Jessica Lee Schneller

National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD

Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, June 2012 – May 2013.

Post-Baccalaureate IRTA Fellow

• Manufactured B19 virus using technology for AAV production for use in biomedical research. Cloned B19 genome into pFastBac plasmid backbone for introducing into the baculovirus system. Sf9 insect cells were infected with the B19-pFB clone to produce B19 capsid. Project incorporated laboratory techniques including DNA mini and midi prep, enzyme cut of DNA by EcoRI and NotI enzymes, ligation for cloning, DNA gel electrophoresis, and ultimately B19 capsid protein characterization by Western Blot and Electron Microscopy.

• Presented written and oral progress reports at bi-monthly lab meetings including PowerPoint presentations of quantitative (concentration measurements) and qualitative (i.e. Western blot) data. 

• Expressed Rep protein with maltose binding protein fusion tag in E. coli expression system for further use by lab staff scientist; purified and characterized the protein by measuring concentration via wavelength absorption, performing Western blot and blue stain analysis to confirm presence of protein.

 

Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, June – August 2011, 2007, 2006. Summer Laboratory Assistant

• Performed various laboratory procedures, such as plaque assays and harvesting of plaques, Western blots, etc. for analyzing the potential of the AAV virus for gene therapy treatment.

• Assisted post-doctoral researchers working on mass-production of AAV virus for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Tested for ideal level of sonication of cells using Microsoft Excel to graph results.  

 

Peggy Guggenheim Collection; Venice, Italy, March – May 2010. Museum Intern

• Performed various basic functions of running the museum, including preparing the galleries prior to opening, guarding the rooms, speaking in Italian to answer questions from the public and sell tickets and museum guides, and closing the museum at the end of the day.