Nico Roppo

About Nico Roppo

Cell Culture Associate Hello! I\'m Nico Roppo, an aspiring immunologist, driven by patient outcomes through quality lab work done to ensure the safety of patients. I have experience in QC Microbiology, upstream/downstream manufacturing, and data visualization. With a broad range of skills, I hope to pursue a PD or PDE role in the future. My current interests include process development in industry and the use of CAR-T cells for cancer(s)/therapy. 🧪 Wet Lab Skills:DNA Extraction/Purification/Isolation: Proficient in various DNA extraction techniques, ensuring high-quality DNA for downstream applications.Basic Organic Synthesis: Experienced in synthesizing organic compounds for use in biochemical assays and experiments.RT-PCR/q-PCR: Skilled in performing real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for gene expression analysis and quantification.Gel Creation/Running: Proficient in agarose gel preparation and electrophoresis for DNA and protein analysis.Distillation: Knowledgeable in distillation techniques for purifying compounds and solvents in the laboratory.TLC (Thin-Layer Chromatography): Experienced in using TLC for qualitative analysis and separation of complex mixtures.Forensic Analysis: Familiar with forensic techniques used in biochemical analysis, contributing to accurate and reliable results.Other Modern Biochemistry Techniques: Well-versed in a variety of modern biochemistry techniques, including enzyme assays, protein purification, and spectroscopic analysis. Data Managment Skills:Data Visualization: Proficient in creating visually compelling representations of biological data, enabling clear interpretation and decision-making.Data Manipulation: Skilled in manipulating and analyzing life science datasets using Python, C#, and C++, with a focus on extracting valuable insights and patterns.Programming Languages: Experienced in developing algorithms and software solutions to address bioinformatics challenges and enhance data analysis workflows. Areas of Interest:Aptamers: Fascinated by the potential of aptamers in targeted drug delivery and eager to explore their applications in biochemistry and molecular biology.Immunology: My interests include exploring the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal transplants to optimize gut microbiota, as well as cutting-edge therapies like CAR-T cells, which harness the body\'s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.

Experience

1. Cell Culture Associate

   Amgen

   Oct 2024 — Present · West Greenwich, RI, US

   Performs inoculation operations from vial thawing to shake flask inoc. as well as media prep/thaw/addition -Small scale SUS mfg environment of CHO cells starting at cell bank through production bioreactors and harvest - Support NPI of 3 molecules at Amgens SUS manufacturing environment - Titer testing for protein concentration - UV Vis testing for protein determination- Handling of minor deviations: OPL’s, CAPA’s, and SOP revision -Perform routine sampling including: CEDEX Bioassay(s)[Glucose,Lactate, Amino Acid(s), and Ammonia], Osmolality, HiRes, Cell Counting/Cell Viability, Inline/Offline sampling, etc- Sets up, operates, and breaks down shake flasks and large scale single use bioreactor (SUB)/ pool vessels (SUBPV) setups (5,10,50,200,500, and L)- Performs equipment preparation activities such as autoclave, parts washer, and manual cleans for DO/pH probes, ATF’s, carboys, etc- Runs ATF operations, including building, breaking down, and connecting to SUS’s with the use of DELTAV - Performs Bubble Point tests to ensure our UF (Ultrafiltration) and MF (Microfiltration) filters are prepared for use - Use of automation through our eBR (electronic batch record) to ensure correct activity performance- Tests TOC, Conductivity, and endotoxin samples from man cleans - Performs harvest activities such as depth filtration and alternating tangential flow filtration (ATF), Extended Microfiltration (XMF), and SPTFF to hand off to purification team- Performs routine standardization and maintenance on all equipment (SUVs, SUBs, Probes, etc)- Use Pi Vision and Delta V to monitor and control SUB/SUBPV to ensure proper conditions for CHO cells - Setup/Breakdown/Troubleshoot cell harvest operations through the use of Millipore stack depth filtration, PHT, and filter integrity to ensure proper setup - Proficient in four production (CP4,AMG157,ABP654, AMG757) operations

Education

• University of Maryland Baltimore County

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology