Yvonne Wu
San Diego
Summary
Accomplished Senior Scientist at Abbott Laboratories with expertise in experimental design and data analysis. Proven track record in developing innovative multiplexed assays and enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Recognized for leadership in mentoring teams and driving project success through effective problem-solving and attention to detail. Co-inventor on a patented rapid nucleic acid detection technology.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Scientist
Abbott Laboratories
12.2022 - Current
- Lead Development of Multiplexed PCR and NEAR Assays: Spearhead the design and development of multiplexed PCR assays, as well as multiplexed isothermal Nicking Enzyme Amplification Reaction (NEAR) assays, driving innovation and efficiency in assay creation.
- Primer and Molecular Beacons (MB) Design: Collaborate heavily in primer and MB design using LC-MS techniques, contributing to the modification and optimization of assay components for enhanced performance.
- Lyophilization Expertise: Lead the lyophilization process, including formulation development, program execution, and comprehensive characterization studies. Utilize analytical methods such as TGA, DSC, SEM, and FDM to guide formulation and lyophilization optimization.
- Shelf-Life and Functional Studies: Conduct accelerated shelf-life and functional evaluations to assess and ensure the long-term viability and efficacy of lyophilized assays.
- Leadership & Team Coordination: Act as the primary workstream leader, overseeing sprint boards, dashboards, and progress tracking. When the Assay Director is unavailable, lead daily stand-up meetings and ensure smooth team operations, balancing multiple concurrent projects with tight deadlines. Prioritize tasks effectively to maintain both progress and quality.
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Utilize JMP software for complex data analysis, offering expert insights and translating data into clear, actionable summaries and presentations for stakeholders.
- Troubleshooting Expertise: Proactively address and resolve complex issues, ensuring consistent assay performance and continuous improvement.
- People Leadership & Collaboration: Foster a collaborative, cross-functional team environment, promoting open communication and innovation. Embrace the "Train-Trust-Let It Go" principle to develop and mentor high-performing scientists.
Research Scientist II
Abbott Laboratories
10.2020 - 12.2022
- Lead Development of Combo NEAR Assay for STI Diseases: Spearhead the development of a combined NEAR (Nicking Enzyme Amplification Reaction) assay specifically focused on diagnosing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), driving innovation and enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
- Technology Evaluation & Enhancement: Evaluate emerging technologies and novel methodologies to improve the sensitivity, specificity, and overall robustness of complex assays. Identify opportunities for integrating new technologies into existing research workflows, fostering continuous improvement in assay performance.
- Characterization and Clinical Studies: Lead characterization studies, in-house clinical trials, and design freeze studies to transition research-stage products into the development phase, ultimately advancing products toward manufacturing readiness.
- Promotion to Senior Scientist: Recognized for leadership and expertise, promoted to Senior Scientist due to demonstrated contributions to successful research outcomes and team-driven innovations.
Research Scientist
Crosslife Technologies
08.2018 - 10.2020
- Development of Novel Assays: Successfully developed a groundbreaking chemical ligation-based template-assisted rapid assay (TARA-L) for point-of-care diagnostics, significantly advancing rapid nucleic acid detection. Co-inventor on Patent US11685960B2 titled “Rapid Nucleic Acid Detection without Sample Preparation.”
- Assay Design & Innovation: Designed and developed nested assay systems, including TARA-LAMP-LFA and TARA-RPA-LFA, combining the high sensitivity of PCR with the simplicity of lateral flow assays, driving innovation in diagnostic assay development.
Postdoctoral Scientist
Crosslife Technologies
01.2017 - 08.2018
- Development of Lateral Flow Assays: Successfully developed lateral flow (LF) strip detections for molecular amplification products, enhancing LF sensitivity by 10-100 times through the incorporation of enzymatic signal amplification techniques, both colorimetric and electrochemical.
- Mentorship & Skill Development: Trained colleagues on key techniques such as nanoparticle synthesis, lateral flow assay manufacturing, and antibody bioconjugation, fostering skill development and supporting their growth.
- SBIR Proposal Writing & Funding: Contributed to the writing of SBIR proposals, securing funding to support ongoing research projects and facilitate innovation.
- Collaboration & Troubleshooting: Actively participated in regular meetings with collaborators to provide progress updates, engage in brainstorming sessions, and troubleshoot complex issues.
- Promotion to Research Scientist: Recognized for leadership and contributions, promoted to Research Scientist due to demonstrated impact on research outcomes and team development.
Education
Ph.D. - Chemistry
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR03-2016
Master of Science - Biochemical Engineering
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Beijing, China08-2008
Bachelor of Science - Bioengineering
Dalian University of Technology
Dalian, China07-2005
Skills
- Experimental design
- Lab experiments and research
- Expert data analysis
- Scientific writing
- Training and mentoring
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Safety processes and procedures
Timeline
Senior Scientist
Abbott Laboratories
12.2022 - Current
Research Scientist II
Abbott Laboratories
10.2020 - 12.2022
Research Scientist
Crosslife Technologies
08.2018 - 10.2020
Postdoctoral Scientist
Crosslife Technologies
01.2017 - 08.2018
Ph.D. - Chemistry
Oregon State University
Master of Science - Biochemical Engineering
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Bachelor of Science - Bioengineering
Dalian University of Technology