IDAH KIPLANGAT

• Operated and performed maintenance on AAS, ICP-AES, and ICP-MS spectrometers.
• Identified and corrected QC-related problems by ensuring the quality of the analytical data meets ALS standards.
• Evaluated data using instrument software and GEMS platform.
• Used MS Word and Excel to create written reports.
• Prepared sample dilutions, instrument operating solutions and calibration standards
• Tested and evaluated calibration standards.
• Prioritized workloads according to daily stats and turnaround commitments.
• Maintained and organized inventory of calibration standards, production logs, and equipment records.
• Observed established safety regulations and comply with all ALS health and safety policies and procedures.
• Executed other daily tests to assist managers and operators with processes.
• Performed batching of work orders.
• Picked and delivered consumables to support lab functions.

• Following standard test methods, performed sample preparation for various chemistry-based assays.
• Applied knowledge of process and analytical chemistry to identify contaminants and unknowns in customer samples.
• Performed a variety of specialized lab procedures relating to the analysis of effluents and product samples (pulp and paper).
• Completed routine validations and reagent quality control runs.
• Identified and reported issues affecting test performance.
• Performed sample analysis using analytical equipment such as UV-VIS spectrophotometer, ICP-MS and FTIR.
• Used LIMS software to track samples and organize testing results data.
• Kept detailed, accurate and timely records of work performed including quality control sample analysis to validate analytical results obtained.
• Worked with the Quality Assurance Team to keep SOPs and standard test methods up to date and completed incident investigations, deviations and client complaints.
• When appropriate assisted with method development, validation and implementation of new analytical testing methods.
• Complied with required quality management system procedures including maintenance of a signed laboratory notebook according to ISO17025.
• Assisted with maintaining the lab as requested (e.g. maintain inventory of supplies/reagents, waste disposal, health & safety measures).
• Continually increased knowledge of laboratory techniques to recommend actions or process changes as necessary.

• Received shipments of samples for testing; verified content and condition of shipments, and addressed discrepancies in paperwork.
• Logged-in shipments using Microsoft Access, and labeled incoming samples accordingly with WHMIS labels and customer's information.
• Packed outgoing shipments as needed to ensure the samples did not spill or leak.
• Performed research on shipping/courier options to make appropriate and cost-effective decisions for a variety of shipping situations.
• Provided guidance to customers on shipping samples to Econotech.
• Monitored inventory levels of Econotech's critical supplies.
• Communicated internally with managers and department staff to ensure all samples were logged-in correctly and reached their designated laboratories promptly.
• Assisted and supported the customs clearance process for US/International shipments by filling-in forms, completing paperwork and working with customs clearance houses to resolve issues.
• Maintained a clean and organized receiving area.
• Attended weekly departmental meetings.
• In charge of FTIR sample preparation and analysis.

• Performed research related to the development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for nucleic acid delivery for pre-clinical trials.
• Analytical characterization of formulations and components using standard in-house assays.
• Performed short- and long-term stability studies of formulations.
• Development of new assays or detailed investigations of specific LNP attributes as required.
• Compiled and prepared technical and characterization reports for pre-clinical trials and for customers in accordance with Acuitas' policy.
• Maintained Acuitas' database of past, present and future LNP physical characteristics and respective therapeutic indices.
• Responsible for developing and optimizing drug formulations for pre-clinical trials and for commercial purposes.
• Optimization of formulation processes done at various scales.
• Regularly presented project status updates at internal meetings and contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms of action.
• Supported accurate technology transfer to scientists in the scale-up department.
• Supported R&D activities related to novel drug delivery systems.

• Regularly worked with other chemists in the chemical production of pharmaceutical formulations in kilogram quantities.
• Reviewed and revised Standard Operating Procedures as appropriate.
• Reviewed completed batch records for the manufactured drug products.
• Performed quality testing of the synthesized products according to established SOPs.
• Generated Certificates of Analysis following ISO 13485 for all formulated products.
• Prepared and maintained test and inventory records.
• Set up, operated, calibrated and maintained laboratory equipment.
• Ordered and received required chemicals as needed, to replenish the laboratory's inventory.
• Managed the disposal of chemical waste.
• Drafted reports on all test and research results.
• Trained junior chemists on viscosity measurements, set-time tests tensile strength measurements, as well as testing for the integrity of seals on sample pouches.
• With other chemists, performed pilot experiments for scaling up manufacture.

Taught courses below in the indicated semesters:

General Chemistry (Chem 126), Fall 2009. Course instructor Dr. John Canal
Organic Chemistry (Chem 286), Spring 2010. Course instructor: Dr. Nabyl Merbouh
General Chemistry (Chem 126), Fall 2010. Course instructor Dr. Sophie Lavieri
General Chemistry (Chem 126), Fall 2012. Course instructor Dr. Sophie Lavieri
General Chemistry (Chem 122), Spring 2013. Course instructor Dr. Daniel Leznoff
General Chemistry (Chem 121), Summer 2013. Course instructor Dr. Hogan Yu
General Chemistry (Chem 122), Fall 2013. Course instructor Dr. Garry Mund
Science and its Impact on Society (Sci 300), Spring 2014. Course instructor Dr. Rebecca Goyan
Organic Chemistry (Chem 282), Spring 2015. Course instructor: Dr. Kreis Uwe

• Developed a modified approach to reproducibly and quantitatively decorating the surfaces of gold nanostructures with DNA oligonucleotides.
• Worked in an interdisciplinary team (at the BC Cancer Agency) to develop methods of using DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles as potential therapeutics for controlled drug delivery, radiosensitizers in radiation therapy and as tools for the diagnosis of cancer.
• Coordinated and arranged meetings between team members on the DNA-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles project, as a team lead.
• Performed a study of changes in morphology of anisotropic nanoparticles as a function of laser fluence to determine the threshold of photothermal heating, that does not result in unwanted structural changes.
• Acquired expertise of modifying nanoparticles with proteins, peptides and dye molecules, for specific cell targeting and cell imaging. Studies were performed at Institut Marie Curie (Paris, France).
• Developed a methodology for detecting the presence of nanoparticles at the workplace in collaboration with another graduate student.
• Led research on the tuning of surface chemistries of gold nanoparticles and developed protocols for analyzing the colloidal stability of nanoparticles in buffered solutions.
• Performed regular literature reviews and prepared presentations and reports for each project as required.
• Prepared manuscripts for publication under the guidance of my senior supervisor.
• Performed detailed data analyses and discussed these with my senior supervisor regularly.
• Provided technical leadership on numerous complex projects.
• Assisted my senior supervisor in writing grant applications.
• Successfully trained 8 undergraduate students in the synthesis, quality control and spectroscopic characterization of nanoparticles. Provided each of these students hands-on, one-on-one training in a research laboratory setting.
• Managed lab safety, and ensured safe disposal of laboratory waste in accordance with the university's regulations.
• Managed the laboratory's chemical inventory, regularly updated it to either add or remove chemicals as they were purchased or used up.

Thesis Title: "Establishing the Quality of Molecular Coatings on Gold Nanoparticles"

Thesis Title: "The Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Polymer Gels - Influence on their Physico-Chemical Properties"

Final Project Title: "The Theory of Micelle Formation"