Nicholas A Waszczak
(847) 624-6518
4960 N. Marine Dr. Chicago, IL 60640
Nik@Waszczak.com
SUMMARY
As an innovative biologist I have overcome daunting technical hurdles, during my graduate studies,
through the formation of workgroup collaborations and the development of new limitless molecular
tools. I’ve translated my skillset to public service by assisting development of new methods for the
detection of bioterrorism agents that will be used by a nationwide network of laboratories.
Highlighting my sense of national pride I train and mentor students of various experience, from high
school to graduate fellows.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Candidate of Molecular Biology
Expected March ‘16
University of Illinois at Chicago
Thesis title: How Gβ phospho-state affects Gβγ dimer fate and function
Chicago, IL
B.S. Biochemistry
2008
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL
ABILITIES AND SKILLS
 Molecular cloning
 Protein expression
and purification
 Mammalian cell
culture
 Public speaking
 Global proteomic analysis
 High throughput
assay development
 Sustainable lab
practices
 Writing and
editing
WORK EXPERIENCE
Physical Scientist/Federal Intern
United States Environmental Protection Agency
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07/15 – present
Cincinnati, OH
Support threat consequence and assessment division workgroups by revising analytical methods documents.
Perform cost benefit and performance analysis of existing environmental DNA extraction methods.
Mine databases for literature pertaining to the detection of environmental bioterrorism agents and diseases.
Manage large primary literature libraries by identifying key data and drafting literature reviews.
Research Assistant/Lab Safety Manager
University of Illinois at Chicago
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08/08 – present
Chicago, IL
Directly trained five graduate students in molecular techniques and supervised project progress.
Contribute to understanding of cellular polarity defects by elucidating polarity protein-protein interactions.
Develop mass spectrometry protocols for protein isotope labeling (SILAC) and label-free quantitation (LFQ).
Analyze qualitative and quantitative proteomic mass spectrometry datasets for trends and statistical changes.
Design strategies for recombinant protein expression and purification in yeast, bacterial, and mammalian
systems.
 Leverage recent genetic and methods data from databases and incorporate into experimental strategies.
 Generated diagnostic affinity reagents through antibody phage display and high throughput immuno-assays.
 Acting laboratory health and safety manager, responsible for chemical and radioactive sample inventorying,
shipping, receiving, and stability.
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Hazardous Chemical Safety Technician
University of Illinois at Chicago
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05/06 – 08/08
Chicago, IL
Field tested hazardous chemicals, logged chemical characteristic data from portable field instruments.
Classified chemicals for a proprietary database and performed database quality assurance checks.
Organized collection of hazardous chemicals and evaluated chemical compatibilities for transport.
Enforced handling and transport regulations for hazardous chemicals including those implemented by the
U.S. EPA, U.S. DOT, and OSHA.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Natural Resource Management Volunteer
Forest Preserves of Cook County
03/05 – Present
River Forest, IL
 Impact local communities by training local volunteers in team skills and natural resource management
practices.
 Acting site power equipment and safety leader, demonstrate safe work practices to volunteers.
 Supervise volunteer pesticide operators in pesticide application and reinforce safe chemical use practices.
 Assist site organizers by advising on ecological restoration practices and strategies.
 Collect data on amphibian populations and environments, generate field reports and submit to ecologists.
PUBLICATIONS
In Press
 R. Deflorio, M.E. Brett, N. Waszczak, E. Apollinari, M.V. Metodiev, O. Dubrovskyi, D. Eddington, R.A.
Arkowitz, D.E. Stone. Gβ phosphorylation is critical for efficient chemotropism in yeast. 2013. Journal of Cell
Science.
In Process
 Ismael, W. Tian*, N. Waszczak*, M. Metodiev, Y. Cao, J. Liang D. Suchkov, Eli Bar, R. Arkowitz, D. Stone.
Gβ promotes polarization of the pheromone receptor by inhibiting its phosphorylation. 2014. Science
Signaling.
 N. Waszczak, D.E. Stone, M.V. Metodiev. Global phosphoproteome analysis reveals a G alpha-controlled
endocytosis-dependent mechanism that regulates pheromone-induced chemotropism in yeast.
AWARDS/CERTIFICATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS
University of Illinois at Chicago Biology Sustainability Representative
University of Illinois at Chicago Green Labs Committee Secretary
University of Illinois at Chicago Biology Colloquium Best Teaching Award, 2010
University of Illinois at Chicago Biology Excellence in Teaching Award, 2015
National Safety Council AED/CPR/First Aid Certified (Ctrl# 028425 and 549015)
State of Illinois Public Applicator of Pesticide (Lic# 03154003)
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