1. Weam I. Zaky
14 Henshaw Ave. # 3, Northampton, MA 01060 • 413-847-1391 • wzaky@smith.edu
PROFILE SUMMARY
Scientific professional with experience in molecular biology, cellular biology, parasitology and entomology research where I
have been involved in various projects focused on neglected tropical infectious diseases field work and diagnostic tools. I am
experienced with NGS techniques for RNA-Seq preparation and data analysis using different Bioinformatic tools. Also, worked with
NGS for whole genomic DNA sequencing and data analysis. Experience in DNA production/enrichment, RNA production, DNA
purification and ds-cDNA production. Working with a broad spectrum of pathogen Leishmania and Lymphatic filariasis. Extensive
knowledge of emerging infectious diseases, effectiveness in international environments, as well as substantial experience with
laboratory techniques, field studies, and public health communities.
EDUCATION
• University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA Sep 2010-2012
o Research fellow in Biological Science (Molecular and Cellular Biology program)
• Smith College, Northampton, MA May 2010
o Master of Science in Molecular Biology (Thesis Advisor: Prof. Steven A. Williams) GPA: 3.857
• Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
o B.Sc. in Biological Science (Entomology/Chemistry) Dec 2000
o Medical Entomology One-year post graduate Diploma May 2003
o Environmental Science One-year post graduate Diploma May 2005
WORK EXPERIENCE
Research Associate
o Processed thousands of DNA and RNA extractions of mosquitoes and parasites for diagnostic assays for filarial
elimination program
o Performed Molecular Biology techniques, such as DNA and RNA purification and analysis, DNA preparation,
plasmid purification, PCR as well as transgenic construct design, transfection and cloning.
o Established 3T3 Fibroblasts animal cell line to translocate Nur77 protien in the cell using the Clontech advanced
Tet-Off system that allows for inducible gene expression using doxycycline
o Constructed inducible Nur77 that cloned in pRetrox vector and expressed in 3T3 cells. Verified successfully
transfected 3T3 cell line by performing western blot analysis and utilized flow cytometry to measure cell
concentration.
o Examined transfected GFP 3T3 cells using electronic microscope.
o Created and optimized a novel portable new Isothermal PCR diagnostic assay for human lymphatic filariasis.
o Developed rapid DNA extraction method to minimize DNA insect extraction time from 5 hours to about 30 min.
o Enhanced test strip detection approach to detect positively DNA sample.
o Cloned LDR-1 specific filarial repetitive DNA sequence.
o Designed and optimized specific primers for Wolbachia an endosymbiont bacteria in Brugia malayi filarial
parasite.
o Studied Wolbachia gene expression using qRT-PCR comparing Wolbachia RNA level in two filarial larval stages
L3/L4.
o Bioinformatics experience to analyze microarray data looking for genes highly expressed.
o Helped in field study in Haiti for validation molecular L3 (infectious stage) detection assay.
o Dissected mosquitoes in the field to collect and count parasites different stages using light dissecting
microscope.
o Involved in The Global Alliance for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis Program (GPELF) in Egypt.
o Applied antibody and antigen assay to detect positivity collected blood samples.
o Read blood smears and counted microfilaria in thick and filtered blood slides.
o Breed different species of (Sand fly and Mosquitoes) in insectary.
o Infected animal with lishmaniasis for research purpose.
o RNAi Microinjected to knock down Bm-cpl-1 gene in mosquitoes.

2. o Maintained methods of culture, transfer C. elegance in laboratory, decontamination of stocks, synchronizing and
staging cultures, and procedures for freezing worms for long-term storage and for recovering them from the
frozen state.
o Utilized RNAi to C. elegance in research project of gene silencing of some phenotypes in C. elegance.
o Performed and expert in cDNA library preparations of many RNA-Seq projects.
Teaching Assistant and Lab Instructor
o Lab instructor teaching four weeks of Molecular Biology Summer Workshop in Smith College,
Northampton, MA supported by New England Biolab (NEB) (summer 2008 - 2014)
o Instructed Sequencing, real-time PCR (3700), Nonospec and Bio analyzer instruments (2010 – present)
o Leaded and instructed collaborative work for RNA-Seq project with a group of two students (USF) worked for
two weeks. Managed worms culture, RNA extraction, library prep, MiSeq run preparation and data analysis
(2014).
o Leaded and instructed a group of 4 graduate students from McGill University worked on two RNA-Seq studies. I
thought the data analysis of the two projects data out put from MiSeq after I performed the cDNA library prep
and run samples on the MiSeq (2014).
o Lectured Genetics, Evolution and Molecular Biosciences Laboratory to undergraduates Bio (Bio 153) at Smith
College, Northampton, MA (Spring 2012).
o Instructed Molecular, Genes and Cells laboratory (Bio 191) at Amherst College, Amherst, MA (2010-2011).
o Taught General biological science laboratory (Bio 101) Umass, Amherst, MA (2010-2011).
o Taught General Science Biology class (Bio 100) at Smith College, Northampton, MA (2008/2009).
o Lab instructor for Genetics, Evolution and Molecular Biology (Bio 152) at Smith College, Northampton, MA
(2008/2009).
o Teaching assistant for Genome and Genetic Analysis Laboratory (Bio 230) at Smith College, Northampton, MA
(2009/2010).
o Lab instructor for Molecular Biology Laboratory (Bio 333) at Smith College, Northampton, MA (2009/2010).
Research Assistant and Field Leadership
o Managed and leaded a national programmatic field study to collect baseline data to determine mosquitoes
infection rate in Leagone, Haiti before the implementation of DEC (Diethylcarbamazine) salt treatment.
o Trained local Haitians high school student to support the LF illumination project.
o Processed the DNA and RNA using Real-Time PCR (3700) to detect infectious rate of the collected samples and
analyzed the results using Pool Screen statistical program.
o Performed traps to collect mosquitoes and mosquitoes fecal using DNA extractions of fecal and PCR for species
identification
COMPUTER SKILLS
• Operating Systems: Dos, Windows, Mac, UNIX
• Expert using excel to analyze data special microarray data and qPCR
• Pool Screen computer program to find the infection prevalence of collected mosquito pools
• SeqMan and Finch TV for sanger sequencing analysis
• NGS Galaxy tools for data analysis of RNA-Seq
• Data manipulation, data quality control, de nova assembly and mapping and alignment using Cufflink,
Cuffmerge, Trinity, TopHat, HTSeq-count, DESeq and DESeq2.
• Experience in using R and RStudio for RNA-seq visualizing data using Cuffdiff and DESeq data.
AWARDS AND ASSOCIATIONS
• Awarded “The Esther Carpenter Biology Prize” in general biology as a first-year woman graduate student (2009)
• Associated member in New England Biolab (NEB)
• Associated in New England Association of Parasitology (NEAP)