ALEX HUSZAGH

QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctoral student at the University of California, Irvine in Cellular and Molecular Biosciences, with a strong background in synthetic and analytical chemistry, seeking research or teaching fellowships.

EDUCATION

    High School Diploma,

    New Trier, Winnetka, IL                                                                                                                            May, 2009

    B.A., Chemistry & French and Francophone Studies, 

    Macalester College, St. Paul, MN    GPA 3.42 (Overall)                                                                      May, 2013

    Ph.D., Cellular and Molecular Biosciences,                                                                                             Expected

    University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA                                                                                                      2018

Additional Science Electives:

  Cell Biology

  Genetics

  Biochemistry I

  Biochemistry II

Graduate Course Work:

  Introduction to Proteomics

  Gene Expression (scheduled)

  Advanced Molecular Genetics (scheduled)

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Current:

Research, University of California, Irvine

Fall 2013

Optimizing the 2D, orthogonal reversed-phased HPLC separation of cross-linked peptides via tandem high-/low-pH separations. The enhanced separation of these cross-linked peptides will be validated by MS and MS² analysis (12 week research position).

Previous:

Research, University of California, Santa Barbara

Summer 2012

Working to classify intermediates formed during a cyclic ring opening and closure of a weakly aromatic starting material (furfural) to create an amino acid scaffold via cyclopentenones, a useful template for pharmaceuticals (10 week research position).

Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles

Spring 2012

Researching whether specific ligands activate G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) by the use of bioluminescent molecules fused to two sub-units of the G-protein heterotrimer to monitor the change in conformation that occurs during activation (12 week research position).

LABORATORY & RESEARCH SKILLS

Technical Skills: Laboratory:

NMR Spectroscopy (1H and 13C)

Infrared Spectroscopy

UV-Vis Spectroscopy

Spectrofluorometry

Mass Spectrometry

Thin Layer Chromatography

Flash Chromatography

High performance liquid chromatography

Reversed-phase liquid chromatography

Ion exchange chromatography

Experience in BRET (Bioluminescent Resonance Energy Transfer)

BSA Protein Assay

Agarose and SDS Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis

Bacterial culture in LB agar medium and “Terrific Broth”

Amplification of Plasmid DNA

Plasmid DNA isolation by MAXI prep

HEK, CHO Cell Cultures (DMEM medium)

DNA Transfection

UV Absorbance for DNA/RNA/Protein Quantification (NanoDrop)

Technical Skills: Computer:

Spartan

ChemBioDRAW

XCalibur

Protein Prospector

VnmrJ

TopSpin

MestRenova

GraphPad Prism

BLAST

ClustalW

Excel 

THESES AND PROJECTS

Capstone in Chemistry — Monitoring GPCR Activation by Bioluminescence via BRET

Chemistry Department, Macalester College

Nov. 2012

Presented my research involving GPCRs and chemical mechanisms for receptor function, including how specific residues facilitate small molecule binding.

Capstone in French and Francophone Studies — Le cœur arraché/mangé : une inclusion d’Ourika et les modifications du thème

French and Francophone Studies Department, Macalester College

Feb. 2012

Presented research connecting a medieval French literary trope, “Le cœur arraché/mangé” (The eaten heart) to “Ourika”, a 19^th century work chronicling depression resulting from societal exclusion and manifesting itself physiologically on both the brain and the heart. Primary sources from Jean-Pierre Camus and Christine de Pizan were also developed upon.

Capstone in French and Francophone Studies ­— Un traitement des déclassés Constant Malva et Jules Vallès : Comment la biographie de l’écrivain par rapport à leur classe sociale est impliquée dans leur œuvre

French and Francophone Studies Department, Macalester College

Apr. 2012

Characterized works from Constant Malva (“Ma nuit au jour le jour”, “Correspondance”) and Jules Vallès (“Le bachelier”, “L’insurgé”) in order to contrast two different classes of proletariat writing.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Science Tutor, Macalester College

Fall 2011-Present

Science tutor aiding students struggling to comprehend concepts in Introductory Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Introductory Physics.

Cashier, Capt’n Nemo’s

Jun. – Aug. 2011

Collected orders and replenished supplies from the stock room, at a family-owned Chicago sandwich shop.

CERTIFICATIONS & AFFILIATIONS

Level 1 Certified Tutor, College Reading and Learning Association

2012

Member of the American Chemical Society, Biological Chemistry

2012 – Present

ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS

Languages:

Fluent in French

Activities: Habitat for Humanity, Collegiate Challenge, Relay For Life Team Member, Intramural Frisbee, Club Ultimate Frisbee

Volunteer, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, St. Paul, MN

Mar. – Dec. 2011

Providing volunteer labor for the local Habit for Humanity chapter, ensuring club’s ability to aid construction and renovation of local houses for poor families.

Interests: Electronic Music, Frisbee, Cuisine, Monopoly