Work with thought leaders and academic experts from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Researchers on NotedSource with connections to The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston include Murli Manohar, and Christina Maroun.

Murli Manohar

Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University
Experience

Ascribe Bioscience Inc.

CTO / February, 2019Present

Execute the company's technological roadmap in alignment with business goals and vision. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and enhance crop protection products. Analyze market trends and competitive landscape to identify new technological advancements and product differentiation opportunities. ● Built strong partnerships with Ag-tech firms, investors, academic scholars, and growers. ● Controlled research and development budget of more than $10M to drive innovation into tangible outcomes. ● Developed independent research laboratory and managed R&D, multi-national field tests, and commercialization plans. ● Conducted market research to enhance product offerings and align with customer requirements.

Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research

Senior Scientist / September, 2012November, 2020

Supported multidisciplinary teams in assessing complex data sets, identifying patterns, and drawing meaningful conclusions. Led design and execution of experiments, ensuring adherence to scientific protocols and research methodologies. Facilitated collaborative research projects and leveraged resources for mutual benefit. ● Recognized as the inventor of several technologies, delivering a foundation for establishing Ascribe Bioscience. ● Uncovered unique processes of plant and animal responses to external stresses. ● Earned promotion to Senior Scientist in 2017 based on excellent performance. ● Expert in the fields of Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Crop Protection, and Gene Editing. ● Authored revolutionary research publications in Agriculture, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Natural Chemistry.

Baylor College of Medicine

Graduate Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Associate / May, 2008September, 2012

The objective was to study and optimize CAX-mediated biofortification and phytoremediation in plants. My research investigated the physiological functions, structure-function relationship, and inter- and intra-molecular interactions of calcium transporters cation/proton exchangers known as CAX in plants. My research used Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) as the model system to study CAX transporters and established membrane fractionation and enrichment techniques to evaluate the real-time movement of metals between membranes. Moreover, I also characterized new calcium transporters from both plants and animals. Other experience: Hands-on experience in executing potency assays (binding assays, In vitro, In vivo). Hands-on experience in RNAi technology (Designing, cloning, and heterologous expression of siRNA in plants targeting animal mRNA).

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health

Visiting Research Student / September, 2010September, 2012

My work objective was to express and purify CAX (Calcium transporter) proteins through heterologous expression and determine their three-dimensional structure using X-ray crystallography. The work involved cloning 15+ CAX proteins from different plant species in E. coli and yeast expression vectors. It also included optimizing and expressing protein production, screening and solubilizing proteins using detergents, and purifying functional proteins through affinity chromatography. The metal transport activity of purified proteins was evaluated by reconstituting the proteins in proteoliposomes, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and in inverted vesicles prepared from protein-expressing E. coli cells. The purified protein underwent crystallization screening to assess the effectiveness of methods, reagents, and other variables in producing high-quality crystals of CAX proteins for 3D structure analysis.

Research Expertise
Inter-specific interactions
Chemical signaling
Biopesticides
Plant Science
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
And 17 more
About
Instrumental in leading the development of Ascribe technology from start-up to successful execution. Skilled in identifying and capitalizing on emerging technologies and executing R&D strategic objectives to accelerate the product development process and increase customer centricity across different markets. Excel in overseeing cross-function projects with substantial R&D budgets to transform scientific discoveries into market-ready products. Tech leader and inventor with solid business acumen, holding patents for successful start-up and market-ready products. Expert at developing high-performing teams for commercializing new, differentiated, and disruptive products. Experienced researcher with effective communication and interpersonal skills; known for expanding business by collaborating with industry leaders, academic researchers, and contract research organizations. Passionate about driving innovation and delivering impactful results for business growth and market expansion. As a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Plant Science, I bring a strong background and expertise in agriculture and biopharmaceutical research. But more than that, I am driven by a deep passion for advancing Agtech, Foodtech, and Biotech solutions. My mission is to harness the power of nature to create sustainable and effective products that can enhance plant and human health.

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Christina Maroun

New Britain, Connecticut, United States of America
Lead Researcher at Bani Athwal Media & Consulting
Experience

Extern

Product Discovery Extern / October, 2023December, 2023

• Exceeded the predicted cold outreach rate by 100% when identifying early-stage startup founders using Crunchbase and LinkedIn to conduct targeted research and personalized messaging • Assessed user needs and pain points in moderated usability interviews using Google Meet and Otter.ai • Consolidated 18 qualitative interviews for data analysis in Excel to craft a detailed customer profile presentation with product recommendations and key insights for company rebranding • Advised other externs with their market research project questions through Slack

UTHealth

Research Coordinator / January, 2023May, 2023

• Executed an NIH-funded public health study by collaborating with researchers through hybrid meetings and submitting project documentation for IRB approval through iRIS • Secured eligible participants with a 92% completion rate of Qualtrics surveys • Enhanced the efficiency of topic modeling with BERT by developing six qualitative categories from a curated list of 118 social media keywords • Assembled, trained, and managed a data collection team of six to conduct and transcribe qualitative interviews through Microsoft Teams • Increased the visibility and timeliness of data collection for a 14-day LifeData EMA (ecological momentary assessment) by creating dashboards to monitor participants’ daily diary entries

The Ohio State University

Sociology Research Assistant / August, 2018May, 2020

• Developed a mental health research proposal and qualitative interview question guide by conducting literature reviews and facilitating interviews • Secured Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Competition Scholarship and presented the research findings at OSU Undergraduate Research Festival Spring 2020 • Created a codebook to analyze transcribed qualitative interview data using NVivo • Designated lead assistant to quality-check transcriptions completed by other assistants • Recruited participants by sharing research study flyers with community organizations

The Ohio State University

Neuroscience Research Assistant / August, 2017May, 2019

• Awarded Second-Year Transformational Program (STEP) grant for interleukin-1 signaling and stress research proposal and presented project poster at the STEP Expo 2018 • Trained research assistants on lab techniques (PCR, IHC, cDNA creation, RNA isolation, cryosectioning) by demonstrating and sharing the written procedures • Discussed papers in neuroimmunology journal club meetings weekly

Bani Athwal Media & Consulting

Lead Researcher / March, 2024Present

Research Expertise
Neuroscience
Sociology
Product Discovery
Market Research
Public Health
And 2 more
About
Christina Maroun is a highly motivated and dedicated individual with a diverse background in both sociology and neuroscience. She earned her B.S. in Sociology and Neuroscience from The Ohio State University in 2020, where she developed a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis. She then went on to pursue a M.S in Biology from Central Connecticut State University, further honing her skills in scientific research and communication. Throughout her academic career, Christina has gained valuable experience in various research roles. She has served as a Research Coordinator at UTHealth, where she oversaw an NIH-funded research study and managed a team of data collectors. She also worked as a Sociology Research Assistant at The Ohio State University, where she assisted with data collection and analysis for a sociological study on police brutality. In addition, she has also worked as a Neuroscience Research Assistant at The Ohio State University, conducting experiments related to interleukin-1 and stress. In addition to her research experience, Christina has recently started her role as a Lead Researcher at Bani Athwal Media & Consulting. In this role, she will collaborate with clients to conduct market research and develop strategic plans for business growth. Christina's strong educational background and diverse research experience make her a well-rounded and knowledgeable individual in the fields of sociology and neuroscience. She is passionate about using her skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the world through research and data-driven decision making.

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