Melanie Blaylock

EXPERIENCE

Novartis Gene Therapies Quality Control Analyst  

July 20- January 2022

• Perform in vivo potency and characterization assay in support of release Zolgensma, a gene therapy product for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). 
• Perform tasks necessary for the husbandry and study of rodent models of disease (adeno-associated virus (AAV) intracranially.
• Organize, schedule, and execute testing.
• Review QC testing data and results
• Determine cause of deviations and non-conforming results
• Maintain and ensure safe laboratory environment and work practices. 
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOP) and IACUC protocols.

Novartis Scientist 1 

August 2015- January 2020

• Scheduling the injection and pipeline of the generation of 100+ mutant mouse models with 1-5 allele variations via methods like electroporation, microinjection, and iGONAD, as well as aid in genotyping. 
• Performed embryo sorting and transferring for successful reproduction techniques
• Assisted Reproduction Techniques                                       
• In vitro fertilization
• Vitrification
• Cryopreservation
• Electroporation
• Rederivation
• Hormone priming 
• Monitoring of procedures such as semen and embryos for Cryopreservation, IUI and IVF, oocyte identification for IVF, embryo culture and grading, sperm, oocyte, and embryo cryopreservation (vitrification)
• Base member on committee reviewing projects in proposal assessment, issues postproduction with animal concerns, phenotype or genotype issues, investigating homozygous lethality, and assisting in utilizing animals for intended study purposes while maintaining records and assisting in developing updated SOPs.
• Primary investigator on the cryopreservation protocol for both sperm and embryos, as well as carrying out the procedure and categorizing samples in LN2. 
• Creation and organization of specimen inventories for traceability, analysis, and long-term sustainability plans
• Gene editing techniques involving CRISPR
• RO, SQ, IP, Cardiac bleeds, and Intravenous techniques 
• Volunteer organization as American Association Board of Directors from 2015-2019
• Experimental design, planning, execution, and maintenance

Novartis Vivarium Associate II

November 2013- August 2015

• Managed 100+ transgenic breeding colonies with various modalities and oversaw room technicians
• Lead technician in performing compound injections via various routes, bleeds, and treatments, also organizing, setting up, and following through with termination of the study. 
• Experimental design, planning, execution, and maintenance
• Various tumor cell lines were implanted, animals were dosed and weighed
• Extensive involvement in Ckit projects with irradiating, determining humanization percentages, grouping, dosing, and finalizing data. 
• Generational production of ENU mice groups and implementation of novel techniques to reduce the timeline for achieving age-matched cohorts. 
• TUMOR, BSL II, EAE, TERATOMA, IHC, ETC. 
• Tg(Bcl2) colony was maintained, dosed, assessed, and dissected during the availability of necessary antibodies. 
• Training and evaluation of junior and senior staff
• Coordinate personnel schedules for adequate staffing coverage of the laboratories
• Pharmacokinetic studies with breeding, dosing, evaluating, necropsy, and histology.
• Coordinate with, and report to the Laboratory Director on the execution and implementation of specific tasks.  SOP’s and policies followed and written 
• Design and execute experiments, collect, and analyze data, and interpret results to draw meaningful conclusions
• Support junior and senior staff with proper techniques
• Develop and execute novel SOP’s
• Maintenance and control of DEA drugs. 

 Pfizer Animal Technician 

September 2011-November 2013

• Lead in immunocompromised, BSL II, telemetry, dog, and ferret rooms. 
• SME for ferrets, implementing enrichment and socialization programs and husbandry while providing training for staff. 
• Assisted in administering intranasal flu variants.   
• Maintained, socialized, and assisted with study processes in canine work. 

University of California at San Diego- Laboratory Assistant 

June 2010-September 2011

• Maintained animal breeding colony and performed behavioral experiment techniques involving addiction utilizing Signal Technician Technique (STD).
• Rodent surgeries were performed with follow-through to dosing and necropsy. 
• Behavioral studies performed in stereotaxic, signal detection task, and intravenous cannulation surgery 

University of California at San Diego- Animal Technician

September 2009-June 2011

• Maintained rat and mouse breeding colony, providing daily husbandry and record keeping. 
• Stocked, cleaned, and disinfected animal spaces.
• Execute dosing 

University of Hawaii at Manoa- Animal/Laboratory Technician 

August 2007-May 2009

• A variety of behavioral tests were performed with hamsters, ferrets, marmosets, and rodents. 
• Stereotaxic surgery on mice and rats. 
• PCR techniques, drug preparation, administration, necropsy, tissue collection, and histology performed as needed. 

•Master of Behavioral Science Forensic Psychology   (currently enrolled)

•American Association of Laboratory Animal Science

   Laboratory Animal Technician  (LATg)

•University of Hawaii at Manoa   BA Focus Psychology                   Behavioral Neuroscience