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Lauren J. Simmons [email protected] 180 Jackson St NE. Apt 5203 Atlanta, GA 30312 (404) 831-1457 (mobile) EDUCATION Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta GA Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences. September 2016 Spelman College, Atlanta GA B.S. in Biology. May 2009 Henderson High School, West Chester, PA High School Diploma. May 2005 SKILLS and TECHNIQUES Sterile mammalian cell culture Bacterial cell culture RNA isolation and analysis Protein isolation and analysis Western Blot technology RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/gel electrophoresis Immuno-cytochemistry Immuno-histocychemistry siRNA-mediated gene silencing Enzyme-linked immune assay (ELISA) Nitrite release Bioinformatics analysis Aseptic cell handling RESEARCH EXPERIENCE MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Neuroscience Institute, Atlanta GA Ph.D. Candidate September 2016 Dissertation research examined the roles of neuregulin-1(NRG-1) in the activation of transcriptional regulators of inflammatory gene expression both in vivo and in vitro in microglial cells. Used CONFAC bioinformatics analysis to predict transcriptional regulators involved with inflammatory genes induced following stroke and suppressed by NRG-1 treatment in vivo NRG-1 mediated inflammatory responses were examined using an in vitro microglial cell line pretreated with NRG-1 followed by lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Luminex technology was used to examine the effects of NRG-1 on cytokine production Western blot technology was used to analyze protein expression ELISA was used for quantification Extensively reviewed literature in order to develop a novel research project Provided technical advice and assistance to PI, other lab members, and students Prepared and edited scientific manuscript for publication Communicated results of dissertation research via presentations and scientific conferences Supervised undergraduate students and trained them on new equipment, maintenance, lab procedures and safety Monitor laboratory practices for ways to improve workflow and organization SPELMAN COLLEGE Department of Biology, Atlanta GA Research Assistant Investigated the antibiotic resistance gene Atwbc19 to understand the mechanisms involved Cultured Escherichia coli DH5a on Luria-Bertani (LB) media Reviewed literature for information pertaining to current investigations and compiled findings Prepared reagents and supplies Participated in laboratory maintenance activities such as sterilization and cleaning of equipment Maintained records, files, and logs of work performed in laboratory notebooks NORFOLK STATE Center for materials research (CMR) Norfolk, VA Internship August 2008-April 2009 May 2008- August 2008 Utilized microwave heating and finding ideal conditions to make polymers/modifying surface materials for biomedical use. Planned, set up experiments as instructed by the principal investigator Analyzed and interpreted results from experiments Prepared reagents and supplies Responsible for sterilization TEACHING AND MENTORING 2016 Biology lab instructor, Emory University Lecture students on laboratory safety, sterile techniques, model organisms, microscope usage, critical thinking, experimental design, as well as how to create a scientific poster Supervise students during laboratory experiments Grade student assignments and maintain a gradebook Acquire all materials, and supplies needed for lab each week 2016 Tutor, Dogwood Tutoring Assist in preparing students for the reading/language section of the SAT Tutoring students in Biology 2016 Graduate Assistant, S.T.E.A.M academy, Morehouse school of Medicine Taught high school students sterile culture cell, perform western blot, as well as RT-PCR and gel electrophoresis Presented a lecture on how to critically read and evaluate scientific papers Assisted in helping high school students develop and present a research proposal Planned and set up experiments Prepared reagents and supplies 2016 Judge, 2016 Spelman College Research Day Reviewed oral presentations of biology major students Asked them questions related to the research topics 2014-2016 Training new students on laboratory protocols/procedures and data analysis Trained students how to properly maintain records and logs of work performed in laboratory notebook, as well as safety Trained students on sterile cell culture, as well as protocols and procedures routinely, performed in the lab Judge, 2013 Spelman College Research Day Reviewed oral presentations of biology major students Asked them questions related to the research topics 2013 2012-2013 2010 2009 2007 Tutor, Biochemistry and Organs and Systems, Morehouse school of Medicine Teaching Assistant, Cells & Tissues Laboratory Course, Morehouse school of Medicine Planned and set up experiments as instructed Graded laboratory quizzes Prepared reagents and supplies Student instructor, Ben Carson Science Academy at Morehouse school of Medicine YMCA camp counselor, Hendersonville TN FELLOWSHIPS 2010 Morehouse School of Medicine NIH MBRS-RISE Fellow PRESENTATIONS L.Simmons, Z.XU, A.Gates, G.D Ford, B.D Ford. Transcription factors involved in the neuroprotective effect of NRG-1 following transient ischemic stroke Poster presentation abstract, 2012 Curtis Parker Student Research Symposium, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. L. Simmons, Z.XU, A.Gates, G.D Ford, B.D Ford. NRG-1 attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokines. Poster presentation abstract, 2013 Curtis Parker Student Research Symposium, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. L. Simmons, Z.XU, A.Gates, G.D Ford, B.D Ford. NRG-1 attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokines. Poster presentation abstract, 2013 Health Disparities Conference, New Orleans, LA. L. Simmons, Z.XU, A.Gates, G.D Ford, B.D Ford. NRG-1 attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokines through the NF-kaapaB signaling pathway. Poster presentation abstract, 2014 Curtis Parker Student Research Symposium, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. PUBLICATIONS Lauren J. Simmons, Monique Surles-Zeigler, Yonggang Li, Gregory D. Ford, Gale D. Newman, Byron Ford. Regulation of inflammatory responses by neuregulin-1 in brain ischemia and microglial cells in vitro involves NF-kappa B pathway. Journal of Neuroinflammation.2016, 13:237 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0703-7 Taína D. Matos, Nacole King, Lauren Simmons, Charmaine Walker, Aliecia R. McClain, Anil Mahapatro, Fred J. Rispoli,Kevin T. McDonnell, Vishal Shah. (2010). Microwave assisted lipase catalyzed solvent-free poly-£-caprolactone synthesis. Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 73-79, 2011