John Onwuasoanya

Fully automated an Illumina kit to prepare NGS libraries from RNA.

Oversaw design, purchase, installation, and programming of $2M multi-purpose research platform designed to automate preparation and reads of ELISAs, Flow cytometry, luminescence-based assays, etc. Oversaw design and install of $1M automated Hybridoma screening platform. Worked with outside vendor and business analysts to develop a LIMS system for cell fusions Created several liquid handling and C# scripts to support sample processing. Automated over 50 research workflows and assays on Hamilton and Tecan

Programming, testing and training for new laboratory automation protocols utilizing Tecan and Hamilton liquid handlers for NGS, automated cell culture, high-throughput screening, ELISA, etc for multiple TFA's across Regeneron. Developed custom Venus libraries to simplify coding logic on the Hamilton STAR platform. Oversaw design and install of $1M automated Hybridoma screening platform. Also worked with 3rd party vendor to generate data tracking workflow. Programmed several liquid handling and C# script

o Tested, bug tested, and validated custom methods for automated clinical assays in a high-throughput environment o Trained new analysts on validated methods o Programmed custom methods using Venus II software o Assisted Hamilton technician in diagnosing mechanical issues for repair for laboratory robots o Discovered and developed solutions to various problems that arose with 384 format. (Humidity, etc) o Created operating procedure for new method o Prepared samples for pre-clinical and clinical serology (a

Students 2 Science is a non-profit organization that works with middle school students in New Jersey to provide them with an authentic laboratory experience. Students 2 Science’s goal is to foster a love of STEM fields and encourage them to become future leaders in these areas. Students are encouraged to solve problems using analytical chemistry tools such as UV-spec, dissolution, HPLC, gas chromatography and more. My roles at Students 2 Science involve working with and mentoring the students, coordinati

eCYBERMISSION is a national science competition in which students in the 6th through 9th grade use science, technology, engineering, or math to solve a problem in their community. My goal is to recruit as many students, team advisers, and judges as possible to take part in the competition. My focus is on urban and disadvantaged school districts whose students may not be able to see things of this nature and use this competition to motivate and inspire them. As of January 2013 deadline, over 250 students

During the summer of 2011, I worked with Collins Lab on developing a cell density dependent, multi-species protein expression system using Escherichia coli and Bacillus megaterium. The B. megaterium would produce a signal molecule which when present in sufficiently high concentrations (high density conditions) would cause the E.coli to produce a florescent molecule. My main tasks during the internship involved plasmid construction, plasmid cloning, and cell transformation. In addition I was tasked with e

During the summer of 2010, I worked with a student from the Computational Science Training for Undergraduates in the Mathematical Sciences (CSUMS) on an agent-based mathematical model for Malaria transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa. The model’s goal was to see how different Malaria prevention methods affected the spread of the disease. Other factors we looked at were proximity to a water source, mosquito lifespan, and the season in which the infection was taking place. My role in the project was to improve

At the University of Illinois I worked with Professor Plewa on determining the acute toxicity of water disinfection by-products produced by new treatment methods in Cincinnati’s drinking water. Our goal was to assess the acute toxicity of different water treatment methods and compare them to the proposed treatment methods of low pressure and medium pressure UV irradiation before and after chlorination. Chinese Hamster Ovary cells (CHO cells) were used to assess the toxicity of the various treatment method