Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Publications
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Zarina Munshi

Morgan Hill

Summary

Versatile and goal-oriented analytical chemist with a strong foundation in scientific research and development, specializing in advanced chemical analysis, method development, and quality control. Expertise in developing innovative analytical testing methods and refining laboratory protocols to enhance efficiency and reliability across projects. Recognized for collaboration and adaptability, consistently delivering impactful results within dynamic team environments while upholding high standards in experimental design and data interpretation. Detail-oriented with exceptional communication and project management skills, adept at navigating fast-paced settings and proactively addressing challenges to optimize processes and support team objectives.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Scientist I

Cystetic Medicines
12.2023 - 01.2025
  • Design, plan, and execute analytical method development/validation(s), and product characterization activities to support pipeline research, science and formulation, process, device, and product development for Cystetic’s particle engineering-based inhalation products.
  • Apply scientific principles, and concepts for a wide range of bench or instrumentation procedures to potential inventions, products and problems.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of experimental procedures, results, and conclusions as per regulatory guidelines and internal policies.
  • Maintain current with advances in separation science, analytical instrumentation and characterization techniques (HPLC/UHPLC - UV/CAD/MS)
  • Develop working knowledge of aerosol science and characterization techniques.
  • Maintain lab functionality, operation and streamlined data collection for various analytical techniques.
  • Perform troubleshooting and maintenance tasks on laboratory equipment to minimize downtime and ensure optimal performance during experiments.

Senior Research Associate/Research Associate

JUUL Labs
09.2019 - 09.2023
  • Design, plan, and execute analytical method development and product characterization activities to support pipeline aerosol research, science and formulation, process, device, and product development under supervision of senior scientist.
  • Pioneer use of innovative technology and research methodologies in experiments, obtaining unprecedented data quality.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D teams to develop innovative solutions for complex scientific challenges.
  • Streamline communication across R&D teams verbally and through technical documentation and presentations for sharing information on project progress and challenges.
  • Manage multiple projects concurrently while maintaining strict deadlines, ensuring timely completion of all assigned tasks.
  • Perform complex troubleshooting and assist in leading initiatives to solve challenging scientific problems with assays or instrumentation.
  • Mentor junior scientists in essential laboratory techniques i.e. GC-FID/TCD/MS, Karl Fischer, LC-UV and headspace sampling and fostering a collaborative learning environment across teams.
  • Support quality control efforts by accurately analyzing raw materials, in-process samples, and finish products to ensure compliance with specifications.
  • Set up equipment, organize inventory and maintain R&D aerosol laboratory space.
  • Increase overall productivity and further the understanding of the already generated data pool by implementing new software tools like Python and Jupyter notebook for data management and analysis.
  • Deliver comprehensive training sessions on laboratory techniques and equipment usage, enhancing team members' skill sets.
  • Maintain knowledge of company strategic direction, goals and objectives and align projects appropriately.
  • Develop strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure reliable access to high-quality reagents, consumables, and equipment for laboratory operations.
  • Increase accuracy in experimental data by standardizing calibration procedures across all instruments used in the laboratory.

Chemist

Pace Analytical
02.2019 - 09.2019
  • Conduct chemical and physical tests on water and soil samples using established EPA standard GC-MS methods to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and internal quality requirements.
  • Set up, calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance on GC-MS.
  • Interpret, summarize, and report analytical data, ensuring it meets or exceeds quality assurance criteria.
  • Strictly comply to GMP and ELAP requirements in all aspects of work, including documentation, sample handling, testing procedures, and environmental monitoring to prevent contamination and ensure product integrity.
  • Analyze GC-MS data for soil and water samples using ChemStation and Tree program for both in-house and other locations’ sample batches using established system.
  • Use softwares like Seedpak, Tree, and PrepData all within Citrix Virtual App for a unified/secure lab and data management (LIMS).
  • Develop laboratory testing programs and data analysis while adhering to SOPs, ECOs, batch records and work instructions.
  • Streamline testing procedures, ensuring accurate results while minimizing turnaround time.
  • Participate in the proficiency testing and monitor method performance through internal audit program.

Education

M.S. - Analytical Chemistry

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
07.2018

M.S. - Analytical Chemistry

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
07.2016

B.S. - Chemistry

University of California Riverside
Riverside, CA
06.2011

Skills

  • Advanced Analytical Methods: GC-FID/MS/TCD, HPLC/LC-UV/CAD/MS, MS/MS, Direct analysis in real time (DART), non-linear laser spectroscopy, Headspace sampling, CE separation, aerosol sampling using cascade impactors, Karl Fischer, UV-Vis spectroscopy, pH Meter, use of enzymatic assays and lateral flow assays, sample extraction, titration
  • Software Skills: Chromeleon, Agilent ChemStation, Agilent Mass Hunter, Bruker Compass, Data Science software (Python and Jupyter Notebook), LIMS: Citrix, Seedpak, tree, PrepData, and Benchling ,CorelDraw, Image J, LabVIEW (National Instruments), Excel, Microsoft office
  • Additional skills: Research and experiment planning, method development, documentation (ie experiment plan, results summary, SOPs, method validation reports), system calibration, troubleshooting, Instrument maintenance, process development/optimization, data management/analytics/modeling, lab management

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Nov 2016 – July 2018 Graduate Research, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO Advisor: Dr. Chuck Henry

  • Developed novel testing method to analyze particulate matter aerosol filters for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and quinones using direct analysis in real time (DART) ion source coupled with MS and MS/MS.
  • Developed a standard operating procedures for aerosol filter analysis using DART-MS and MS/MS.
  • Built a reference standard library of PAHs and quinones for DART-MS method.
  • Optimized DART instrumentation set up for aerosol filter analysis.
  • Developed microfluidic paper-based analytical device to detect pesticides using colorimetric detection based on the inhibition of enzymatic activities.
  • Studied enzymatic activities on a paper-based device to develop point-of-care diagnostics.
  • Fabricated paper-based analytical devices for colorimetric or distance-based detection.
  • Fabricated different types of paper-based devices integrating various hydrophobic barriers.
  • Developed experiment protocols for undergraduates.
  • Mentored and trained undergraduate students in developing research skills: independent experimentation, data analysis and critical thinking development.
  • Supervised lab safety as Lab Safety Officer and managing chemical inventory.


Nov 2013 – Jul 2016 Graduate Research, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA Advisor: Dr. William Tong

  • Mastered building non-linear laser wave-mixing spectroscopy instrumentation set-up.
  • Maintained and troubleshot working instrumentation set-up daily for running samples.
  • Analyzed nicotine and its metabolites using laser spectroscopy and CE separation method for second- and third- hand smoking.
  • Employed simple chemical synthesis to derivative compounds.
  • Monitored absorbance shift of compounds using UV-Vis.
  • Supervised lab safety and managed chemical inventory.


Jul 2011 – Dec 2011 Undergraduate Research, UC Riverside, Riverside CA Advisor: Dr. Pingyun Feng

  • Synthesized non-commercial inorganic compounds in developing MOF for hydrogen gas storage.
  • Determined the porosity of the synthesized compounds.
  • Tested different compounds/methods for synthesizing strontium metal crystals.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Adjunct Chemistry Instructor

  • Spring 2019, Fall 2019 Introductory to Chemistry, Diablo Community College, Pleasant Hill, CA
  • Spring 2019 Introductory to Chemistry, Solano Community College, Fairfield, CA
  • Fall 2018 Intermediate Chemistry, Solano Community College, Fairfield, CA


Teaching Assistant

  • Aug 2016 – May 2018 General Chemistry I, Colorado State University
  • Aug 2013 – May 2016 General Chemistry II, San Diego State University


Project Coordinator/Tutor

  • Jan 2012 – Aug 2013 Math and Science (K-12), Oxford Tutoring Center, Tustin, CA

Publications

  • Carrell, C., Kava, A., Nguyen, M., Menger, R., Munshi, Z., Call, Z., Nussbaum, M., Henry, C., “Beyond the Lateral Flow Assay: A Review of Paper-Based Microfluidics.” Microelectronics Engineering. 2019, 206, 45-54
  • Praedel, J. S., Munshi, Z., Jackson, A., Murphy, M., Brown, Mya., Tong, W. G. “Ultrasensitive laser wave- mixing spectroscopy method for detection and separation of biomarkers and carcinogenic pollutants.” Proceedings of SPIE. 2016, 9948, 99480E.

Awards

  • 2016 Received special recognition for best NSF I-Corps final presentation at CSUPERB Conference, Anaheim, CA
  • 2015 Won Zahn Center Challenge, San Diego, CA
  • 2015 Placed 2nd in Venture Start Competition, San Diego, CA
  • 2015 Won NSF grant for I-Corps challenge
  • 2011 Received Intercultural Leader Award for my volunteering work as part of GOAL Program, Riverside, CA
  • 2011 Awarded best poster presentation in Instrumental Methods Class, Riverside, CA

Timeline

Scientist I

Cystetic Medicines
12.2023 - 01.2025

Senior Research Associate/Research Associate

JUUL Labs
09.2019 - 09.2023

Chemist

Pace Analytical
02.2019 - 09.2019

M.S. - Analytical Chemistry

San Diego State University

B.S. - Chemistry

University of California Riverside

M.S. - Analytical Chemistry

Colorado State University

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