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Claudia Carcamo
PhD Candidate at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the lab of Taekjip Ha; Currently an Intern at NextCure, Inc. in Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering
Professional Background
Claudia Carcamo is a dedicated and highly skilled professional in the field of biophysics and molecular biology. With four years of PhD graduate-level experience, she has been an integral part of a large single molecule biophysics research group, contributing to diverse projects with impactful applications in basic science research and biomedical molecular engineering. Claudia's rich background exemplifies her commitment to scientific inquiry and innovation.
At the forefront of her career, Claudia has honed her expertise in a variety of biophysical tools and techniques. She is proficient in fluorescence anisotropy, a technique used to study protein-ligand binding affinities, and has extensive experience with column chromatography, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for oligonucleotides and Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) for proteins. Furthermore, Claudia excels in single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, employing methods like Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM) and confocal microscopy. Her skill set also encompasses force spectroscopy techniques, allowing her to utilize atomic force microscopy and optical tweezers in her research endeavors.
Claudia’s experience extends beyond biophysics, as she is well-versed in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques. Her competencies include cloning, protein purification, and western blotting, among other essential skills. Additionally, she has been trained in sterile bacterial and mammalian cell culture, showcasing her versatile approach to laboratory work. Her technical capabilities are further augmented by her proficiency in data analysis and image processing software, particularly with MATLAB and Python, enabling her to effectively analyze complex data sets and interpret results.
One of Claudia’s standout qualities is her attention to detail, particularly when mastering new skills and designing and optimizing assays. She has successfully learned to operate advanced technologies such as optical tweezers combined with confocal microscopy and has taken on the responsibility of teaching new users how to adeptly use the instrument and design successful experiments. This skill not only highlights her technical prowess but also her commitment to fostering the growth of those around her.
In addition to her technical skills, Claudia is an effective oral and written scientific communicator. She has successfully authored applications for prestigious fellowships, including the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Gilliam Fellowship. Her ability to articulate scientific concepts has also made her a sought-after recruitment speaker for graduate programs, and she has presented her research findings at numerous large group meetings, showcasing her ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
Claudia values teamwork and recognizes the importance of collaboration within a professional work environment. In a large lab with diverse research interests, she believes that sharing expertise and ideas is essential. Her commitment to safety is evident in her role as the lab safety manager, where she facilitates adherence to safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a secure working environment for all lab personnel.
Education and Achievements
Claudia Carcamo earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic environment and commitment to scientific research. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biochemistry at Vassar College, where she was actively involved in undergraduate research. Her educational journey began at the Montclair Kimberley Academy, where she laid the foundation for her future academic pursuits.
During her time at The Johns Hopkins University, she participated in the graduate student rotations, further enriching her research experience and expanding her scientific knowledge. Her involvement in various research projects has allowed Claudia to explore different areas of biophysics and molecular biology, ultimately leading to her current expertise.
Claudia has also gained valuable industry experience as an Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering Intern at NextCure, Inc., where she was able to apply her academic knowledge in a professional setting, contributing to innovative projects in antibody development and protein engineering.
Notable Achievements
- Successfully authored applications for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) and the HHMI Gilliam Fellowship, demonstrating her strong writing skills and dedication to advancing her scientific career.
- Served as a recruitment speaker for graduate students, showcasing her communication skills and her ability to inspire and motivate prospective candidates in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology.
- Presented her research findings at various large group meetings and events, highlighting her expertise and her ability to engage with the scientific community.
- Acted as the lab safety manager, exemplifying leadership qualities and a commitment to fostering a safe working environment for her peers.
Claudia's impressive educational background, diverse skill set, and notable achievements highlight her as a rising star in biophysics and molecular biology. Her dedication to research, teamwork, and continuous learning positions her to make significant contributions to the scientific community and beyond.