Designed and tested parameters effecting cross-hybridization in large bead multiplexes. Researches, designs, and tests novel assays for use on Luminex’s multiplex platform. Biosafety officer; created Biosafety Manual, helped write and train employees on BSL-II SOPs.

Built assays to select unique aptamers (antibody-like DNA molecules) that bind to targets such as ricin toxin, Shiga toxin (STX1b and STX2) and in-house isolated saliva biomarkers.
Explored methods for growth inhibition of pathogens MRSA, K. pneumonia, E. coli 0157:H7, C. difficile, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and B. anthracis strains in animals and in vitro.
Examined microbes involved in gut metabolism and wound healing inhibition in mice and swine.
Trained and managed 3-4 research technicians and a post-doc, including all reporting functions. Designed projects, identified funding sources, wrote grants, and was a PI or Co-Investigator on more then $1,000,000 in grant funding.

Investigated roles of DNA Polymerase Epsilon in genome stability and cell cycle control.
Developed molecular assays for structure-function studies of DNA Polymerase Epsilon.
Constructed yeast artificial chromosome libraries. Cloned gene involved in tumor formation.
Designed and developed biochemistry curriculum, taught multiple classes, and supervised research laboratory of two to three graduate students and one undergraduate. Designed and managed research projects, trained students, and wrote grants and reports to support these efforts.

Investigated the role of yeast DNA Polymerase Epsilon in mutation avoidance and genome stability. Including expression vector construction and protein expression in E coli and yeast.
Cloned specific regions of genomic DNA using recombination based YAC construction technique (TAR cloning).

Cloned and characterized the Chinese hamster XPD DNA repair gene/transcription factor.
Mapped the exons, sequenced the 25 KB gene and the cDNAs of phenotypically different XPDC mutants and prove these to be within this gene.
Made site directed mutants and built plasmid constructs for transgenic cell line construction.

Discovered and characterized a cryptic retronphage, ØR86, in the wild type B strain of E. coli.
Demonstrated that the retronphage has DNA sequence homology with phage 186, that it is inducible by activation of the SOS response and that induction of the ØR86virus kills the host cells.