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Ronard Kwizera

@ronardkwizera

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Scientist specializing in gene therapy and molecular biology.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and offers opportunities for impactful research in molecular biology and oncology.

I am a dedicated scientist specializing in gene and cell therapy, molecular biology, and oncology. With extensive experience in basic and preclinical research models, high-throughput screening, and -omics technologies, I am passionate about leveraging effective scientific communication to advance research and drive innovative solutions to pressing health challenges, including cancer and obesity.

Currently, I am a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Chicago, where I focus on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the progression of leukemia. My previous research at Purdue University involved cutting-edge studies on fumarate hydratase and its role in DNA damage responses, leading to significant discoveries in transgene delivery strategies. I have a strong commitment to academic excellence, as evidenced by my teaching assistantship and numerous honors and awards throughout my academic career.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Postdoctoral Researcher

Current

University of Chicago

Oct 2024 - Present (9 months)

Focused on understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying adipocytes-dependent progression of childhood and adulthood leukemia. Investigated adipocytes-leukemia cell communication using cell and mouse models and explored dietary interventions to improve leukemia outcomes.

Dietary Interventions Leukemia Research Molecular Mechanisms Cellular Mechanisms

Teaching Assistant

Purdue University

Jan 2020 - Present (5 years 6 months)

Provided academic support, tutoring, and laboratory supervision for undergraduate courses in Biochemistry. Courses included Biochemistry (BCHM307), Biochemistry Laboratory (BCHM309), and Experimental Design Seminar (BCHM290).

Biochemistry Experimental Design

Graduate Researcher

Purdue University

Aug 2018 - Present (6 years 11 months)

Conducted and published cutting-edge research on the roles of fumarate hydratase in cellular responses to DNA damage and developed novel transgene delivery strategies. Discovered a previously unknown potential role of fumarate hydratase in DNA damage responses, whose defects can result in the onset of renal cell carcinoma.

DNA Damage Response

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Purdue University

Ph.D., Biochemistry

Activities and societies: Provided academic support, tutoring and laboratory supervision for undergraduate courses in Biochemistry. Courses included: Biochemistry (BCHM307), Summer 2020, Spring & Fall 2024; Biochemistry Laboratory (BCHM309), Fall 2020, 2023, & 2024; Experimental Design Seminar (BCHM290), Spring 2022; General Biochemistry (BCHM561), Fall 2021; Small Molecule Biochemistry (BCHM221), Spring 2021.

Investigated the roles of fumarase in cellular responses to DNA replication stress. Developed novel chromatin-based strategies for optimizing expression of transgenes. Conducted and published cutting-edge research on the roles of fumarate hydratase in cellular responses to DNA damage and developed novel transgene delivery strategies.

Philander Smith College

B.S., Chemistry

Grade: Summa cum Laude

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, graduating Summa cum Laude. Received the Rwanda's Presidential Full Scholarship for undergraduate studies.