Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Selected Presentations
Publications
Timeline
Generic

Esther Rugoli

Montreal

Summary

Trilingual (English, French, Kinyarwanda) research professional with excellent experience in molecular biology, protein/RNA analysis, cell culture, and experimental animal handling. Skilled in designing, performing, and optimizing experiments with a strong foundation in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and compliance. Proven ability to support multidisciplinary research teams, train junior researchers, maintain accurate records, and prepare data for publication. Holds an MSc in Biotechnology and a BS in Ag. Biotechnology.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Immunology Analyst

ITR Laboratories Canada Inc
07.2022 - 08.2025
  • Performed molecular biology techniques including RNA/DNA isolation, RT-qPCR, ddPCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, agarose gel electrophoresis, protein extraction, and Bradford Assay in alignment with GLP and SOP standards.
  • Maintained primary and immortalized cell cultures using sterile technique in Level II biosafety cabinets, including transfection and immunocytology.
  • Operated microscopy (brightfield and fluorescence) for imaging and analysis, and prepared detailed experimental reports and manuscripts.
  • Ensured compliance with biohazard protocols, maintained equipment calibration, freezer/sample storage logs, and their documentation.

Research Assistant

McGill University
10.2021 - 05.2022
  • Conducted quality audits of molecular biology processes; ensured compliance with established protocols.
  • Developed and updated SOPs for molecular assays, including RNA/protein analysis.
  • Monitored equipment calibration, reagent integrity, and safety standards.
  • Trained new team members about in sterile technique, quality control, and compliance.
  • Assisted in validation of experimental methods for translational research projects.

Research Technician

Washington State University
10.2016 - 09.2020
  • Designed and executed molecular cloning experiments to study nitrogen fixation in Azotobacter vinelandii.
  • Cultivated and maintained bacterial cultures; performed DNA/RNA isolation and PCR.
  • Processed biological samples for protein analysis (Western blot, SDS-PAGE) and sequencing.
  • Maintained detailed experiment records and laboratory organization; prepared reagents and maintained inventories.
  • Assisted in grant preparation, technical reports, and manuscript writing.

Education

Master of Science - Biotechnology

McGill University
Montreal
06-2022

Bachelor of Science - Ag. Biotechnology

Washington State University
Pullman
05-2020

Skills

  • Molecular Biology: RNA/DNA isolation, RT-qPCR, ddPCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, agarose gel electrophoresis, protein extraction, Bradford Assay
  • Cell Culture: Primary and immortalized cell maintenance, sterile technique in Level II biosafety cabinets, transfection, immunocytology
  • Microscopy & Imaging: Brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, immunocytology analysis
  • Lab Operations & Compliance: GLP, biohazard safety, SOP development, equipment calibration, sample storage management
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Statistical analysis, experimental data interpretation, scientific manuscript preparation, literature reviews

Selected Presentations

  • Keynote Speaker, Rwanda Girls Initiative Fundraising Event ($1.1M raised), Seattle, WA
  • Guest Lecturer, Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University, 200+ students
  • Future Leader Presentation, Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development (AIARD) Conference, Washington, D.C.

Publications

Genetic Determinants of Ammonium Excretion in nifL Mutants of Azotobacter vinelandii, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.01876-21

Timeline

Immunology Analyst

ITR Laboratories Canada Inc
07.2022 - 08.2025

Research Assistant

McGill University
10.2021 - 05.2022

Research Technician

Washington State University
10.2016 - 09.2020

Master of Science - Biotechnology

McGill University

Bachelor of Science - Ag. Biotechnology

Washington State University
Esther Rugoli