Never Require VISA Sponsorship, Open To Relocation
Summary
Research scientist with experience conducting independent, hypothesis-driven research in both academic and regulated laboratory environments. Proven ability to design, execute, and analyze complex experiments to support translational and drug development programs. Experienced in managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of data integrity, documentation, and compliance. Strong collaborator with a track record of contributing to scientific publications and cross-functional research initiatives.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
Brown University
08.2023 - Current
Designed and developed an innovative 3D fibroblast cell ring model to evaluate drug efficacy across multiple cell types, including primary cells, iPSC-derived cells, and CAR-T cells.
Cultured, maintained, expanded, and differentiated iPSCs into fibroblasts, ensuring consistent cell quality and reproducibility across experiments.
Validated iPSC-to-fibroblast differentiation using flow cytometry (FACS) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) with lineage-specific markers.
Investigated the effects of DB1976 on fibroblast phenotype and function within a 3D cell ring model.
Evaluated TGF-β1–mediated fibroblast activation by quantifying structural and phenotypic changes using confocal microscopy (X/Y/Z imaging), flow cytometry, and live-cell imaging.
Engineered customized 3D agarose-based cell ring platforms compatible with both 24-well and 96-well formats to support medium- and high-throughput screening.
Quantified fibroblast behavior and tissue remodeling using a diverse panel of assays, including collagen content analysis, mechanical testing, constriction assays, MTT assays, proliferation assays, and flow cytometry.
Performed papain digestion to quantify collagen content, DNA content, and cellularity within 3D tissue constructs.
Performed end-point assay including tensile testing/mechanical testing to evaluate 3D cell ring's stiffness and strength
Conducted routine cell passaging, cell line maintenance, and long-term culture optimization for both 2D and 3D systems.
Applied liquid chromatography and filtration techniques for downstream purification and quantitative analysis of collagen from engineered 3D tissues.
Supported quality control and stability testing programs, including SOP generation and review, stability and contingency pulls, stability reporting, and sample lifecycle management in compliance with GMP, GLP, and GDP standards.
Utilized LIMS and ELN systems daily to document experimental workflows, ensure data integrity, and maintain regulatory compliance within a GMP laboratory environment.
Designed and executed experiments independently, performing data analysis and interpretation using GraphPad Prism, RStudio, and Python.
Managed multiple research projects simultaneously while maintaining rigorous scientific and quality standards.
Contributed to the preparation of peer-reviewed scientific publications and research proposals, supporting successful funding acquisition.
Research Assistant
Case Western Reserve University
09.2021 - 05.2023
Investigated hemoglobin mRNA as a model system to study mechanisms regulating translation initiation in mammalian cells, with a focus on initiation factor–mediated control.
Systematically evaluated the individual and combined roles of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIF4A, eIF4B, eIF4F, eIF4H) in regulating translation initiation efficiency.
Performed routine mammalian cell culture, passaging, and maintenance to support in vitro translation and signaling studies.
Applied flow cytometry to quantitatively measure DNA and RNA content and assess cellular responses associated with modulation of mRNA initiation factors.
Used SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting to detect and quantify eIF4E protein expression, and ELISA-based assays to measure phosphorylation status of eIF4E-BP, linking signaling pathways to translational control.
Assessed the safety, feasibility, and cytotoxic effects of modulating mRNA–initiation factor interactions using cell viability and cytotoxicity assays, ensuring biological relevance and experimental rigor.
Conducted RNA–protein interaction analyses to evaluate functional compatibility of mRNA with specific initiation factors.
Led weekly lab meetings to present experimental data, review recent mRNA and translational control literature, and align research direction across team members.
Actively participated in collaborative research discussions, troubleshooting experimental challenges and integrating feedback into study design..
Research Assistant
Chongqing University
02.2021 - 08.2021
Supported development and evaluation of a multifunctional fusion protein–coated cardiovascular stent designed to suppress endothelial hyperplasia and inflammatory responses following implantation.
Assessed the therapeutic efficacy of rapamycin as an inhibitor of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and inflammation, supporting anti-restenosis strategies.
Performed primary cell culture and maintenance of rat arterial smooth muscle cells, including routine passaging and optimization of growth conditions.
Conducted cell viability and proliferation assays to evaluate pharmacological and biomaterial-induced effects on vascular cells.
Applied Western blotting to quantify protein expression associated with cell proliferation, survival, and inflammatory signaling in smooth muscle cells isolated from rat arterial tissue.
Assisted with in vivo rat studies, including tissue dissection and sample collection, ensuring experimental consistency and data integrity.
Managed daily animal care responsibilities, including feeding, health monitoring, and documentation in compliance with institutional animal care protocols.
Documented and summarized bi-weekly research meetings, synthesizing experimental progress and relevant cardiovascular literature to support data-driven decision-making.
Education
Master of Science - Biotechnology
Brown University
Providence, Rhode Island
06-2025
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry, minor in chemistry
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio
05.2023
Skills
Mammalian cell culture (2D and 3D)
iPSC culture, maintenance, expansion, and differentiation
Primary cell isolation and culture
3D cell ring model design and fabrication
Flow cytometry (FACS) analysis and sorting
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Confocal microscopy and 3D image analysis
Live-cell imaging
Western blot and SDS-PAGE
ELISA
Tensile testing/mechanical testing
RNA biology and translation initiation analysis
Cytotoxicity, viability, and proliferation assays
Collagen quantification and ECM analysis
Papain digestion assays
Drug efficacy testing in vitro
Assay development
SOP writing and documentation (LIMS, ELN)
Small animal handling and tissue dissection (rat models)
Data analysis using GraphPad Prism, R, and Python
GMP/GLP/GDP laboratory practices
Research design
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
Brown University
08.2023 - Current
Research Assistant
Case Western Reserve University
09.2021 - 05.2023
Research Assistant
Chongqing University
02.2021 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry, minor in chemistry