Michael Ambra

• Developing a deeper understanding of various physical, chemical, biochemical, and biological concepts.
• Examining the possible impacts of current research and discoveries on the landscape of the biological sciences.
• Gaining experience with various laboratory techniques in biochemistry, microbiology, inorganic chemistry, and synthetic organic chemistry.
• Specific practical and theoretical experience with advanced biochemical lab techniques including protein purification methods, western blotting, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Bradford/ Lowry assays, PCR, recombinant gene expression, and DNA sequencing techniques.

Role Description:

• Worked under the supervision of Dr. Anne Petitjean to synthesize, purify, and characterize a novel DNA-binding compound for the stabilization of guanine quadruplex (G4) secondary structures.

Relavant Skills and Experiences:

• Exercised problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Gained experience with literature searches for the identification of relevant research.
• Developed skills in the planning, execution, and optimization of organic syntheses with an emphasis on atomically economical methods.
• Refined my skills in column chromatography for the purification of products.
• Hands-on experience with characterization methods including carbon/ proton NMR and thin-layer chromatography.

Role Description:

• Contributed to two clinical research studies aimed at characterizing cerebral oxygenation trends (from NIRS data) and systemic hemodynamics for neonates in the context of late-onset sepsis and transitional hypotension.
• Responsible for collection, screening, and cleaning of relevant patient data from electronic medical records.
• Worked collaboratively with staff neonatologists and neonatal fellows in the Mount Sinai Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to ensure accuracy of data collection and accommodate dynamic project expectations.

Relevant Skills and Experiences:

• Exercised and improved the ability to operate effectively in a team setting.
• Ability to make quick, accurate decisions while working independently to manage various deadlines effectively.
• Gained further experience with relevant medical terminology, theory, treatment modalities, and the societal impacts of NICU care on families and patients.

Role Description:

• Contributed directly to a research study focused on analyzing and improving clinical decision-making, management, and outcomes for preterm neonates with early onset sepsis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
• Collected and entered relevant patient data from electronic medical records, performed data cleaning, and assisted with initial generation of manuscripts for the associated study.
• Worked collaboratively with staff neonatologists and neonatal fellows in the Mount Sinai Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to ensure accuracy of data collection and accommodate dynamic project expectations.
• Served as the presenting author for the project at the 2024 Paediatric Academic Societies (PAS) conference in Toronto, ON.

Relevant Skills and Experiences:

• Gained experience in a clinical setting through clinical observership and teachings, with particular emphasis on neonatal cardiology and hemodynamics, management of neonatal sepsis, and implementation of Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography (TNE).
• Exercised and improved the ability to operate effectively in a team setting.
• Ability to make quick, accurate decisions while working independently to manage various deadlines effectively.
• Gained familiarity with relevant medical terminology, theory, treatment modalities, and societal impacts of NICU care on families and patients.

Role Description:

• Collaborated with students to target specific academic concepts and skills to be strengthened across various math and science subject areas; often targeted learning gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Conducted group and one-on-one tutoring sessions to help students engage in active learning and improve critical thinking skills.

Relevant Skills and Experiences:

• Preparation and delivery of concept-specific lesson plans.
• Differentiation of teaching strategies to address individual student needs.
• Utilized varied communication techniques to clarify concepts and develop understanding.