Raquel Russell
Kitchener
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented microbiologist with over three years of laboratory experience specializing in microbiological and cell biology techniques, including aseptic handling of bacterial and mammalian cell cultures in BSL-2 labs. Demonstrates expertise in maintaining and managing health information databases in compliance with HIPAA and CLIA regulations, utilizing Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for precise record-keeping. Highly organized, capable of managing multiple projects while consistently meeting deadlines, complemented by resourcefulness and exceptional written and oral communication skills in collaborative team environments. Committed to advancing scientific knowledge through rigorous research and a passion for innovation in experimental medicine.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Cell and Seed Bank Production Associate, Level 1
Microbix
03.2024 - Current
- Directly involved in the development of new cell and seed banks for use in production by the manufacturing team.
- Regularly handles diverse cell lines (C-33A, MRC-5, MDCK, Vero, HL, MA104) and pathogens (rubella, dengue type 2, CMV, influenza A/B, VZV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae).
- Conducts both upstream and downstream large-scale processing of pathogenic antigens using various techniques and purification strategies.
Laboratory Technician I
Rapid Novor Inc.
04.2023 - 03.2024
- Proficiently handled sample intake procedures, ensuring proper labeling, documentation, and compliance with CLIA regulations.
- Executed meticulous sample preparation techniques, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of analyses using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).
- Regularly updated and maintained LIMS databases, ensuring data accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Research Assistant
The Coombs Laboratory, Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology
09.2021 - 09.2022
- Created and optimized protocols using L929 and A549 cell lines to assess reovirus and adenovirus UV-C inactivation using plaque assay technique.
- Evaluated the efficacy of a novel photodynamic therapy compound in mammalian virus inactivation using plaque assay technique.
- Presented findings in an academic conference and contributed to published research.
Research Assistant
The Mark Laboratory, University of Manitoba
05.2020 - 10.2020
- Co-authored a comprehensive review article about SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development.
- Developed an extensive protocol using various protein purification techniques including nickel affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, qPCR, and DNA extractions.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Honours - Microbiology, Chemistry
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MBSkills
- Efficient multitasking
- Research and analysis
- Scientific writing
- Experimental design
- Documentation management
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Publications
Nanomolar concentrations of the photodynamic compound TLD-1433 effectively inactivate numerous human pathogenic viruses (2024)
- doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32140
Ubiquitin variants potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and viral replication via a novel site distal to the protease active site (2022)
- doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1011065
Frontrunners in the race to develop a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (2021)
- doi:https://doi.org/10.1139/cjm-2020-0465
Timeline
Cell and Seed Bank Production Associate, Level 1
Microbix
03.2024 - Current
Laboratory Technician I
Rapid Novor Inc.
04.2023 - 03.2024
Research Assistant
The Coombs Laboratory, Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology
09.2021 - 09.2022
Research Assistant
The Mark Laboratory, University of Manitoba
05.2020 - 10.2020
Bachelor of Science, Honours - Microbiology, Chemistry
University of Manitoba