MIKE DESARRO:

Mike A. DeSarro

1001 Cypress Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80521 Cell: 310-871-8323

OBJECTIVE STATEMENT

I am an experienced young research professional looking to solve global health issues by scientific discoveries.

SUMMARY OF SKILLS

  • Biochemistry: spectrophotometry, DNA purification, gas chromatography, histochemistry, electrophoresis, pulse oximetry, osmometry
  • Cell biology: cell culture (algal, bacterial, fungal, mammalian), flow cytometry, microbial fermentation, light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, aseptic technique
  • Molecular biology: PCR, DNA cloning, restriction digests, nucleotide sequence analysis
  • Managerial Duties:training employees on proper equipment use and assay execution, developing standard operating procedures,ordering lab equipment and consumables, maintaining calibration of equipment.
  • Software Proficiency:Guava Cytosoft, InCyte, Chemstation, A Plasmid Editor (ApE), Olympus Imaging software, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), SCADA systems,and Microsoft Office
  • Personal Attributes: time management, organizational management, team building, customer service, multitasking, First Aid and CPR certified

EDUCATION

Master’s of Science in Microbiology and Immunology

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. Expected graduation May 2017.

Bachelor’s of Science in Biological Science with focus on cellular, molecular, and genetic biology

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. Graduated May 2010.

  • Honors:Received an Outstanding Service Award from the College of Natural Sciences for excellent contributions to the Tutorial Hall Program.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Atlas Biologicals, Fort Collins, Colorado June 2016 to Present

A key contributor to the quality and research and development teams that manufacture the highest quality bovine serum products for cell culture and diagnostic applications.

Quality Control/ Research & Development Associate

  • Working with local government agencies and laboratories to ensure the qualityof the product per the FDA medical device requirements, which includes testing for viruses, bacteria, and harmful chemical agents.
  • Testing effectiveness of different serum products withcustomer’s cell lines in competition cell proliferation experiments.
  • Developing methods for analyzing Bovine IgG in a high throughput manner to better identify the quality of bovine serum down to the individual calf.

MIKE DESARRO:

Solix Algredients, Fort Collins, Colorado

January 2008 to March 2016

MIKE DESARRO:

An active associate of the biology team that worked with marine and fresh-water algal species to optimize production of variousproducts, including hydrocarbons for biofuels and carotenoids for nutraceuticals. The obtained results helped tobring in more than $60 million of venture investments to the company.

Research Associate (2012 - 2016, 2010- 2012)/Laboratory Manager Assistant (2008 - 2009)

  • Developed methods for flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, spectrophotometry and PCR to analyze culture growth and health.
  • Characterized and optimized growth and lipid/carotenoid productivity for 18 strains of microalgae and cyanobacteria.
  • Identified algal species and contaminating organisms bymolecular ID: PCR amplified and sequencedportions of 18S rRNA or ITS regions.
  • Successfully developed a system for fermentative conditions and demonstrated an increase in cell densities related to previous regimes.
  • Cultivated and harvested 4000 liters of microalgae in outdoor photo-bioreactors and monitored via SCADA system.
  • Properly trained 6 employees on laboratory standard operating procedures and equipment maintenance.
  • Maintained and scheduled calibrationof the laboratory pipettes, balances, instruments.
  • Procured and stocked laboratory consumables and chemicals.

MIKE DESARRO:

Amgen Inc., Longmont, Colorado

May 2012 to October 2012

MIKE DESARRO:

A dedicated member of the night shift manufacturing team thatproduced large batches of human therapeutics in ISO10000 clean rooms to produce world-class biologic medicines.

Manufacturing Technician

  • MonitoredCHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cell health by measuring pH, conductivity, osmotic strength, and cell counts.
  • Preparedlarge-scaleDMEM media batches, whichinvolved vessel CIP (clean in place), and SIP (sterilization), and batching components using a SCADA system.
  • Recorded detailed logs into a laboratory information management system (LIMS) to satisfy the CGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Processes) regulations from the Food and Drug Administration.
  • Performed steps for glass washing and autoclaving materials used in manufacturing to same federal standards.

MIKE DESARRO:

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

Summer 2010

MIKE DESARRO:

Dr. Alan Schenkel’s laboratory in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathologyspecializes in leukocyte migration and function of cell adhesion molecules.Personal research involvement in the laboratory was on pulmonary fibrosis.

Lab Assistant

  • Extracted mRNA from mouse lung tissue that codes for associated collagen forming proteins. Created cDNA libraries of the transcripts in plasmids.
  • Completed training courses in safe laboratory animal handling and sheltering to assist in bronchoalveolar lavage treatments on laboratory mice for inducing pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Stained the collagen in the tissues using Masson’s Trichrome and evaluated health by microscopy.
  • Familiar withBiosafety Level 3 environments.

MIKE DESARRO:

Colorado State University, Institute of Learning and Teaching (TILT), Fort Collins, Colorado

Spring 2010

MIKE DESARRO:

Physics Tutor

  • Tutored undergraduate General Physics Courses I and II by aiding students in homework assignments and examination preparation.