Ranor C. B. Basa

Experience

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  Pomona College, Pacific Basin Institute

  Oct 2002 - Dec 2003

  * Assisted with general office duties including compiling and managing databases, photocopying, promoting PBI events, and occasionally videotaping PBI events. * Managed film archive by keeping a database of all owned films, backing up VHS and Beta tapes to DVD, and filling orders for PBI's documentary series.

  • Office Assistant

    Jan 2003 - Dec 2003

  • Archive Assistant

    Oct 2002 - Dec 2002
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  City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute, Department of Molecular Biology

  Sept 2004 - Dec 2004

  Molecular Biology Intern

  * Used RT-PCR to determine transcribed MHC-related genes in virus-transformed chicken T lymphoma cells.

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  Pomona College, Department of Biology

  Sept 2005 - Jul 2006

  Research Assistant

  * Investigated the role of a genetic mutation on the life span of yeast using molecular biological and microbiological techniques; specifically, explored how the deletion of ASH1 in the budding yeast led to the premature aging of yeast mother cells.* Determined that accumulation of extrachromosomal rDNA circles (ERCs) correlated with premature senescence in ASH1 deletion mutants.* Used microarrays to screen for other genes (and to possibly elucidate metabolic pathways) that account for premature senescence in deletion mutants.* Troubleshot problems with a professor's metabolomics class lab activity. Attempted to construct a mutant strain of yeast to be used in that laboratory exercise.* Assisted in training three new undergraduate research assistants.* Awarded a distinction in the senior exercise for the work done on the ASH1 deletion mutant. Show less

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  NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch

  Apr 2007 - Aug 2008

  Astrobiology Intern/Research Assistant

  * Assisted with research regarding the chemical processes that would eventually lead to the genesis of life on early terrestrial planets such as earth. Performed experiments in the following areas:- Analyzing isotope fractionation signatures of abiotic reactions of nitrite/nitrate and nitric oxide to ammonia to define parameters for the biogenicity of samples.- Encapsulating semiconducting particles into vesicles to form "protocells" which can drive simple photochemical reactions and transduce energy.* Co-authored two papers during tenure at NASA Show less

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  Foothill College, Tutorial Center

  Oct 2007 - Jun 2008

  Instructional Assistant IV

  * Tutored for a variety of cell/molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry/biochemistry, and anthropology courses at an institution with a diverse student population.

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  Self-Employed

  Apr 2008 - Jul 2008

  Private Tutor

  See below.

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  San Diego State University, College of Sciences, Department of Biology

  Jan 2009 - Dec 2011

  * Investigated racial disparities in the immune responses to colon cancer; specifically, looked at NK and NKT cell infiltration into the tumor epithelium to help elucidate the nature of the health disparity between African Americans and Caucasians in colon cancer cases.* Attempted to develop a multicolor immunofluorescence assay to visualize colocalized markers in FFPE colon cancer samples.* Trained new students (both undergraduate and graduate) in immunohistochemical methods, basic microscopy, and interpreting histopathological tissue samples as needed.Skills learned: immunohistochemistry; immunofluorescence; light microscopy; confocal microscopy* One (maybe two?) paper(s) is/are currently being written on which I am an author or co-author Show less * Taught one laboratory section per semester of Biol 211L: Fundamentals of Microbiology, a lower-division non-Biology major's course geared towards students in nursing, public health, kinesiology, nutritional sciences, and other individuals interested in healthcare-related fields.* As the instructor of record, responsible for all aspects of teaching a laboratory section, including: preparing and delivering lectures, creating exams, grading assignments and laboratory reports, responding to student questions and concerns, ensuring laboratory exercises are completed safely and efficiently, and keeping grade and attendance records for a class of 32 students per semester.* Nominated for Outstanding Biology TA of the Year by current and ex-students (2009-2010, 2010-2011 academic years). Show less

  • Thesis / Research Associate

    Jan 2009 - Dec 2011

  • Teaching Associate

    Jan 2009 - May 2011
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  Self-Employed

  Oct 2010 - May 2011

  Private Tutor

  * Tutored for a variety of biology classes at San Diego State University, including: microbiology, cell and molecular biology (all levels), and cellular/molecular immunology

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  The Academic Advantage

  Dec 2011 - Apr 2012

  Tutor

  * Provided tutoring in high school mathematics.

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  Molecular Response, LLC

  Mar 2012 - May 2012

  Research Assistant

  * Assisted with tissue culture, specifically: harvesting primary tumor cells/cell lines, adding and changing media, coating and seeding plates, taking down cultures, and observing the resurrection process* Assisted with in vitro drug treatment assays for cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis* Edited SOPs with the goal of achieving GLP standards

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  Vala Sciences

  Nov 2012 - now

   Maintenance of mammalian cell culture (cell lines, primary cells, and stem cells)  Perform drug tests on primary cells and cell lines  Perform quality control of Vala’s in-house reagents and software products  Perform independent experiments involving cultured cells and tissue sections utilizing Cell and Molecular Biology techniques (immunocytofluorescence, high content automated microscopy, immunohistochemistry, PCR, cloning)  Inventory/Ordering  Packaging and Shipping of Reagents and Kits to Vala’s customers Show less

  • Director of Assay Development and Screening Services

    Jul 2021 - now

  • Research Scientist II

    Sept 2019 - Jul 2021

  • Laboratory Manager

    Apr 2013 - Sept 2019

  • Cell Biology Lab Technician

    Nov 2012 - Apr 2013
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  Cuyamaca College

  Jan 2013 - Dec 2014

  Instructor / Adjunct Faculty Member

  * Teaching one section of Biol 131: General Biology I Laboratory (Spring 2013, Spring 2014)