Alisa Bowen

Molecular Medicine BioAnalytical Sciences

Stroud Lab - Biochemistry & Biophysics Department Structural studies of host-virus protein complexes that counteract HIV restriction factors in the host plasma membrane • Maintained mammalian (HEK, CHO) and insect (SF9) cultures and optimized membrane protein expression using transient transfection, AAV, Baculovirus and BacMam expression systems • Performed confocal fluorescence microscopy studies to confirm protein co-localization • Developed purification scheme for various membrane proteins and antibodies using ion-exchange, affinity, and size-exclusion chromatography • Quantified protein regulation, expression levels, and sample purity using SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis • Prepared negative stain and CryoEM grids for structural studies • Took on leadership roles in the design of daily experiments and overall project goals • Effectively communicated data during individual and group meetings

Xu Lab - Materials Science & Engineering Department • Enhanced fibroblast (NIH-3T3) infiltration on electrospun polymer tissue scaffolds in vitro • Performed UV-Vis cell proliferation assays and SEM to validate increased cell adherence to fiber mats • Characterized fibroblast membrane integrity during incubation with amphiphilic copolymers • Designed enzyme activity assays to assess polymer-protein nanoreactor stability at high temperatures and in organic solvents • Trained both graduate and undergraduate students on cell viability and enzyme activity assays

Department of Chemistry • Prepared solutions and equipment for General Chemistry Labs • Troubleshot and repaired broken instruments • Trained, managed, and mentored new student workers

Yoganathan Lab - Bioinformatics Institute • Communicated data in an international setting, overcoming language and cultural barriers • Isolated natural products for small molecule pharmaceutical applications via flash chromatography and HPLC • Characterized small molecules using Mass Spectrometry and NMR