Asif Rizwan

Experience

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  University of Texas at Arlington

  Aug 2004 - Jan 2007

  Research Assistant

  Developed a high speed Optical Coherence Tomography scanner for skin burn assessment

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  City University of New York

  Jan 2007 - Jun 2007

  Internship
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  Cornell University / Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

  Jul 2007 - Dec 2012

  Graduate Research Assistant

  • The focus of my graduate research was on the applications of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging to enhance the therapeutic gain of different antineoplastic modalities. • My research showed that lactate dehydrogenase enzyme expression and tumor lactate concentration is significantly different between metastatic and non-metastatic tumors. I also showed that lactate-MR spectroscopy has a greater dynamic range than 18F-FDG-PET and may be a more sensitive measure with which to evaluate the aggressive and metastatic potential of primary tumors. Mentor: Jason Koutcher, MD, PhD Show less

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  Johns Hopkins University

  Jan 2013 - Jul 2015

  Postdoctoral Fellow

  In my research, I independently explored cancer biology, employing cellular and molecular approaches to investigate the intricacies of cancer progression, with a specific emphasis on breast tumor models. My work centered on multi-scale molecular imaging techniques, allowing me to visualize and comprehend the molecular events driving cancer growth, invasion, and metastasis. I also contributed significantly by developing mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) protocols that enable high-throughput applications in clinical pathology laboratories, seamlessly integrating with histology and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, I conducted quantitative analyses of crucial molecules in various tumor xenograft models, shedding light on their expression and functionality. Moreover, my research explored the potential impact of lymph node metastasis on the extracellular matrix within lymph nodes, revealing insights into modifications brought about by metastatic processes. Show less

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  General Dynamics

  Aug 2015 - Jul 2019

  Science Officer (CDMRP, DoD)

  I have experience in Health Research Program Administration, including developing funding solicitations, managing grant portfolios in cancer research, and supporting scientific research processes. I've managed a portfolio of approximately $100 million in research awards, negotiating scientific research proposals, and overseeing funded grants. My expertise extends to Project Management, where I've coordinated various aspects of biomedical research projects, ensuring compliance, safety, and regulatory requirements. I've also handled Infrastructure Grant Management for CINRG Consortia and provided contract management guidance for cancer and muscular dystrophy research-related contracts. Show less

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  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

  Jul 2019 - Feb 2024

  Program Director

  I was actively engaged in various roles at NHLBI, overseeing NIH research awards using genetic, proteomic, and metabolomic tools alongside a systems biology approach to explore the critical roles of blood, bone marrow, and vascular endothelium in both animals and humans. I served as a program staff member for Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) initiatives and contribute to the HEAL-Pain Therapeutics and HEAL-Pain Biomarker efforts. Additionally, I represented NHLBI in Data Science funding opportunities and have successfully managed contract-based RADx projects to deploy diagnostics in the United States. I played a key role in the NHLBI Catalyze program, support initiatives within the Common Fund Program, and co-led a proposal related to climate change and health data infrastructure. Furthermore, I served as a mentor to ODSS fellows. Show less

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  National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  Feb 2024 - now

  Program Director

  I serve as a Program Director at the Diagnostic Biomarkers and Technology Branch (DBTB), where I leverage my background in biomedical engineering, biophysics, and system biology to pioneer the development of innovative diagnostic technologies and biomarkers. At DBTB, I drive efforts to integrate cutting-edge cancer biology insights into the creation of novel diagnostic tools, technologies, and strategies. I play a crucial role in advancing research that utilizes high-dimensional data analysis for improving cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and prediction. I am committed to transforming biomarker research and technological innovation into actionable clinical and research applications, aiming to enhance patient care and outcomes in the fight against cancer. Show less