Mariantonia Costanza

Generation of a novel approach to mitigate tumor-associated antigen escape through dual CAR- targeting technology

• Contributed to the generation and characterization of a novel CAR-T product targeting lymphomas and tumor microenvironment
• Developed an automate and standardized protocol for T cell manufacturing using CliniMACS Prodigy.
• Attained proficiency in primary cells culture, gene and cell editing, as well as immunological techniques like ELISA, multi-color flow cytometry and metabolomic assays.
• Lead and supervised multiple processes within the CAR-T generation operations (i.e. component preparation manufacturing, CAR-T process, data analysis and evaluation) according to standard operating procedures and batch records to ensure safe and compliant manufacturing operations according to cGMP requirements
• Motivated and trained undergraduated and PhD students and research technicians to maximize team productivity
• Establishing autonomous research and development initiatives for CAR T-cell therapy to achieve both immediate and future goals
• Collaborated with diverse multidisciplinary team members to generate a new CAR-T product
• Maintained high levels of confidentiality to protect data quality and project research
• Monitored current industry trends and adjusted product strategies accordingly

Development of alternative strategies to treat Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) and Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas

• Technical Skills:
  - Cell culture: Culture of primary cells and lymphoma cell lines
  - Molecular biology: cloning, PCR, plasmid preparations, transfections, lentiviral transductions, RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, RT-qPCR
  - Immunology: multi-colour flow cytometry, cell cycle and proliferation assays, transcription factor assays, immune cell isolation
  - Protein: SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry (IHC)
  - Project Management: project coordination, resource planning and stakeholder communication
  - Technical writing: proficiency in MS Office applications generating presentations, SOPs and scientific publications
• Clear and concise communication skills, both written and oral, with extensive experience presenting scientific data/concepts to peers, external stakeholders, and industry professionals at departmental, national and international meetings
• High-level analytical and problem-solving skills demonstrated by managing a multifaceted biomedical research project, resulting in 3 scientific publications and 2 in preparation

Cancer biology/Oncology research focusing on elucidating the biological mechanisms of tumorigenesis induced by transcription factors in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and thereafter, identifying novel therapeutic opportunities.

• Gained expertise within primary cell culture, gene and cell editing, immunology and associated techniques (e.g. ELISA, multi-colour flow cytometry)
• Handled and analyzed large data sets, including bioinformatic gene expression analyses (Microsoft Excel, Prism)
• Presented data at top tier international conferences
• Authored several scientific publications in high impact factor, peer-reviewed journals
• Developed a strong global network of collaborators across more than 15 institutions in Europe and North America, including Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Medical University of Vienna and University of Milano-Bicocca
• Supervised researchers in the lab. Taught experimental techniques and advised with project management
• Undertook a series of applied science workshops across Europe (Clinical Trials, Business in Science, Science Communications etc) broadening skillset and expertise

Cancer biology/Oncology research focusing on the identification and characterization of a new gene mutation found in melanoma cells resistant to vemurafenib.

• Gained expertise within gene and cell editing, and associated techniques (e.g., Knock down of protein expression in eukaryotic cells by shRNA and siRNA, site specific mutagenesis; cell proliferation assay)
• Executed functional genomics screening (CRISPR/Cas9 interference) to target discovery and validation in mammalian systems
• Genetically engineered model cell lines (CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout)
• Conducted RNA and protein analysis (RT-qPCR, Western Blot, multicolor Flow Cytometry)
• Showed ability to work independently, design, execute, interpret and troubleshoot experiments
• Developed excellent communication skills with the proven ability to
  work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
  

Lung cancer research focused on the detection of EGFR mutations in circulating free tumor DNA from NSCLC patients with PCR-clamp with PNA.

• Developed cellular and molecular biology approaches using genomic DNA extraction from plasma and serum
• Gained expertise with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Nested PCR and Real-time PCR with the improvement of Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNA)