Samantha Mendonsa
Berlin
Summary
Dynamic Product Manager with a strong foundation in biomedical research and a proven track record in product knowledge, strategic planning, and science communication. Demonstrated success in driving impactful outcomes at MGI Tech and during doctoral research. Highly adaptable professional with a quick-learning aptitude, excelling in acquiring and applying new knowledge to diverse environments. Passionate about continuous growth, and eager to embrace new challenges within a strong team.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Manager
MGI Tech GmbH
Berlin
07.2023 - Current
- Member of the Europe and Africa Product Team, supporting new NGS products to the EU&AF market, including high-throughput sequencers, environmental DNA workflows and agrigenomics solutions
- Assisted in the development of sales strategies for existing products within Northwest Europe, supporting tenders and sales of >10M Euro
- Conducted training sessions for internal teams, enhancing product knowledge
- Developed comprehensive product training materials for sales teams and distributors
- Coordinated with marketing teams to develop promotional materials and campaigns
- Evaluated competitors' products and services to identify areas of improvement
- Published a Technology Networks Interview: "Teach Me in 10: Changing the norms of NGS, what’s so special about MGI’s DNBSEQ technology?"
Postdoctoral Researcher
Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine
Berlin
02.2023 - 06.2023
- Contributed to and helped complete ongoing projects in the lab resulting in 1 publication
PhD Researcher
Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine
Berlin
09.2017 - 02.2023
- Thesis project focus: Dissecting the mechanisms contributing to RNA localization and translation - study of neuronal zipcodes in primary cortical neurons, and translational changes in neurodegeneration (ALS & CMT)
- Efficiently managed 4 independent and collaborative projects simultaneously, out of which 3 are published
- Planned and conducted a variety of basic and state-of-the-art high-throughput molecular biology & NGS experiments, followed by interpretation of results
- Presented findings to colleagues during international meetings and conferences
- Prepared new research proposals and applied for grants, successfully attaining the DAAD Research Fellowship
- Organized the RNA Club, Berlin - 2022
- Member of PhD Representatives - 2020-2023 - Presented PhD students suggestions and concerns at institutional meetings, coordinated and collaborated on mental health and diversity campaigns, and organised campus events
Education
Ph.D. - Biology
Freie Universität
Berlin, Germany01.2023
Master of Science - Regenerative Medicine
Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine
Bangalore, India01.2017
Skills
- Project & Product management
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Quick comprehension
- Science communication
- Strategic planning
Accomplishments
- MGI Tech Rookie of the Year Award for 2023
- BIONNALE Speed Lecture Award - 2023
- MDC Publication Price - 2021
- DAAD Research Fellowship - 2018-2022
- Best Poster Presentation, MDC-FMP Retreat - 2019
Teaching
- Practical Workshop: 01/2020, 02/2019, 03/2018, Freie Universität, Berlin, Coordinated and conducted an annual practical session for Master students on 'Translational control methods with a practical focus on ribosome profiling'
- Student Supervision: Planned and guided a successful 3 month internship project for a Freie Universität Master student that led to a successful completion and highest evaluation score, 2019; Supervised and trained a student technician from the Max Delbrück Center in experimental design and application during a 6 month rotation, 2021
Publications
- Inga Loedige*, Artem Baranovskii*, Samantha Mendonsa, et. al., mRNA stability and m6A are major determinants of subcellular mRNA localization in neurons; Molecular Cell, 2023
*Co-first author
- Samantha Mendonsa*, Nicolai von Kügelgen*, Sayaka Dantsuji*, Maya Ron*, et. al., Massively parallel identification of mRNA localization elements in primary cortical neurons; Nature Neuroscience, 2023
*Co-first author
- Samantha Mendonsa et. al., Charcot-Marie-Tooth mutation in glycyl-tRNA synthetase stalls ribosomes in a pre-accommodation state and activates integrated stress response; Nucleic Acids Research, 2021
Public Outreach
- PhaenoSlam Wolfsburg, 05/2023, Science Slam presentation.
- Long Night of the Sciences, 05/2023, Organised lab tours for the public.
- Soapbox Science presenter, 05/2023, Gave a 1 hour lecture to advanced science high school students on RNA biology and ALS modelling.
- Wissensstadt Berlin, 05/2021, Volunteer at the MDC stand.
- Berlin Science Week: Reality TV - a day in a biomedical lab, 05/2020, Volunteer at the MDC event.
Affiliations
- Bouldering (with a fear of heights)
- Hiking
- Learning languages: German, Python
- Music (Piano & Singing)
Languages
English
First Language
German
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Timeline
Product Manager
MGI Tech GmbH
07.2023 - Current
Postdoctoral Researcher
Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine
02.2023 - 06.2023
PhD Researcher
Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine
09.2017 - 02.2023
Ph.D. - Biology
Freie Universität
Master of Science - Regenerative Medicine
Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine
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