Some of you, met two of our new employees at the November 3rd Mycobacterium Seminar. However, we wish all to become acquainted with our Senior Microbiologists.  When you call us, its most likely you will first talk with Emeobong E. Martin, her first name is shortened to Eme and pronounced something like "M" "eh".  We are still getting used to saying it just so, but don't worry she will help you if you struggle with it.  In addition to being a senior microbiologist, she runs the front office, along with the finance functions of the company.  She was most recently employed as a Research Associate with Idaho Technology in Salt Lake City, Utah.

As a member of that company's research and development cohort, her focus included development of effective methods for sample purification kits through the use of company implemented optimization controls.  The analysis of purified products obtained were performed via real-time and RT-PCR.  Her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry was received from Brigham Young University, where she worked under the direction of Dr. Daniel L. Simmons for over two years investigating cyclooxygenases. She was involved in using radioimmunaoassays, immunobloting, PCR and DNA purification.  She was also responsible for the cell culture and transfection/tranformation of mammalian and insect cell line for her own research as well as that of her fellows. During the summers of her undergraduate education, Eme worked for two twelve week periods under the direction of NIH's BIO-MAP program at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Another senior microbiologist, comes to us from the ranks of our Saturday interns, Sara J. Blamey, where she had started in June working alongside with our current Lab Manager, Jim O'Donnell.  Sara also has a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry which was awarded by Knox College, Galesburg, IL in June, 2003.  Last year she worked on temporary staff for Monsanto in St. Louis and for us on Saturdays.  She started full-time on October 16th just in time to help us with our seminar.  Previously, she worked on projects requiring DNA amplification, knowlege of several robotic programs, and general logging in of samples.  Her Senior year research at Knox College involved using site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the role of salt bridges in the GrpE protein.  Sara has a working knowledge of PCR, Molecular Cloning Techniques, various chrmatographic techniques and gel electrophoretic methods.  She has an interesting background having worked during her schooling for the Illinois State Police Forensic Lab in Morton, IL.  Her responsibilities included assisting with inventory and updates on parts of the ballistics reference collection, preparation of stock solutions for the drug chemistry department, and various office functions.  She also was able to observe the workup of several cases involving biology and forensic DNA methods.