kim, Y., Acosta-Puente, F., Tran, Q., Shahin, L., Zhou, A., Abbasi, R., Habibzadeh, P., Heredia, A., Pierce, B.G., Sok, D., Burton, D.R., DeVico, A.L., Sajadi, M.M., and Jardine, J.G., (2024). "In vitro affinity maturation of the HIV-1 bnAb N49P7-FR3 for increased neutralization breadth and potency." Poster presented at the annual Collaboration for AIDS Vaccine Discovery meeting, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, February 6-8, 2024.
Extracurricular Activity
- Volunteered in Second Acts Animal rescue for a total of 120 hours [Spring, 2022]:m assisting with fundraising efforts by generating awareness of the organization and connecting potential donors
- Volunteered in The Cat Lounge Rescue [Winter 2021 to Summer 2022]: assisting with providing daily care for cats in the shelter
Timeline
Research Associate
IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center - Sok Lab
02.2023 - Current
Lab Assistant
UCSD Rosenfeld Lab
10.2022 - 02.2023
Lab Assistant
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
03.2021 - 11.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of California - San Diego
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