Diego Diaz

High-throughput nucleic acid analytics

Applied my ddPCR expertise to help successfully develop assays that advanced our work in women’s reproductive health Optimized a clinical diagnostic assay for women’s reproductive health Successfully led a stability study for ddPCR assay reagents Prepared cfDNA libraries to sequence on the Illumina NextSeq500 to support assay development Extracted cfDNA from blood samples to support ddPCR assay optimization and improve assay performance Collaborated with team members to meet project milestones within tight deadlines

Worked in the Viral Vector Core (BSL-2+), packaging viral vectors for shared research use. Helped streamline workflows to improve production efficiency. Performed high-throughput mammalian cell culture to support viral vector research needs Executed in-vitro transfections and transductions to support ongoing Lentivirus/AAV packaging Optimized viral vector packaging workflow to increase titer and efficiency across multiple steps of the production process Delivered monthly presentations to communicate data and scientific progress to cross-functional research teams Operated Big Tuna liquid handler for buffer exchange to support AAV production optimization Trained new virus lab users to work safely and effectively in a BSL2+ lab environment

Validated rodent knock-out and knock-in models by analyzing sequencing data, utilizing models generated via CRISPR Cas9 editing Implemented high-throughput nucleic acid screening using PCR, ddPCR and dPCR NGS library prep and loading on Oxford Nanopore Technology Experience with Beckman Coulter Biomek i5 liquid handling system for DNA extraction Trained new users on molecular techniques such as NGS library prep, ddPCR and dPCR Daily preparation of reagents and solutions for master mixes to be used in experiments

Identified blowfly species under low-light conditions using a microscope Maintained live fly colonies with regular feeding, hydration, and liver for egg-laying Helped keep the lab clean and organized for efficient research Granted after-hours access to support flexible lab work Supported data collection for a study on blowfly egg-laying and post-mortem research

Researching the effects of the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate and how it regulates health span and its response to stressors. Performed enzymatic assays using beta-hydroxybutyrate to study its effect on aging mice brains Mouse husbandry skills developed to assist in tissue handling and organ harvesting Experience running Western-blot, qRT-PCR and SDS-PAGE Learned core lab skills, including efficient workflows, professional conduct, and scientific reasoning Managed resources including ordering supplies, documenting invoices, logging experimental materials, and updating protocols and SOPs

Utilized the squamous skin cell carcinoma (SCC) two-step protocol on transgenic mice to understand the role of senescence in cancer etiology. Primary cell culture extracting RNA from homogenized tumor tissue Managed mouse husbandry for oncological research studies Calibrated pH probes, freezers, warm water baths, and balances Conducted in-vivo intraperitoneal injections Developed troubleshooting skills through routine nucleic acid extraction and clean-up