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Education

B.S. in Biotechnology, Minors in Biochemistry and Italian - Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ | 2025
  • From the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS)
  • Dean's List: Fall 2022, Fall 2023, Spring 2024
  • Selected laboratory coursework: Molecular Genetics Laboratory; Plant Tissue Culture and Engineering; Methods & Applications in Molecular Genetics; General Microbiology Laboratory

A.S. in Environmental Studies - Hudson County Community College, Jersey City, NJ | 2021
  • Summa Cum Laude
  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society: Beta Alpha Phi Chapter member

H.S. Diploma, Concentration in Environmental Science and Sustainability - High Tech High School, Secaucus, NJ | 2021
  • Completed concurrently with my A.S.

Research and Laboratory Experience

Industry / Analytical Experience
Chemist I, Quality Control and Analytical Research & Development Department
Odin Pharmaceuticals, Somerset, NJ | Jun 2025 - Present
  • Perform cGMP-compliant QC and R&D analytical testing supporting FDA ANDA submissions for ophthalmic generic drug products.
  • Utilize UPLC, HPLC, laser-based detection systems, and automated mechanical actuations to characterize drug delivery performance, including particle size, distribution, and spray morphology.
  • Develop and execute analytical assay validation as a primary and intermediate-precision analyst.
  • Conduct excipient reverse-engineering studies to support formulation development.
  • Train and onboard new analysts in regulated laboratory workflows, SOP adherence, and documentation standards.

Academic & Public Health Research Experience​
Laboratory Research Assistant, Center for Vector Biology
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ | February 2024 - May 2025
  • Investigated microbiome composition and species diversity of Culicoides midges collected in New Jersey.
  • Conducted DNA and RNA extractions, enzymatic treatments, purification, and metatranscriptomic sample preparation.
  • Developed, validated, optimized, and executed singleplex and multiplex PCR/qPCR assays for pathogen detection.
  • Analyzed and interpreted qPCR data across multiple vector biology projects to support protocol optimization and accurate result interpretation.
  • Collaborated with researchers on multiple studies and contributed to preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts, including one published work

Tick Laboratory Assistant
Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division, New Brunswick, NJ | June 2024 - October 2024
  • Supported annual county tick surveillance through sample processing, analysis, and documentation.
  • Performed single-sample and plate-based DNA/RNA extractions, sequencing preparation, and purification.
  • Executed PCR and qPCR (singleplex and multiplex) assays for detection of bacterial and viral pathogens of public health concern.
  • Maintained laboratory operations, safety standards, and workflow efficiency.

Other Scientific & Academic Experience​
Editor - Nongenetic Information and Evolution
By Nelson R. Cabej | May 2023 - April 2024
  • Supported the publication of Nongenetic Information and Evolution by Nelson R. Cabej (published Nov 2024), serving as a reference for researchers in epigenetics, evolutionary biology, and molecular biology
  • Collaborated with the author to ensure technical precision while improving accessibility for a research audience; edited and reviewed scientific text, figures, and citations for accuracy, clarity, and consistency
Book Details
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Student Note-taker, Office of Disability Services
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ | September 2021 - April 2022
  • Produced clear, accurate, and content-rich lecture notes for Calculus and General Chemistry for Engineers I & II.
  • Synthesized complex visual and verbal material in real time while maintaining confidentiality and accessibility standards.

Student Tutor, Chemistry Department
High Tech High School, Secaucus, NJ | January 2019 - March 2020
  • Provided one-on-one and small group tutoring for Chemistry and AP Chemistry courses.
  • Led review sessions and adapted instruction to diverse learning needs.​

Skills and Techniques

Laboratory and Analytical Techniques:
  • Bacterial Culturing, Isolation, Handling, and Staining
  • Yeast, Mammalian Cell, and Plant Tissue Culturing
  • PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, and qRT-PCR assay design, validation, and preparation
  • UPLC and HPLC chromatography
  • DNA and RNA Extractions and Purifications
  • Gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, Western Blots
  • Spectrophotometry, NanoDrop
  • Plasmid Transformation, Transposon and Chemical Mutagenesis
  • Transfection, TOPO Vector Cloning, Direct Cloning, and CRISPR/Cas9
  • Brightfield and Phase Contrast Microscopy
  • in vitro transcription, Restriction Enzyme Digestion
  • Sample Processing and Reagent Preparation
  • Aseptic Techniques, Sterile Handling, Laboratory Maintenance

​Data Analysis & Programming:
  • Python, R
  • Statistical analysis and modeling
  • High-throughput data interpretation
  • BLAST, Clustal Omega, BioEDIT, NET Primer, Primer-BLAST

Professional & Collaborative Skills
  • Assay development and validation
  • Experimental design and protocol optimization
  • Scientific writing and peer-reviewed manuscript preparation
  • Cross-functional collaboration and training
  • Time management and multitasking in research environments
  • Leadership in student organizations and projects

Languages:
  • English (fluent)
  • Albanian (fluent)
  • Italian (reading/writing proficiency)
  • Spanish (low intermediate)
  • French (low intermediate)

Publications

Andrea Egizi, Fiona Bezhani, Robert A Jordan, Dana C Price. 2025. Parasitism of a US traveler by a nymphal Amblyomma tapirellum Dunn, 1933 (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and review of exotic tick interceptions on humans in the United States. Journal of Medical Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjaf109
This study documents a rare case of human infestation by Amblyomma tapirellum at the previously undescribed nymphal stage, emphasizing the importance of accessible tick identification resources and awareness of exotic tick-borne diseases.

Certifications

Professional Certificate: Data Analysis for Life Sciences (2025)  
​XSeries Program: Computational Thinking using Python (2020)

Leadership, Activities & Service

Rutgers University Fencing Club
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ | 2022 - 2025
  • Women’s Epee Co-Captain, 2024 - 2025 Season
  • National Intercollegiate Women's Fencing Association, All-Academic Team, 2024 - 2025 Season
  • Competitive Team Member, 2022 - 2025

AAWO – Albanian American Women’s Organization
New York, NY | 2014 – Present
  • Assisted with event planning, fundraising, donation collection, and community outreach.
  • Supported initiatives promoting women’s and youth empowerment within the Albanian-American community.

Additional Honors and Activities
  • New Jersey Youth Institute World Food Prize, Borlaug Scholar (2021) "Albania: Bringing Clean Water to the People"
  • National French Honor Society – Outstanding Senior in French Award (2021)
  • The National French Contest, Honorable Mention (2019)
  • High Tech High School: French Honor Society, French Club, Environmental Club, FFA, Science League, Envirothon​