Mei Zhang

- Set up and manage Watertown Syncell the Microscoop imaging and biology labs. - Perform the demo for the Microscoop technology platform and proteome sample preparation technologies to scientists. - Train new FAS, Application Scientist, Sales Executives with hands on experiences of the Microscoop system and SynLight Rich and SynPull kits - Carry out sub-organelle spatial proteome analysis in cultured cells and cryo/FFPE tissue sections for the nuclei, nucleoli, mitochondria, stress granules, cilia, as well as single cell type proteomics - Collaborate with academic, clinical, and pharmaceutical labs for spatial biology research. - Support commercial and sales teams for systems transition from R&D to Marketing.

• Spearheaded small-molecule, antibody, ASO, and gene-therapy projects for neurodegenerative diseases, acting as a pivotal contributor across multiple programs. • Influenced program direction with critical go/no-go decision-making, post-campaign research planning, and facilitated pivotal academic research collaborations. • Innovated and implemented high content imaging and qRT-PCR assays, enhancing HTS screening and SAR studies, while leading and mentoring in high content imaging-based assay development. • Initiated advanced assay systems using primary neurons and stem cell-derived human neuron co-cultures, providing physiologically relevant data instrumental for company programs. • Established cell pathway analysis systems tailored for neurodegenerative diseases, and assessed small molecules, antibodies, and ASOs efficacy. • Acted as a key representative for Bioassays & HTS, integrating innovative technology with physiologically relevant cells to propel compounds through the pipeline to clinical stages. • Devised new data analysis methodologies, creating novel parameters and reporting systems for nuanced activity measurements in cell-based assays.

• Provided strategic and technical guidance in compound screening technologies, assay development, and automation, enriching efforts across Neurodegeneration, Neuroinflammation, and Psychiatry. • Developed high-throughput assays, including iPSC-based HCS phagocytosis screens and live cell assays for alpha-synuclein internalization and LRRK2 phosphorylation aggregation. • Managed diverse liquid-handling and plate-based pharmacology equipment, offering methods development and user training, while liaising with Global Operations for equipment and facility support. • Integral in establishing the Pfizer Kendall Square High Content Imaging Tech Center, and served as interim technology specialist across various research units.

• Educated graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in imaging technology applications. • Pioneered fluorescent imaging and video microscopy-based research methodologies. • Investigated fungal infection mechanisms in plant cells and organisms, and developed innovative cell/plant co-culture systems for detailed imaging analysis.

• Integral to the establishment and success of the IMT program, focusing on bridging basic and clinical research gaps. • Designed and coordinated an innovative oral microbiome study, exploring novel drug discovery avenues in autism research. • Delivered lectures on biomedical imaging technology, contributing to the training of international medical researchers.

• Led projects across neurology, oncology, immunology, and immuno-oncology, translating research into actionable drug development strategies. • Pioneered cell-based assay development targeting a spectrum of biological mechanisms including enzymes, GPCR, and ion channels. • Executed high-content imaging and phenotypic screenings to identify neuroprotective agents using neural stem cells, supporting interdisciplinary assay development for diverse therapeutic areas.

• Drove cancer and immunology program projects, developing assays and leading screening efforts that advanced the drug discovery process. • Established FLIPR-based high-throughput screening protocols and performed comprehensive evaluations of small molecules targeting CXCR4. • Utilized MetaMorph and MetaXpress for cellular imaging analyses, enhancing data quantification and interpretation for assay development.

• Conducted pioneering research on the role of presenilin/gamma-secretase in amyloid precursor protein (APP) endocytosis, providing insights into Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms. • Innovated GFP-tagging techniques, significantly improving live cell assay systems for Alzheimer's disease research applications.

• Executed seminal research on lysosomal storage diseases, focusing on cell model analysis for Niemann-Pick type C and mucolipidosis type IV disorders. • Led the development of cell-based assays, uncovering novel mechanisms in protein localization and lipid trafficking. • Synthesized GFP-chimeras to investigate membrane protein trafficking, enhancing the understanding of cellular processes related to neurodegeneration.