Sarah Adai, MS
Summary
• Accomplished managing scientific editor with extensive experience
writing, editing, and rewriting technical and promotional publications
• Diverse scientific background includes toxicology/preclinical drug
development, cell biology, and master’s level molecular biology research
Key Skills
• Advanced scientific writing and editing
• Proficient use of computer software for editing including Word,
Acrobat, InCopy, and Dreamweaver
• Successful grant writing demonstrated by award of honorable mention
for NSF research fellowship, and completion of graduate level grant
writing course
Professional Experience
Technical Writer, Life Technologies (formerly Applied Biosystems)
(2008–present)
I am currently the managing editor of two highly technical newsletters,
ProbesOnline and TechNotes. I also perform extensive writing and
editing of technical and promotional publications spanning molecular
biology, cell biology, and genetic analysis systems. A key aspect of
this position is the effective communication with R&D scientists
and marketing managers.
Research Associate, Genentech (2006–2008)
Primary responsibilities included technical writing and editing of
preclinical toxicology reports, a critical step in the drug development
process. I also contributed to the preparation of FDA drug filings and
annual reports, wrote safety assessment reports resulting from
extensive literature searches, and performed visualization and analysis
of preclinical toxicology data.
Scientific Research Experience
Berkeley Fellowship for Graduate Study, University of California,
Berkeley (2003−2006)
My Master’s research focused on the role of RNA Polymerase II CTD
phosphatase (Fcp1) in yeast. I used DNA microarrays, protein
interaction methods, and genetic methods to determine the
transcriptional regulatory targets and physical interacting partners of
Fcp1. This project involved independent problem solving, establishing
collaborations, frequent oral and written presentations, and up-to-date
knowledge of relevant scientific research.
Postgraduate Researcher, University of California, Davis (2002−2003)
Researched the systemic spread of RNA silencing signals in plants using
Northern and RT-PCR analysis of mRNAs and siRNAs, and by tissue culture
and grafting of transgenic plants (Results published in Plant Cell).
Experimentally validated computational predictions of microRNAs in
plants by Northern analysis (Results published in Genome Research).
Research Assistant, University of Texas, Austin (2000−2002)
Characterized the function of plant annexins using the baculovirus
overexpression system and RNA interference. Involved gene cloning, PCR
and RT-PCR, insect cell baculovirus transfection, and recombinant
protein purification. Presented work at the American Society of Plant
Biologists Annual Meeting, and published results in Plant Physiology.
Undergraduate Researcher, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (2000)
Researched the subcellular localization of FAE2 in maize by gene
cloning, GFP tagging, and localization by confocal microscopy (Results
acknowledged in Genes & Development).
Education
University of California, Berkeley (2003–2006)
M.S., Microbiology
Berkeley Fellowship for Graduate Study
University of Texas, Austin (1998–2002)
B.S., Molecular Biology
Dean’s Honored Graduate, Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude
Publications
Adai AT, Johnson C, Mlotshwa S, Archer-Evans S, Manocha V, Sundaresan V
(2005). Computational prediction of microRNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Genome Research 15:78-91.
Yoo BC, Kragler F, Varkonyi-Gasic E, Haywood V, Archer-Evans S, Lee YM,
Lough TJ, Lucas WJ (2004). A systemic small RNA signaling system in
plants. Plant Cell 16:1979-2000.
Stout SC, Clark GC, Archer-Evans S, Roux SJ (2003). Rapid and efficient
suppression of gene expression in a single-cell model system,
Ceratopteris richardii. Plant Physiol 131(3):1165-68.
Teaching Experience
Graduate Student Instructor, Molecular and Cell Biology (2004-2005)
University of California, Berkeley
Taught an upper-division laboratory course in molecular genetics (MCB
110L), which covered concepts of genetic interactions and protein
interactions, and techniques of yeast-two-hybrid analysis, genetic
complementation analysis, and genetic screening.
Honors and Awards
Honorable Mention, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, 2004 & 2005
The Berkeley Fellowship for Graduate Study, 2004
Phi Beta Kappa Membership, 2002
Endowed Presidential Scholarship, UT Austin, 2001
NSF REU Undergraduate Research Fellowship, 2001
Carl and Agnes Stockard Scholarship, UT Austin, 1999
Undergraduate Research Fellowships, UT Austin, 1999
College of Natural Sciences Scholarship, UT Austin, 1999