Gurleen Sandhu

• Generated CRISPR/Cas9 dual-sgRNA constructs to delete H3K27ac-marked enhancer regions in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells • Performed molecular cloning, plasmid validation, and transfection in MDA-MB-231 cells • Conducted functional assays including IncuCyte live-cell proliferation analysis and MTT viability assays • Isolated and maintained FACS-sorted edited cell populations and performed PCR-based genotyping • Analyzed experimental data using statistical testing and data visualization to evaluate phenotypic effects of enhancer perturbations

• Perform flow stainings and acquire data on clinical trial subject samples using a 13-coloured flow panel on Cytoflex LX (Beckman Coulter) • Help develop new and optimize existing flow panels with different antibodies and/or same antibodies with different fluorophores using DOE (Design Of Experiment) • Collaborate with multiple teams on different projects (for example, checking stability and viability of manufactured product over time through flow staining, checking manufactured product viral transduction percentage and cell subpopulation depletion for freshly harvested culture sample) • Perform extensive analysis using FlowJo software entailing compensation matrix adjustments and creating new compensation matrix • Shadow and train on cytotoxicity experiments with Gamma Delta T cells and cancer cell lines for luciferase assay, calcein-AM assay, cell-surface and intracellular staining • Take part in an IQ, OQ, and PQ for a new cytometer device as part of technology transfer to a GMP facility

• Perform Monocyte Monolayer Assay (MMA) on patient samples to examine for phagocytic activity, patient-donor blood transfusion compatibility • Perform 51-Chromium Release Assay for measuring Antibody Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity in effector cells (NK cells, Neutrophils) • Culture and polarize monocytes to M1 and M2a macrophages - characterize with FACS and ELISA and perform phagocytic assays with them • Recruit blood donors and obtain consent • Assist fellow researchers with their projects and experiments (eg. quantifying CD47 signal on opsonized red cells and comparing the results with phagocytic activity via MMA)

• Performed various duties: customer care, cash register, stocking shelves • Built connections with customers through positive, friendly interactions and helping them locate products and/or recommending substitutes • Enhanced multi-tasking, communication, interpersonal skills

• Liaison between primary CPS and election officers • Facilitated opening, voting, and closing processes in a time constraint, fast-paced environment • Ensured official documentation integrity by conducting thorough spot checks • Scheduled and filled in for breaks for election officers (Poll Clerk and Deputy Returning Officer) to relieve them from the long shift

• Genotyping mice through PCR and subsequent Gel Electrophoresis • Tissue cutting on Cryostat • Immunofluorescence staining for PLP-fixed sections • Mouse dissection for lymph nodes • Prepare buffer solutions and pH them • Lab duties (filling tip boxes, keeping a clean environment)

Preclinical Research Intern Project: Ex vivo development and fermentation of oral microbiota • Literature research based on chosen bacterial species and their properties (growth environments) • Optimized growth for strict anaerobes using anaerobic chamber, facultative aerobes, aerobes • Performed microbiological and molecular biology assays (plating, microbial counts after diluting, glycerol stock, DNA extraction, gram staining) • Monitored probiotic effects on the bacteria through Flow Cytometry and antimicrobial activity test • Communicated and analyzed results through frequent presentations and scientific documents (electronic notebook)

Graduate research in the Kidder Lab investigating the role of enhancer elements in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to delete regulatory DNA elements in the MDA-MB-231 cell line and evaluate their effects on tumor cell proliferation and survival. Techniques: CRISPR cloning, molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, IncuCyte live-cell imaging, MTT assays, and statistical data analysis.

Courses: Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Organic Chemistry, Scientific Methods in Biology, Genetics, Microbiology & Immunology, Anatomy, Histology, Translational Models of Cancer, Neurobiology of Mental Illness, Ecophysiology of Plants, Physics for Life Sciences, Healthcare Law, Bioethics