CIRRICULUM VITAE

Kent E. Williams, M.Sc.

Current Status:

Address: 9229 Schaeffer RdEvansville, Indiana 47720

Telephone: (812) 622-0077

Email: kentewilliams@gmail.com

Education:

Graduate: Ohio State University, Columbus, OHCompleted coursework and candidacy toward a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, 2010-2013Research Advisor: Professor Lyn B. Jakeman

Indiana State University, Terre Haute, INM.Sc. in Biology, 2010Research Advisor: Assistant Professor Allan R. AlbigThesis Title: Extracellular Matrix Proteins: Implications forAngiogenesis

Undergraduate: Purdue University, West Lafayette, INB.Sc. in Biology, 2006

Employment and Research Experience

Adjunct Instructor, Vincennes University, Vincennes, IN, August 2014-Present

I design curriculum, advise, and instruct students on the topic of introductory anatomy and physiology.

Laboratory Director, IEH, Inc., Washington, IN, March 2014-September 2014

I implemented, maintained, and enforced the quality management system according to ISO 17025 requirements. This included maintenance and testing of all critical equipment, purchasing materials for the laboratory, and submitting weekly invoices to the client. I supervised and worked alongside other analysts in the preparation, analysis, and reporting of various microbiological and chemical tests. Additionally, I interacted with the on-site client to ensure smooth operations and to discuss any irregularities or concerns.

Adjunct Instructor, Harrison College, Evansville, IN, January 2014-March 2014

I taught a course on medical law and ethics for medical assisting students. This required curriculum design, instruction, assessment, and advising.

Graduate Research Assistant, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, April 2011-August 2013

I investigated the timing and distribution of intracellular signaling proteins following mouse spinal cord injury (SCI) utilizing molecular biological techniques. Using Western blot, I determined the timing and relative abundance of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and Akt phosphorylation following mouse spinal cord injury (SCI). To examine distribution of phosphorylated ERK 1/2 I conducted immunohistochemical labeling in mouse tissue at numerous times post-injury. Data I generated show that ERK 1/2 activity peaks within hours of SCI in astrocytes and microglia rostral and caudal to the lesion epicenter. Once the glial scar has formed, the fibrous astrocytes surrounding the lesion epicenter continue to express phosphorylated ERK 1/2, suggesting that this intracellular signaling pathway contributes to the chronic glial scar.

Graduate Research Assistant, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, January 2008-July 2010

I investigated the role of extracellular matrix proteins on tumor angiogenesis utilizing in vivo and in vitro mammalian systems, as well as microbiological and molecular biological techniques. Using stable transfection I overexpressed of the matrix protein lumican in murine pancreatic adenocarcinoma and fibrosarcoma cell lines. I used these cell lines to explore the effects of lumican on cellular invasion, tumor formation, and proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, subcutaneous injection of these cells in syngenic mice demonstrated a reduction in tumor size associated with lumican expression, correlated with reduced angiogenesis and the induction of endothelial cell apoptosis.

Technical Service Representative, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Santa Cruz, CA, February 2007-July 2007

I helped customers troubleshoot problems while using our products. Additionally, I designed targets for new antibody products and wrote product literature.

Skills:

Microbiology and Biochemistry:

I have had numerous opportunities to isolate RNA from tissues and cells and to design primers for performing reverse transcription PCR. Additionally, I have experience generating point-mutations in plasmid DNA using site-directed mutagenesis and analyzing DNA sequencing results. I am practiced in aseptic technique, protein expression and purification, and gel electrophoresis.

In Vivo:

I have extensive handling experience with rodents, including the administration of I.P. drugs and collecting pertinent data, including live weight, subcutaneous tumor measurements, and locomotor behavior. Additionally, I am experienced in post-spinal cord injury rodent care. I have performed cervical dislocation, carbon dioxide asphyxiation, and anesthetic overdose with or without exsanguination. I have experience collecting fresh and fixed tissues, and processing them for protein extraction, cryosectioning, and immunohistochemical labeling. In addition to mammals, I also have experience in zebrafish maintenance and cross breeding.

Instrumentation and Software:

I have experience operating, calibrating, and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment including pipettes, centrifuges, pH meters, scales, electrophoresis chambers, incubators, and cryostats. Additionally, I rely upon my computer software expertise, including GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Office, MCID, Endnote, Photoshop, and ImageJ to summarize, analyze, and present the data I generate.

Personal Strengths:

I am a highly motivated, logical, and independent problem solver with many years of experience in a research laboratory. My organization and attention to detail are apparent in my meticulous documentation of my work. I’m a hard worker who sees projects through to completion.

Publications:

1. Kent E. Williams and Lyn B. Jakeman. ERK 1/2 expression after spinal cord injury: timing and distribution. (In progress)

2. Lyn B. Jakeman, Kent E. Williams, and Bryan Brautigam. (2014) In the Presence of Danger: The Extracellular Matrix Defensive Response to Central Nervous System Injury. Neural Regen Res. 9(4): 377-384.

3. Kent E. Williams, Logan A. Fulford, and Allan R. Albig. (2010). Lumican Reduces Tumor Growth via Induction of Fas-mediated Endothelial Cell Apoptosis. Cancer Microenvironment. 4(1):115-126

References:

Curt Coffman, Ph.D. Biology Department Chair Vincennes University1002 N. First St Vincennes, IN47591(812) 888-4373CCoffman@vinu.edu

Lyn B. Jakeman, Ph.D.Program DirectorNIH/NINDS Repair and PlasticityNeuroscience Center, Rm 21846001 Executive BlvdBethesda, MD20892-9525(301) 496-1447lyn.jakeman@nih.gov

Allan R. Albig, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of BiologyCollege of Arts and SciencesScience Bldg Rm 117Boise State UniversityBoise, ID 83725Email: allanalbig@boisestate.eduTel: (208) 426-1040