Brandon Tan

-Planned and collaborated with in vivo Pharmacology team to coordinate in vivo studies to compare immunogenicity of multiple CRISPR systems delivered via LNP as mRNA. Additionally, onboarded and optimized a multiplexed Luminex bead based assay for inflammatory markers in blood plasma. -Optimized small scale LNP encapsulation of mRNA and donor DNA using the NanoAssemblr Spark for in vitro experiments. Additionally, produced larger scale LNPs using the NanoAssemblr Ignite for in vivo mouse studies. -Performed guide screens and stoichiometry optimization for Cas12a targets and a novel CRISPR system in primary mouse cells to support development of in vivo program. -Presented findings in internal group meetings and company-wide through oral presentations.

-Maintained, coordinated, and fulfilled multiple cell line requests for Technology Development team. -Established and optimized protocols to edit iPSCs with a novel CRISPR system delivered as an mRNA via -Lonza Nucleofector or Neon Transfection System or LNPs. -Used sequence and ligation independent cloning (SLIC) to create donor constructs for knock-ins. -Developed PCR assay and conducted flow cytometry to assess knock-in.

-Conducted and developed AAV9 Potency Assay protocol to test an AAV gene therapy for NGLY1 deficiency using RT-qPCR/qPCR, flow, and N-acetylglucosamine-asparagine (GlcNAc-Asn; GNA) biomarker readouts. -Conducted and designed proof of concept experiments testing small molecules’ effects on the NGLY1 pathway. -Created and developed clonal HEK293 AAV permissible cell lines to reduce virus consumption. -Devised and optimized working lab protocols for in-house and CRO use. -Recorded observations and data in an ELN (SciNote), ordering supplies, and maintaining inventories.

Worked as a R&D member of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Transplant Diagnostics division. As a member, conducted HLA typing proficiency tests, fulfilled DNA requests for other groups of the company, cultured mammalian cells for DNA extraction, QCed DNA, and analyzed data using an HLA typing software. Proficiency tests required DNA extraction using Qiagen QiAmp DNA kits, typing using various One Lambda MicroSSP PCR 96-well trays, gel electrophoresis, and DNA hybridization using One Lambda LabType SSO read by Luminex FlexMap 3D. In completion of proficiency tests, reports were formulated for submission to supervisor.

Performed gross examination and processing biopsy samples in a CAP certified pathology lab. Processed and examined 70+ biopsies daily. Other duties included maintaining 3 processors and 1 tissue staining machines, running diagnostic tests on stool and respiratory samples using PCR kits, logging shipments of 100+ Specimens daily using Excel, archiving slides, and submitting county medical record reports via PDF and Fax.

Tutored student athletes in a group or one-on-one setting. Tutored in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Immunology, Virology, and Public Health. Utilized Excel to organize and manage student sessions.

Created knockout mutants for 12 genes of interest in the formation of biofilms in C. albicans. Designed 8 primers for each gene and made 6 PCR products for transformations. Used gel electrophoresis to check correct PCR products and correct knockouts Then, tested for mutants’ phenotypes in multiple assays to characterize growth and biofilm density. Processed data using Excel and collaborated on archiving via DropBox.