Sandy Zakaria
@sandyzakaria
Biomedical engineer and research scientist specializing in nucleic acid diagnostics.
CanadaWhat I'm looking for
I am a biomedical engineer and research scientist with extensive experience developing nucleic acid diagnostics, biosensors, and molecular assays for pathogen detection. I have led GLP-compliant experiments, optimized assays for improved sensitivity, and contributed to projects advancing toward commercialization.
I combine hands-on assay development and data analysis with market-aligned research strategy and leadership, having led research teams, mentored students, and directed cross-disciplinary initiatives to translate diagnostic innovations from lab to potential clinical use.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
MUTeaching Assistant
McMaster University
Jan 2017 - Dec 2020 (3 years 11 months)
Delivered laboratory protocol and safety training, mentored undergraduates in experimental design and troubleshooting, and managed course logistics to improve instructional flow and student outcomes.
MUResearch Assistant
McMaster University
Jan 2015 - Dec 2016 (1 year 11 months)
Established a nucleic acid diagnostic platform for early colorectal cancer detection, leading assay optimization, experimental design, and collaborations to advance clinical translation and commercialization readiness.
UWResearch Assistant
University of Windsor
Jan 2014 - Dec 2015 (1 year 11 months)
Investigated ubiquitination pathways in plants using biochemical and molecular biology techniques, producing experimental data and reports that informed team research directions.
Research Scientist
Custom Biologics
Jan 2021 - Present (5 years 1 month)
Contributed to development of a multiplex nucleic acid assay for SARS-CoV-2 in saliva, designing GLP-compliant experiments that improved detection sensitivity and advanced the diagnostic pipeline toward commercialization.
Research Lead
Hyivy Health Inc
Jan 2020 - Present (6 years 1 month)
Conducted comprehensive market landscape analyses and produced market-aligned scientific reports that guided product development and commercialization strategy for medical device technologies.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
MUMcMaster University
Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Engineering
2016 - 2025
Activities and societies: Teaching Assistant; Graduate Student Ambassador; Co-President, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Association; Co-President, Health Science Graduate Student Federation; STEM Fellowship Mentor
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering with research focused on nucleic acid diagnostics, biosensor development, and molecular assays for pathogen detection.
UWUniversity of Windsor
Bachelor of Science (Honours), Biological Sciences
2009 - 2014
Activities and societies: Research Assistant investigating ubiquitination pathways; undergraduate research projects
Honours Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a Minor in Psychology, covering molecular biology and related laboratory techniques.
Availability
Location
CanadaAuthorized to work in
Job categories
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