ELISSA M. MURPHY
2930 Williams St  Denver, CO 80205 ■ melinn21@gmail.com ■ 781-367-1778 (c)
Education
Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
(9/2000 – 3/2003)
Master of Science: Microbial Ecology – Dr. Slava Epstein
M.S. Thesis – rDNA INTERNAL TRANSCRIBED SPACERS: EVALUATION OF UTILITY AS
PHYLOGENETIC MARKERS IN MARINE CILIATES.
Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pennsylvania
(8/1996 – 5/2000)
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Dr. Bruce Wightman
Magna Cum Laude; Highest honors in Biology.
Honors Thesis – INVESTIGATION OF THE DNA-BINDING PROPERTIES OF THE FAX-1
PROTEIN FROM THE NEMATODE CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS.
Experience
University of Colorado, Aurora, CO – SR. PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT
(7/2011- PRESENT)
Carried out ordering for and physical set-up of new laboratory at UCD Anschutz Medical Campus.
Continued organization and standardization of extensive DNA/RNA sample bank. Conducted large
scale Taqman genotyping assays, wrote scripts for Tecan liquid handling robot, and currently
working on large-scale targeted resequencing project on ABI SOLiD 5500xl Next Gen platform.
National Jewish Health, Denver, CO – LAB MANAGER
(9/2008 – 6/2011)
Oversee daily workings of a large laboratory. Provide orientation to new lab members, assist
current lab members in finding and managing necessary supplies and reagents for their projects, and
create lab policies that lead to a safer and more organized work environment. Multitask across
several projects in the lab including human whole genome sequencing, RNA preparation for gene
expression and viral signature studies, and sample management.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA – LAB TECHNICIAN
(7/2007 – 8/2008)
Responsible for operation and upkeep of ABI 3100 automated DNA sequencer. Maintain enzyme
stocks, RNAi libraries, and plasmid database. Assume managerial tasks such as ordering when lab
manager is unavailable. Perform deletion screens of worm library and microinjections for lab
members.
Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA – RESEARCH ASSISTANT
(6/2006 – 7/2007)
Supported research examining the function of a cell envelope-associated predicted protease that is
critical for virulence of M. tuberculosis. Conducted in vivo experiments in mouse model to compare
differential pathology and disease progression between mutant and wildtype Mtb strains. Used
western analyses to evaluate how various mutations in this gene affect protein processing.
MA Department of Public Health, Jamaica Plain, MA – BACTERIOLOGIST I
(8/2004 – 6/2006)
Worked under Biosafety Level 3 conditions performing diagnostic tests on human specimens from
patients displaying symptoms of M. tuberculosis. Processed, cultured, and read slides for these
specimens to determine presence of acid-fast bacteria. AFB positive specimens were then identified
using DNA probes and their specific drug susceptibilities were determined through both rapid and
conventional techniques for timely treatment recommendations.
ELISSA M MURPHY
Laboratory Skills
Next Gen Sequencing
DNA/RNA purification
DNA and Protein Electrophoresis
Liquid Handling Robotics
BSL 3 Experience
Worm Microinjection
Mouse Handling
Sample Management
Real Time PCR
Primer Construction
Recombinant DNA Techniques
Laboratory Management
Presentations/Publications
Rengarajan, J., Murphy, E., Park, A., Krone, C., Hett, E., Bloom, B.R., Glimcher, L.H., and E.J. Rubin.
2008. Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2224c Modulates Innate Immune Responses. PNAS 105(1):
264-269.
Rengarajan, J., Krone, C., Murphy, E., Park, A., Bloom, B.R., Glimcher, L.H., and E.J. Rubin. 2007. Role of
an Exported Protease in M. tuberculosis Pathogenesis and Host Response. Keystone Symposium,
Vancouver, British Columbia, March 20-25.
Murphy, E., and S. Epstein. 2002. rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacers: Evaluation of Utility as Phylogenetic
Markers in Marine Ciliates. 2nd German-American Biological Sciences Symposium, Hannover,
Germany, June 9-15.
Murphy, E., R. Droste, and S. Epstein. 2002. Resolution of Closely Related Species of the Marine Ciliate
Geleia using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) Sequences. Poster presentation at the 54th Annual
Meeting of the Society of Protozoologists, Salt Lake City, UT, May 18-19.
Droste, R., E. Murphy, and S. Epstein. 2002. Correlation of Morphological and Genetic Data to Investigate
the Species Concept in Ciliated Protozoa. Poster presentation at the 54th Annual Meeting of the
Society of Protozoologists, Salt Lake City, UT, May 18-19.
Murphy, E., N. Bianco, J. Tanis, and B. Wightman. 2000. Functional Studies on the FAX-1 Nuclear
Receptor. Poster presentation at the 2000 East Coast C. elegans Meeting, Atlanta, GA, June 9-11.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
2930 Williams St  Denver, CO 80205  Phone: 781-367-1778 (c)
 Email: melinn21@gmail.com 