Alex Stefanov, PhD

Experience

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  University of Michigan

  Oct 2012 - Dec 2013

  Undergraduate Research Assistant

  Successfully implanted intracranial optogenetic fibers in mice for preclinical model identifying NAc hedonic hotspots. Set up in-depth optogenetics experiments and practiced rigorous and reproducible data collection in a rodent model. Developed lab knowledgebase through literature review and database optimization with graduate student mentor.

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  Robin8

  Nov 2014 - Jun 2015

  Research Marketing Manager

  Facilitated R&D start-up, clinician, and researcher outreach with local and national media outlets and journalists. Successfully coordinated tradeshows and expos to expand networks of clients that included start-ups and clinics. Developed public awareness of breakthroughs in industry research with curated press releases and online presence.

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  Michigan Neuroscience Institute

  Jun 2015 - Sept 2019

  Research Laboratory Technician

  Elucidated differential expression of hippocampal cell adhesion molecules in preclinical depression-like phenotypes. Optimized behavior testing protocols and animal colony testing, maintenance, data collection, and processing. Expedited project planning, behavior testing paradigms, and data processing for graduates, post-docs, and scientists.

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  Texas A&M Health Science Center

  Sept 2019 - Dec 2023

  Graduate Researcher, PhD Candidate

  Successfully defended dissertation delineating affective and cognitive outcomes of thoracic SCI in preclinical model. Identified sex-dependent hippocampal association between post-SCI depression-like behavior and cognitive decline. Formulated novel method to test hippocampal-associated spatial learning and memory in spinally injured rodents. Awarded 1st place poster presentation three years in a row (2021-23) as Graduate Researcher in Spinal Cord Injury.

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  Amuza Inc.

  Jan 2024 - now

  Research Product Manager

  Developed and customized equipment and protocols for researchers after gaining project development perspectives. Leveraged research experience in managing accounts to establish rapport with researchers to address project needs. Overhauled marketing efforts for mechanobiology and cryopreservation research systems for academia and industry. Published 50+ technical documents, protocols, case studies, catalogs, brochures, and webpages for research clients.