Caroline M.

In the lab, my responsibilities include conducting molecular biology experiments such as PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA cloning, isolation, and purification of DNA—to verify the production of curli fibers and modified e. coli strains. As Tantu's first lab-based employee I also oversaw the development of Tantu’s first research space and navigated relations between Tantu and other research companies.

I am responsible for greeting and welcoming customers for their designated classes. I help resolve customer complaints via phone, email, or in-person. I also handle incoming calls from prospective clients and completes supporting paperwork and data entry as required. I assist in customers' purchase of apparel/beverages. I am also Responsible for re-organizing gym equipment after shift and communicating any facility/member issues to supervisors.

I developed numerous in vitro primary cell assays for screening potential lead compounds in HEK293T and T84 cell lines. Established working concentrations of various primary antibodies for WES and HTRF analysis. I also designed plasmids with protein of interest for stable line transfection via lentiviral transduction. My main project focused on utilizing the HaloTag platform for the identification of new E3 ligands for targeted protein degradation.

Worked on creating an in vitro model to elucidate viral mutation patterns in HIV using modified cells. Assisted in plasmid construction for creating genetically modified cells.

I designed appropriate primers for PCR amplification, Sanger sequencing, performed gibson assembly, restriction digests, and ligation reactions to support construct generation. I also generated stable cell lines via lenti-viral transductions, as well as antigen-specific T-cell expansions. I was subsequent responsible for quality control analysis via flow cytometry, ELISA, Western Blot, and Coomassie staining.

I assisted with basic office tasks such as photocopying, filing, restocking supplies, etc. Answered phones and independently handled walk-in inquiries when covering the front desk. I also had the opportunity to design and create flyers featuring minors offered at Northeastern University D’Amore McKim School of Business.

I established an in vitro primary cell assay to screen potential lead antibodies in Normal Human Lung Fibroblasts and Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. My subsequent responsibilities included performing cytokine stimulations in these cells, utilizing ELISA based technologies to measure blockade capabilities of antibodies and screen antibodies for target program. I also assisted in the development of animal models for autoimmune diseases as well as subsequent tissue analysis.

I developed and carried out an intricate research project over the course of 2 summers which focused on understanding how bispecific antibody stimulation impacts various aspects of T-cell effector function, and how to optimize the clinical efficacy of these antibodies. I conducted all laboratory procedures throughout the duration of the project, and performed subsequent data analysis required after collecting data. Later, using the conclusions from the data, this project was entered in multiple science competitions (JSHS 2018: placed 2nd, WESEF 2018: placed 1st, submitted to: Intel STS and Siemens)