Featured Co-op student: Zachary Schiffman
Biochemistry

CHEMICAL COMPUTING GROUP (CCG)
VALIDATION SCIENTIST
Montreal, QC, Canada
- Conducted a validation study on the Protein Design application within Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software
- Co-authored a research paper on MOE’s ability to accurately predict the influence of singlepoint mutations on protein thermostability
- Validated the protein thermostability scoring function implemented in MOE and evaluated its potential for improvement
- Collaborated with research and development team on ways to improve predictability of protein thermostabiliy
- Participated in CCG’s annual UGM conference emphasizing advantages of using MOE for in silico protein modeling to customers
- Developed and optimized a novel method for mapping epitopes and/or protein-protein binding sites using MOE software
- Co-authored a research paper on the identification and characterization of epitopes and/or protein-protein binding sites using the protein-protein interaction fingerprints (PPIF) application in MOE
- Refined optimal clustering parameters implemented by MOE for mapping epitopes and/or protein-protein binding sites in silico
- Engaged with customers at CCG’s annual UGM conference highlighting MOE’s potential in predicting epitopes using protein-protein interaction fingerprints
KLOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Laval, QC, Canada
- Designed and implemented novel experiments critical to advancement and acceleration of KTI pipeline
- Established a mode of action (MOA) outlining proprietary KTI technology and biological processes stimulated through Fluorescence Biomodulation (FB)
- Communicated on a regular basis with research and development and corporate teams as well as inventors to identify aspects of the proprietary KTI technology which required additional experimental evidence
- Evaluated in vitro gene expression using qPCR and in vitro protein expression using ELISA and Western Blotting