M.S. in Molecular & Cell Biology and Genetics
2022 – 2024Drexel University College of Medicine · Philadelphia, PA
Advanced research focus on tumor biology, medical genetics, recombinant viral vector platforms, and computational genomics.
Resume
Kamari Jontel Smalls · Charlotte, NC 28216 · +1 (267) 463-7667 · kamarasmalls379@gmail.com
Research Interests
Cancer immunotherapy · Adoptive T cell therapy · Molecular & cell biology · Bioinformatics · Therapeutic antibody discovery
Education
B.S. in Biology | Minor in Chemistry
2016 – 2020Temple University · Philadelphia, PA
GPA: 3.485 / 4.0 · Rigorous training in biochemistry, protein analysis, and organic chemistry laboratory techniques.
Relevant Coursework & Certifications
- Bioinformatics: Certified in Bioinformatics with R & Data Products
- Computational Biology: Computational Biology with Python
- Molecular Foundations: Molecular & Cell Biology · Biochemistry
- Protein & Therapeutics: Protein Analysis and Chromatography
- Genetics & Oncology: Medical Genetics · Tumor Biology
Technical Skills & Tools
Laboratory Techniques
Flow cytometry · CRISPR/Cas9 · PCR / qPCR / dPCR · ELISA · Gel electrophoresis · Western blot · Protein analysis · Tumor processing · Aseptic mammalian, bacterial, and viral cell culture
Bioinformatics
Python · R · Computational biology data analysis · Sequence alignment · Data visualization
Research & Specialty Tools
Membrane Proteome Arrays (MPA) · Chromatography · Lentiviral vector production · Protein structure analysis
Scientific Communication
Scientific writing · Data visualization · Conference presentations · Mentorship
Research Experience
Researcher — T Cell Immunology & Oncology
Feb 2024 – PresentTmunity Therapeutics, Inc. · Philadelphia, PA
- Developed TCR expression platforms in primary human T cells using lentiviral vectors and CRISPR/Cas9.
- Optimized T cell expansion and TCR-dextramer binding protocols using computational biology tools.
- Processed patient-derived tumor specimens and maintained CD4+ and CD8+ T cell cultures under aseptic conditions.
- Contributed to internal reports and regulatory submissions supporting individualized cancer immunotherapy programs.
Laboratory Research Assistant — Antibody Discovery & Molecular Biology
Dec 2020 – January 2024Integral Molecular, Inc. · Philadelphia, PA
- Supported discovery and characterization of therapeutic antibodies using Membrane Proteome Array technology.
- Performed PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blot, mammalian cell culture, DNA mini-preps, and bacterial transformation.
- Co-authored research reports for NIH-grant-funded projects; presented findings at scientific conferences.
- Contributed to technology platform development targeting membrane proteins for biopharmaceutical clients.