Richard A. Connor
North Little Rock
Summary
To obtain a position that will enable me to use my strong research skills, educational background, and ability to lead coworkers to a common goal.
Professional researcher with passion for advancing scientific knowledge. Proven track record in designing and executing research experiments, contributing to published studies. Known for strong team collaboration and adaptability, with key skills in data collection and statistical analysis.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Associate
UAMS Microbiology and Immunology, Little Rock AR
Little Rock, AR
01.2021 - Current
- Project: To characterize DC Vaccination in Ovarian and Breast cancer models using various treatments such as check point inhibitors and B cell depletion. The overall project is aimed at overcoming immune suppression by the tumor micro environment and allow the immune response to target the tumor.
- Techniques Learned
- -Designing experiments to characterize drug effects and immune stimulation of cancer cell lines both in vivo and in vitro.
- -Purifying T-cells, macrophages and DC cells from patient tumor ascites using gradient centrifugation and magnetic separation techniques.
- -Purifying immunological cells from blood samples
- -Culturing and maintaining Patient tumor samples for in vitro work.
- -Flow cytometry techniques such as creating panels, staining, running samples and post-analysis using Flowjo software.
- -Proficient at using BD flow software for BD FACSCalibur and Agilent Software for Novocyte machine.
- -Animal work techniques that include I.P. injections, blood draws, anesthesia, and various organ extractions such as tumor and spleen.
- -Extraction of immune cells from mouse bone marrow.
- -Maturation of bone marrow cells into DC cells using cytokines. Fully matured DC cells can then be loaded with a target protein and injected into mouse.
- -Proficient at various software platforms such as Prism for statistical analysis of acquired data.
- -Histology techniques such as multi-staining OPAL to view on fluorescent microscope.
- -Preparation and analysis of RNA sequence data
Research Associate
UAMS Microbiology and Immunology, Little Rock AR
Little Rock, AR
01.2019 - 10.2021
- Project: To elucidate the mechanism that Myxoma virus uses to evade cell innate immunity and suppress the iFN response. This was done using a multifaceted strategy from viral manipulation to testing in the host organism.
- Techniques Learned
- -Creating and performing the labs SOP’s
- -Designing experiments to answer specific questions from an immunological and molecular biology perspective
- -DNA procedures such as DNA/RNA isolation, DNA transformation and transfection, gel electrophoresis, cDNA synthesis, PCR, qPCR and cloning using restriction/digestion, gateway, Gibson assembly.
- -Basic Cell culture techniques
- -Performed flow cytometry to explore immune responses in extracted mouse cells. Data was analyzed with Flowjo.
- -Western blots to detect levels of viral proteins of interest or host pathways.
- -Manipulating viral genomes using homologous recombination.
Teachers Assistant
UALR Applied Science department, Little Rock AR
Little Rock, AR
09.2012 - 12.2019
- -Instructor for Microbiology, General Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and DNA Forensics;
- -Created balanced lesson plans to suit the needs of each class;
- -Lectured, Graded, and encouraged interest of science for each individual student;
- -Met with students to discuss various subjects;
- -Prepared equipment and lecture for each class;
- Assisted in classroom management, promoting positive student engagement and behavior.
- Supported lead teacher in curriculum preparation and instructional delivery for diverse learners.
Research Assistant
UALR Biology department, Little Rock AR
Little Rock, AR
01.2008 - 09.2011
- -Trained Graduate and under-graduate student’s molecular biology techniques;
- -Created innovative procedures to further explore gene and protein functions;
- -Experienced in oral and written communication (written reports, poster and oral presentations);
- -Leadership of laboratory personnel to common research objectives;
- -Maintained lab equipment and supplies (implemented cost effective techniques);
Education
PhD - Applied Science
University of Arkansas At Little Rock
Little Rock, Arkansas01-2018
Bachelor - Biology with Minor in Chemistry
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, Arkansas01-2011
Associate of Science - undefined
Pulaski Technical College
North Little Rock, AR01-2008
Skills
- -Western blot
- -Differential Centrifugation
- -Flow cytometry and using Flowjo software for analysis
- -Ultra & Super centrifuges
- -GST/HIS purification
- -Chromo Transformation
- -Fluorescent Microscopes
- -Column enrichment of specific cell types
- -RNA seq analysis
- -Various software platforms
- -Protein purification
- -PCR/qPCR
- -DNA isolation methods
- -Sterilization Techniques
- -Histology techniques
- -Gene Silencing
- -Cell Culturing
- -Work with different animal models
- -Maintenance on lab equipment such as centrifuge, autoclave, Nikon microscopes and computer software
- -Training of Graduate and Undergraduate students in the lab on subjects such as sterility, experimental design, bioinformatics and research through journals, Cell Cultures and other biology techniques
- -Training the Biology department on how to use the microscopes and computer software
- -Managing the lab by helping coworkers with project, keeping up with the lab supplies, and ordering through UALR vendors
- -Work with other Lab PI’s to facilitate inter-departmental cooperation for use of resources and equipment
- -Interpreted Results and Created Experimental Design to test different hypotheses from projects through researching journals and current scientific understanding
- -Work with popular software to record and display results for an audience
Timeline
Research Associate
UAMS Microbiology and Immunology, Little Rock AR
01.2021 - Current
Research Associate
UAMS Microbiology and Immunology, Little Rock AR
01.2019 - 10.2021
Teachers Assistant
UALR Applied Science department, Little Rock AR
09.2012 - 12.2019
Research Assistant
UALR Biology department, Little Rock AR
01.2008 - 09.2011
Bachelor - Biology with Minor in Chemistry
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Associate of Science - undefined
Pulaski Technical College
PhD - Applied Science
University of Arkansas At Little Rock