Personnel

Nicholas P. Ambulos, Jr., PhD, Director

Dr. Nicholas Ambulos has been director of the Biopolymer Core Facility since 1993. He has an extensive background in molecular biology and molecular microbiology. He is fully familiar with all aspects of DNA and RNA synthesis, DNA sequencing, genotyping, peptide synthesis, and more recently has become exceedingly familiar with gene expression technologies. Dr. Ambulos has co-authored a number of manuscripts relating to peptide synthesis chemistry and analysis, and was responsible for the synthesis and purification of the three peptides that comprise the NIST Reference Material #8327, "Peptide Standards for Molecular Mass and Purity Measurements". More recently, Dr. Ambulos has coauthored manuscripts relating to gene expression studies.

Dr. Ambulos is responsible for introducing new investigators to the facility, by providing detailed descriptions of the services offered, and introducing investigators to the staff members responsible for these services. After initial consultations regarding specific projects, the investigators are encouraged to interact directly with the staff members that will be supporting their research projects. Dr. Ambulos is responsible for the educational component of the core, arranging to host research and technical seminars, as well as presenting the Facility's capabilities at Departmental meetings.

As part of his role as facility director, Dr. Ambulos is responsible for acquiring state of the art instrumentation and identifying new areas of service. He has been successful in securing NIH Shared Instrumentation Grants with which to purchase new instrumentation. He has also taken advantage of the State of Maryland's Revolving Equipment Loan Program, whereby the State purchases an instrument for the facility, and the facility repays the loan with modest interest. In addition to his role as the director of the Biopolymer/Genomics Core Facility, Dr. Ambulos has also served as the Director of Shared Services for the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center since 2004. In this role, Dr. Ambulos provides guidance to other shared service directors to ensure that the services offered are effective and strengthen the mission of the Greenebaum Cancer Center. Dr. Ambulos works with shared service directors and Ms. Susan Myers, Director of Finance, to prepare realistic and cost-effective budgets for each of the shared services.

Lisa K. Deshong Sadzewicz, PhD, Co-Director

Dr. Sadzewicz has been with the Biopolymer/Genomics Core Facility for 12 years. She is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Biopolymer/Genomics CoreFacility. Prior to working in the Biopolymer/Genomics Core Facility, Dr. Sadzewicz worked in the core facility at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda performing DNA synthesis, DNA sequencing, peptide synthesis and peptide sequencing, and more recently she established the CLIA-accredited sequencing laboratories at Oncor Med, now part of Gene Logic, Inc. Dr. Sadzewicz is responsible for DNA sequencing services, a technology which she has over 15 years of experience. In addition, she has extensive experience in methods of genotyping, gene expression studies and DNA and peptide synthesis.

In addition to her responsibilities managing laboratory operations, Dr. Sadzewicz is responsible for financial management ofthe BGCF, including billing, ordering, account reconciliation, and working withthe School of Medicine's Director of Finance to prepare an annual budget.

Jin Yin, DDS, Research Specialist

Dr. Yin was hired in 2004 to support the Biopolymer/Genomics Core Facility's gene expression and high through put genotyping services. Dr. Yin has over 10 years experience in methods development for microarray technology. This includes developing optimal methods for the extraction of high quality RNA from cell culture, tissue, and more importantly, from small biopsy samples. She has also optimized methods for printing custom cDNA and oligonucleotides arrays, and has extensive experience preparing labeled cRNA, hybridizing, washing and scanning arrays. She has coauthored numerous manuscripts related to microarrays, genotyping and gene expression analysis. Dr. Yin provides consulting services for investigators who want to initiate gene expression or genotyping studies.

Patricia Campbell, PhD, Research Specialist

Dr. Campbell joined the facility in January, 2001 to support the peptide synthesis and purification service, and to establish new services for the analysis and characterization of peptides and proteins. With over 30 years of experience in molecular separations, Dr. Campbell has brought a much-needed expertise in protein chemistry to the School of Medicine. With an expertise in HPLC and capillary electrophoresis separations, Dr. Campbell has a particular aptitude for assay development to monitor chemical reactions, enzymatic processes and in vitro and in vivo degradation of molecules. Dr. Campbell has authored numerous applications notes and primers on HPLC and capillary electrophoresis separations methodologies and has taught separations courses, both informally as well as lecturing for the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.

Kevin Rossomando, Research Technician

Mr. Rossomando has been a member of the Biopolymer/Genomics Core Facility for 10 years. He is responsible for the DNA/RNA synthesis service, and assists Dr. Sadzewicz with DNA sequencing. His long tenure with the facility has provided Mr. Rossomando with a great deal of expertise in DNA synthesis chemistry, and is the primary contact person for advising investigators on non-standard syntheses such as incorporation of modified bases, labeled oligonucleotides, and synthesis of antisense molecules.

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