Detail-oriented research assistant with hands-on experience in technical and laboratory work to advance research goals. Adept at driving team success through expertise in data review, reporting, and specimen handling. Specializing in molecular and cellular biology, committed to contributing to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Officer
Health Biosciences, RMIT University
Bundoora, Melbourne
03.2024 - 06.2024
Providing support with waste, glassware, and lab coat management
Providing support with receipt and notification of deliveries
Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of the tissue slides, blocks, chemicals used in the pathology laboratories
Maintaining and coordinating the day-to-day operational activities and functions within the pathology laboratories, contributing to high quality lab services
Assisting lab team members in day-to-day ad-hoc duties for timely maintenance of the laboratories.
Research Assistant
University of Melbourne
Heidelberg, Melbourne
05.2023 - 06.2023
Worked as a full-time research assistant in a dynamic group conducting exciting studies aimed at developing new treatments and diagnostics for major complications of pregnancy
Worked across basic research and industry-based developments towards therapeutic and diagnostic development for pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, spontaneous preterm birth and diagnostics to prevent stillbirth headed by Prof
Natalie Hannan, demonstrating expertise in stakeholder communication and research planning.
Research Assistant
Epigenetics and Development Division, WEHI
Parkville, Melbourne
06.2022 - 04.2023
Worked as a full-time research assistant in a cancer laboratory headed by A/Prof
Joan Heath, on a project which utilizes zebrafish to discover genes that are indispensable for the growth of rapidly proliferating tissues during development
Research in the Heath laboratory is influenced by the recognition that many of the dynamic processes that occur during development are also highly active or dysregulated in cancer, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis
As a research assistant, I work on in-vitro (cell-based) culture, molecular biology, protein extraction, histology, breeding and handling zebrafish strains, electronic record keeping, and animal work.
Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
Research Assistant
Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, WEHI
Parkville, Melbourne
08.2021 - 04.2022
Worked as research assistant in an ovarian cancer laboratory headed by Prof
Clare Scott, a medical oncologist in breast cancer and ovarian cancer
The research of the lab is mainly translational which involves the use of novel pre-clinical models of epithelial ovarian cancer
Lab mainly focuses on high grade serous ovarian cancer and other rare cancers (mostly rare gynecological cancers)
As a research assistant, I work on generation of patient derived xenografts or cell lines, tissue culture, molecular biology, histology, updating relevant databases, and maintaining detailed records and reports.
Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
Managed research databases with utmost diligence, ensuring data integrity and security.
Streamlined project workflow, optimizing team efficiency through development of detailed scheduling and tracking systems.
Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.
Research Assistant
RMIT University
Bundoora, Melbourne
09.2016 - 08.2021
Worked as a research assistant, mainly on the project that investigated a new therapy to repair and protect the white matter in the brain of growth restricted babies with A/Prof. Mary Tolcos. I was also involved in the projects that were focused on white matter injury, perinatal brain injury, neuroprotection, myelination led by A/prof. Mary Tolcos, Prof. David Walker and Dr. Bobbi Fleiss collaboratively.
Set and oversaw quality assurance guidelines for laboratory work.
Trained and supervised junior technicians in laboratory protocols.
Operated and performed preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments.
Developed new protocols and improved existing laboratory processes.
Coordinated and managed laboratory projects and experiments.
Responsibilities included animal handling and experimentation, immunohistochemistry, processing and embedding of animal tissue, tissue sectioning, and managing laboratory operations.
Casual Relief Teacher
Lilydale High School
Lilydale
03.2016 - 08.2016
Implemented effective behavior management strategies, resulting in improved student focus and participation.
Developed a positive classroom environment, fostering collaboration and respect among students.
Contributed to curriculum development initiatives, ensuring alignment with state standards and relevance to modern contexts.
Participated in professional development workshops to stay current on educational trends and improve instructional methodologies.
Research Officer
Biochemistry Dept., La Trobe University
Melbourne, La Trobe University
05.2008 - 12.2011
Worked on a PATH funded Malaria vaccine Initiative project and reported to my immediate supervisor, Dr. Karen Harris
Liaised between departments to ensure timely dissemination of critical information relevant to ongoing projects.
Collaborated with multiple stakeholders and managed research projects effectively
Responsibilities included cell biology techniques, biochemical techniques, molecular biology techniques, phage display, animal handling, and data management.
Maintained accurate records of experimental data, ensuring integrity and accessibility for future analyses.
Coauthored publications in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing the impact of our team''s research efforts on advancing knowledge in the field.
Managed project budgets, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources while maintaining high standards of quality.
Research Trainee
Pharmacology Department, Monash University
Clayton, Melbourne
09.2006 - 11.2007
Worked at the Pharmacology Department in Monash University, Clayton for one year as part of my Master's degree
Presented a dissertation on modelling the seven transmembrane regions of the GLP-1 receptor utilizing the crystal structure of bovine rhodopsin as a template
Presented work at an international conference.
Maintained detailed records of experimental procedures and results using electronic lab notebooks for easy reference by other researchers.
Improved experimental accuracy by diligently troubleshooting issues with equipment or methodology during all phases of the research process.
Developed strong working relationships with fellow researchers and staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
Presented research findings at conferences, effectively communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences.
Research Trainee
Unit for Research and Development of Information Products (URDIP)
Pune, India
07.2003 - 12.2004
Curation and building of Medicinal Plants Database
Searching and analysis of relevant patents.
Education
Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics -
La Trobe University
Melbourne, Victoria
Master of Science (Agriculture) in Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding -
College of Agriculture, Pune, (Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri) India
Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) -
College of Agriculture, Pune, (Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri) India
Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education - Biology/Science
La Trobe University
Melbourne, Victoria
01.2014
Skills
Strong analytical and research skills with a focus on human biomedical sciences and plant and agricultural sciences
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple stakeholders
Excellent organizational skills, including experience in managing lab operations and research projects
Proficiency in technical documentation and communication, with a commitment to high-quality work
Ability to learn quickly
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
Keyareasofknowledge
Molecular Biology
Microbiology
Tissue culture
Immunology
Histology
Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Virology
Evolutionary Biology
Bioinformatics
Plant Genetics
Additionaleducationprograms
Introduction to Good Clinical Practice, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne (National Institute for Health Research), Melbourne, October 2016
Publications
Midkine: The Who, What, Where, and When of a Promising Neurotrophic Therapy for Perinatal Brain Injury, Front Neurol, 2020, Ross-Munro E, Kwa F, Kreiner J, Khore M, Miller SL, Tolcos M, Fleiss B, Walker DW, 10.3389/fneur.2020.568814, 33193008
Hippocampal neurogenesis and memory in adolescence following intrauterine growth restriction, Hippocampus, 2021, Gilchrist CP, Cumberland AL, Kondos-Devcic D, Hill RA, Khore M, Quezada S, Reichelt AC, Tolcos M, 10.1002/hipo.23291, 33320965
Impact of high sucrose diets on the discrimination of spatial and object memories with overlapping features, Physiol Behav, 2018, Buyukata C, Vukalo M, Xu TJ, Khore MA, Reichelt AC, 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.02.027, 29454843
Use of Immunodampening to Overcome Diversity in the Malarial Vaccine Candidate Apical Membrane Antigen 1, Infection and Immunity, 2014, Harris KS, Adda CG, Khore M, Drew DR, Valentini-Gatt A, Fowkes FJ, Beeson JG, Dutta S, Anders RF, Foley M, 10.1128/IAI.02061-14, 25156737
References
A/Prof. Joan Heath, Laboratory Head, WEHI, heath.j@wehi.edu.au
A/Prof. Mary Tolcos, Australian Research Council Future Fellow, RMIT University, mary.tolcos@rmit.edu.au
Prof. David Walker, Program Leader - Neurodevelopment in Health & Disease, RMIT University, david.walker@rmit.edu.au
Timeline
Technical Officer
Health Biosciences, RMIT University
03.2024 - 06.2024
Research Assistant
University of Melbourne
05.2023 - 06.2023
Research Assistant
Epigenetics and Development Division, WEHI
06.2022 - 04.2023
Research Assistant
Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, WEHI
08.2021 - 04.2022
Research Assistant
RMIT University
09.2016 - 08.2021
Casual Relief Teacher
Lilydale High School
03.2016 - 08.2016
Research Officer
Biochemistry Dept., La Trobe University
05.2008 - 12.2011
Research Trainee
Pharmacology Department, Monash University
09.2006 - 11.2007
Research Trainee
Unit for Research and Development of Information Products (URDIP)
07.2003 - 12.2004
Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics -
La Trobe University
Master of Science (Agriculture) in Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding -
College of Agriculture, Pune, (Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri) India
Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) -
College of Agriculture, Pune, (Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri) India
Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education - Biology/Science