Yasamin Badiei

Graduate Research AssistantFull Time

• Job Details:Investigated the ability of BirA enzyme variants to catalyze the biotinylation of bio-5’-AMP through the use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, UV-VIS, and gel electrophoresis to analyze protein samples • Designed primers, prepared cell cultures and conducted experiments for the expression of BirA enzyme variants using molecular cloning techniques as DNA isolation, PCR and transformation into E.coli cells • Calibrated lab equipment and handled solutions using pipettes, pH meters, ultracentrifuge, and balance • Revised and corrected grant proposals in accordance to NIH guidelines that led to new funding • Presented scientific findings in weekly group meetings to discuss the metabolic role of biotin • Reviewed scientific literature and made innovations in chemical experiments that led to better binding • Collected and analyzed biophysical data to prepare reports using software such as GraphPad Prism • Researched biotechnology instrumentation and held responsibility for purchasing lab equipment • Trained and supervised undergraduates in learning basic skills in the lab in less than a month