Mara L. Jeffress, Ph.D.

Objective

A challenging position that allows me to creatively use my diverse skills in research, medicine, education, business and policy.

Summary

Over 10 years of molecular biology research experience in both academia and industry in the areas of cloning, cell culture including primary tissue culture, cancer biology, cellular signaling, biomarker detection, drug discovery, protein purification, DNA sequencing, yeast genetics, genetic library (both RNAi (shRNA) and cDNA) screening, primer design for quantitative RT-PCR, qPCR, immunolocalization, western blot, RNA isolation, microarray assays, nucleic acid hybridization assays, fluorescence spectroscopy, radiolabeling, high-throughput genomics, drug-resistance assay and diagnostics development for HIV and malaria, genomic and proteomic technology development, including  two-hybrid development for human parasites, project design, experiemental design, technical writing, data analysis and database management.

Unusual amount of business experience in both small and large companies for a recent Ph.D. graduate. Past positions include administration, research, business development and production management.  Solid experience coordinating and managing a wide range of projects in fast-paced environments.

Strong written communications - chosen by supervisors and peers to write or edit peer-reviewed papers, press releases, summaries, regular reports and training manuals and invited to write scientific review article.

Experienced speaker who has presented independent research at 6 regional, 4 national and 3 international scientific meetings and given genetics and malaria seminars to high school teachers, college and high school students, members of Congress, Congressional staff and the lay public.

International experience includes living, teaching and working in Mexico, Singapore, Nepal and Australia. Strong desire to learn new languages. Willing and able to travel.                                   

Education

Ph.D. Molecular & Cellular Biology, 2004. University of Washington, Seattle.
Dissertation: “Identification of putative P. falciparum mefloquine resistance genes”
GPA 3.65/4.0

B.A. Honors Biology, with specialty in Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC).
Thesis: “Identification and characterization of novel retinal protein in the pineal gland of the California River Lamprey"
GPA 3.95/4.0

B.A. Philosophy, University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC).
Awarded High Honors on Philosophy Senior Comprehensive Examination.

Special Achievement: Asked by Biology Dept. to design and teach new Bioethics class, during senior year.

Post Graduate Awards and Honors

Elected President, Association of Women in Science (AWIS), East Bay Chapter (2007-2008).
Elected Vice President, Association of Women in Science (AWIS), East Bay Chapter (2006-2007).
Invited participant (top 10%), Insight Healthcare, McKinsey & Co., Park City, Utah (2006).
Christine Mirazayan Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, National Academy of Science (2005)
Joint Steering Committee for Public Policy Congressional Travel Award, (2004 and 2007).
Graduate School Fund for Excellence and Innovation Award, UW (2003).
Scholarship Recipient, Keystone Symposia, Malaria’s Challenge (2002).
Award for Medical Service, Helping Hands Nepal, Khandbari Hospital, Nepal (1996).

Undergraduate Awards and Honors

Honors (top 10%) in Biology Major, UCSC.
College Honors (top 5%), College 8, UCSC.
High Honors (top 5%) on Philosophy Senior Comprehensive Exam, UCSC.
College 8 Service and Humanitarian Award, College 8, UCSC.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, National Science Foundation.
University of California Chancellor's Scholarship for outstanding entering freshman.

Professional Achievements

Integrative Cancer Biology Program Fellow, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 2006 - present
Drs. Paul Yaswen & Joe Gray Laboratories, Department of Cancer Biology in the Life Sciences Division.
* Independently investigating breast cancer cellular signaling for biomarker, drug resistance and drug discovery applications.
* Actively participating in large multi-site program project that integrates computer and experimental biologists to create in silico models of cancer.

Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, 2005
Dr. Garret Yount Laboratory, Department of Cancer Biology
* Developed gene array protocols to analyze human blood for increased immune signals during clinical trials.

Science & Technology Policy Postdoctoral Fellow, The National Academies, Washington, DC, 2005
Board of Science Technology & Economic Policy and Program for Science Technology and Law
* Analyzed global patent and intellectual property trends of genomics and proteomics.
* Assisted expert committee in daily policy study activities: prepared regular reports and presentations; summarized key activities, progress and issues; worked effectively with a diverse team of legal, academic and business experts.
* Provided analytical and research support to enhance decision-making and recommendation development: gathered data; generated and maintained database; prepared regular reports; wrote chapter of final report to the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Owner, Mara Jeffress Consulting, Seattle, WA and Orinda, CA, 2004-2006
* Founded own company and developed client base, while in graduate school earning a science Ph.D.
* Five clients included small business owners ($100K/yr) in the healthcare, education and services industries.
* Assisted clients in setting priorities and business and financial goals, increasing profits by 25-100%.
* Identified opportunities for strategic alliances and provided marketing and advertising support.  

Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 2004
Ph.D. Candidate, 1998-2004
Dr. Stanley Fields Laboratory, Departments of Genome Sciences & Medical Genetics, HHMI
* Independently studied mechanisms of malaria drug resistance.
* Developed high thru-put proteomic technology to study malaria as part of a team.
* Discovered novel drug-resistance genes, aiding in future anti-malarial drug development.
* Developed new widely applicable genome-wide assay for drug resistance genes.
* Published first-author paper in peer-reviewed journal and invited to write review article.
* Promoted to postdoctoral researcher on successful completion of Ph.D.

Research Assoc. II, Chiron Corp., Emeryville, CA, 1997-1998
* Developed HIV clinical diagnostics assay as part of a small research team.
* Presented weekly reports to associates, senior scientists and upper management.
* Wrote most protocols and technical documents for team.
* Only Research Associate chosen to join new products strategy development group.

Executive Assistant to V.P. of Training, PRIMESTAR, Bala Cynwyd, PA, 1997
* Coordinated 20 training seminars nationwide within one year.
* Edited training manuals.

Executive Assistant to CEO, J. Babington, Inc., Orinda, CA, 1996-1997
* Provided high quality administrative support and customer service.
* Maintained confidentiality in sensitive million dollar real estate negotiations.

Adventurer, South Pacific, Australia, SE Asia & Nepal, 1995-1996
* Developed keen negotiating skills in multiple cultures.
* Maintained self-confidence in stressful and constantly changing situations.
* Launched own tutoring business in foreign nation.

Production Manager, TUT Systems, Pleasant Hill, CA, 1994
* Managed, hired and trained all 5 production staff for small computer engineering firm.
* Responsible for all sourcing, purchasing, procurement, inventory, manufacturing and shipping of entire product line.
* Negotiated contracts with shipping multinationals resulting in savings of 40% (~$32,000).
* Produced financial, inventory and production reports for Vice President and CEO.

Research Assistant, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1992-1993
Dr. Roberto Bogomolni Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,UCSC
* Researched independently identifying new photo-active protein.
* Developed protocol for efficient Schiff's base reduction in membrane proteins.

Volunteer Achievements

Marketing and Outreach Ambassador, California Shakespeare Theater Company, Berkeley CA, 2006-present
* Marketed and sold tickets for nationally acclaimed theater company to patrons 35 and under.
* Outsold all other members of Ambassador team.

Director of Development, 1000 Miles for Medical Aid, Orinda, CA, 2005
* Developed and implemented fundraising hike-a-thon for medical aid in the third world.
* Wrote press releases, managed public relations, gave interviews to the press.
* Secured sponsorship funding from both corporate and private donors.
* Completed 1000 mile solo wilderness hike in 2 months, raising ~$3000.
* News articles, including 2 front page features, appeared in: The San Francisco Chronicle, The Marin Independent Journal, The Contra Costa Sun, Backpacking Today Online, December Trail, Canada Reporter Daily, Nepal Daily News, UCSC Chemistry News, Washington Alpine Club Newsletter, Columns Magazine.

Cook/Server, Miriam’s Kitchen for the Homeless, Washington, DC, 2005

Committee Co-Chair, Bioscience Career Seminar Series, UW, Seattle, 2002-2004
* Organized and coordinated monthly career seminar for biological scientists
* Invited speakers, arranged travel, planned 19 seminars, and raised funds.
* Scheduled and facilitated meetings, prepared minutes, and managed timelines and budget.
* Designed and maintained seminar website: http://courses.washington.edu/phd
* Raised $15,000 annually from multiple sources.

Science Judge, Lakeside School panel, Lakeside School, Seattle, WA, 2000 & 2001
Science Judge, Edmonds Science Night, Edmonds High School, WA, 2001

Science Mentor, Hutch High, Science Ed. Partnership, FHCRC, Seattle, WA, 2001
Science Mentor, Gear-Up leader, Program for minority students, UW, 2000-2001

Medical Assistant, Haight-Asbury Free Medical Clinic, San Francisco, CA, 1994-1999
* Worked in close contact with patients both independently and with nurses and doctors in Emergency Service and semi-theater situations.

Medical Assistant, Khandbari Hospital, Khandbari, NEPAL, 1996
* Observed and assessed sterile protocols in third world hospital.

Research Assistant, NSW Natl. Parks and Wildlife Environ. Survey & Research, NSW, AUSTRALIA. 1995
* Surveyed water bird populations, water chemistry, maintained lab equipment.

Teaching Achievements

Teaching Assistant, "SCIENCE EDUCATION PARNERSHIP", Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, 2000
* Designed and taught genetic intensives to high school teachers.
* Developed WA state molecular biology laboratory curriculum in partnership with local high school teachers.

Teaching Assistant, "GENETICS ", Department of Genetics, UW, Seattle, 2000
* Administered papers and exams to, led 2 weekly discussion sections for and evaluated the performance of 75 students.
* Topics included basic genetics, genetics and society, ethics of genetics in the courtroom.
* Rated as "excellent" instructor by nearly all students attending.

English Teacher, Singapore, 1995-6
* Taught English as a second language to students aged 4 to 64 in classes of 7-20 pupils.
* Specialized in English curriculum for Japanese business professionals.

Tutor, Biochemistry, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, 1995-6
* Initiated and directed own tutoring business for Asian high school and college students.

Lecturer, "BIOETHICS", Department of Biology, UCSC, 1993
* Developed new curriculum for and taught Bioethics course.
* Topics included: genetically modified crops, human subjects experimentation, use of animals in medical research, genetics and the problem of eugenics , genetic screening and privacy.
* Rated excellent: 32% stating it was their "best course at university."

Teaching Assistant, "BIOCHEMISTRY LAB", Department of Chemistry, UCSC, 1993
* Administered exams to, led two weekly 8 hour lab sections for and evaluated the performance of 8 students.
* Rated as "excellent" instructor by nearly all students attending.

Teaching Assistant, "PHYSIOLOGY & GYNECOLOGY", Department of Biology, UCSC, 1991
* Administered papers and exams to, led 2 weekly discussion sections for and evaluated the performance of 60 students.
* Rated as "excellent" instructor by nearly all students attending.

Publications

Tilghman, S. et al. “Reaping the Benefits of Genomic and Proteomic Research: Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation, and Public Health”, National Academies , National Research Council, 2006.

Jeffress, M & Fields, S. Identification of putative P. falciparum Mefloquine resistance genes,
Mol Biochem Parasitol. 2005 Feb;139(2):133-9. PubMed Abstract

Jeffress, M. Uncovering the Secrets of Washington Policy. in In Focus, Vol. 5, No. 2, The National Academies, 2005

Conference Presentations

Integrative Cancer Biology Program Junior Investigators Meeting, National Cancer Institute, Cambridge, MA - August 2008
Organizing committee member

siRNA Consortium Meeting, Berkeley, CA - August 2008
Organizing committee Co-Chair

siRNA Consortium Meeting, San Deigo, CA - April 2008
“Differential effects of Mek1 and Mek2 inhibition on cellular proliferation of malignant and non-malignant human breast cells.”

Plexxikon Corp. , Berkeley, CA - November 2007 (invited talk)
“Differential effects of Mek1 and Mek2 inhibition on cellular proliferation of malignant and non-malignant human breast cells.”

AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA - October 2007
“Differential effects of Mek1 and Mek2 inhibition on cellular proliferation of malignant and non-malignant human breast cells.”

Integrative Cancer Biology Program Junior Investigators Meeting, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD - October 2007
Session-chair

siRNA Consortium Meeting, San Francisco, CA - August 2007
"RNAi-mediated delineation of Raf-Mek-Erk signaling specificity in human breast cells."

Lawrence Berkeley Lab, Life Science Division Meeting, Oakland, Ca - November 2006
Organizing committee member, Session-chair

Seattle Protozoology Conference, Seattle, WA
“ Identification of putative mefloquine resistance genes P. falciparum” - May 2004
“ Identification of genes that affect sensitivity to the antimalarial drug mefloquine” - March 2003
“ Identifying genes which affect sensitivity to the antimalarial drug mefloquine” - March 2001

Molecular Approaches to Malaria, Lorne, Australia - Feb. 2004
“ A yeast screen for P. falciparum mefloquine resistance genes”

MCB Symposium, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA - Oct. 2003
Session-chair

Malaria’s Challenge & Drugs Against Tropical Protozoan Parasites, Keystone, CO - March 2002
“ A yeast screen for Plasmodium falciparum mefloquine resistance genes”
* scholarship recipient

Other Skills

Languages: Native: English; Basic: French; Minimal: Japanese, Spanish, Indonesian/Malay & Nepali
Computer: PC, Mac, some UNIX; MS Office, genetic and network analysis programs
Web & Graphics: HTML, Dreamweaver, Adobe Creative Suite, formally trained photographer

Professional Associations

American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Coalition for the Life Sciences (CLS) - formerly Joint Steering Committee for Public Policy (JSCPP)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Associate for Women in Science (AWIS) - National and East Bay chapters
Genetics Society of America (GSA) ex-member
American Society of Microbiologists (ASM) ex-member

Personal References

In order to protect the privacy of those serving as references, they are not listed here but are available upon request.