Richard Brase

● Provided scientific leadership for LC–MS/MS capabilities supporting target peptide discovery and validation for vaccine biologics programs, functioning as the team's subject matter expert on MS-based workflows ● Developed LC–MS/MS methods for immunopeptidomic/proteomic analysis using Orbitrap instrumentation, improving peptide identification rates by 30% and enhancing data quality for bioinformatic workflows ● Designed and executed quantitative MS experiments to characterize peptide behavior across sample preparation pipelines, achieving 50% improvement in target analyte recovery and informing downstream selection decisions ● Drove implementation and optimization of bioinformatic platforms (Proteome Discoverer, PEAKS, Skyline) to increase confidence in peptide identifications and improve scalability of database search workflows ● Authored technical reports, SOPs, and scientific presentations; mentored junior staff in fundamental MS theory, instrumentation, and application to oncological peptide discovery

● Performed peptide isolation (mild acid elution, immunoprecipitation) and high-resolution LC–MS/MS to support immunopeptidomic discovery programs targeting vaccine therapeutics ● Executed daily operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Orbitrap Eclipse and related LC–MS/MS instrumentation, ensuring continuous uptime to maximize vaccine discovery pipeline efficiency ● Contributed to method development, data analysis, and scientific reporting for peptide characterization studies supporting biologic target identification

● Analyzed drinking water samples for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by EPA Method 533 ● Developed a modified, in-house version of EPA 533 for the analysis of landfill leachate samples ● Managed all aspects of analytical workflow including sample extraction, instrumental analysis, data review, and LIMS reporting—demonstrating strong GLP compliance and data quality standards

● Developed novel method for PFAS biomonitoring using freshwater aquatic insects as indicator species ● Enhanced LC–MS/MS sensitivity for emerging PFAS, improving detection limits by up to 36-fold ● Researched the uptake and bioconcentration of emerging PFAS by edible plants ● Developed an improved method for the determination of PFAS in drinking water by large-volume injection, reducing sample prep time and increasing throughput ● Conducted a method validation as part of a US EPA interlaboratory study (Draft Method SW-846 8327)

● Researched the toxicity and bioconcentration of silver nanoparticles using Sphagnum magellanicum ● Elucidated the effects of pharmaceutical & personal care product exposure using Orconectes immunis ● Investigated the influence of perched culverts on Anguilla rostrata populations in Hudson Valley streams

● Laboratory teaching assistant for Plant Biology and Plant Physiology undergraduate college courses ● Prepared laboratory reagents, equipment, and other materials ● Assisted students in: understanding fundamental course concepts, operation of laboratory instruments, handling of chemical reagents, hazardous waste disposal

● Summer intern at the NJDEP Division of Water Supply ● Managed transfer of paper-based records to electronic format ● Participated in: inspection of water wells / water treatment facilities, testing water quality

● Excellence in Scholarship (2020): Poster presentation award from UAlbany SPH Student Poster Day ● Wadsworth Fellowship (2017): Award from NYS Department of Health to fund graduate research

● CH Energy Group Award (2016): Baccalaureate award for excellence in Environmental Science ● Tibor T. Polgar Fellowship (2015): Award from Hudson River Foundation to conduct ecological research on eel populations ● Award of Excellence, Full-Length Manuscript, Category: Chemistry (2015): Award from Eastern Colleges Science Conference ● Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation, Category: Environmental Science (2015): Award from Eastern Colleges Science Conference