Phillip J. Gauronskas – Biochemical Research and Development Analyst

Phillip J. Gauronskas

Virginia Beach, VA 23452  USA

pgaurons@gmail.com

OBJECTIVE:  Biochemical Research and Development Analyst

CAREER SUMMARY

  • 5 years, Biomedical Researcher
  • 3 years, US Navy / NROTC, Electronics Tech, E-3; Surface War Officer, LT/O-3, Hon. Dis.: 09/14
  • 3+ years, Supervisor / Manager (intelligence, propulsion, military)
  • 1.5 years, Electronics and Mechanical Propulsion Technician
  • 1.5+ years, Operations and Intelligence Analyst, Quality Assurance, Administration 
  • Secret Clearance (adjudicated 2014; expired 2019)

EXPERIENCE PORTFOLIO

08/19 – present, Ph.D. Full-time Student

Eastern Virginia Medical School, Dept. of Microbiology & Molecular Cell Biology, Norfolk, VA

Research:

  • Study role of B cells and lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis, a metabolic disorder characterized by overaccumulation of modified low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in medium to large-sized arteries
  • Collaborate with peer lab researchers on projects on B cell biology, atherosclerosis, and Type II diabetes
  • Investigate innate antiviral responses of the CNS
  • Develop a new mouse strain that uses the Cre-lox Recombination system to induce B-cell specific overexpression of 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (Dhcr24) in an inducible mouse model of atherosclerosis via global LDL receptor (LDLr) deficiency and high-fat diet (HFD); Dhcr24 converts desmosterol into cholesterol required for cholesterol biosynthesis
  • Generated an atherogenic mouse model with a mutation that causes B-cell specific overproduction of cholesterol model after discovering an apparent role for desmosterol, a cholesterol intermediate in regulating B cell activation; Macrophages and B cells produce immune responses to modified LDL upon uptake; mLDL are processed and initiate several key pathways in lipid biology, including cholesterol synthesis, lipid droplet formation, and cholesterol efflux; excess mLDL loading generates excess desmosterol in B cells and macrophages; desmosterol causes toll-like receptor signaling and NFκß signaling inhibition in macrophages, and apparently in B cells, based on preliminary findings, with project potential in revealing the importance of lipids in B cell biology and atherosclerosis, which can help improve human life (project aligned with research scope of the American Heart Association)

08/16 – 08/19, Master of Science – Full-time Student

Eastern Virginia Medical School, Dept. of Microbiology & Molecular Cell Biology, Norfolk, VA

Research

  • Studied role of basolateral amygdala’s glutamatergic neurons in modulating stress-induced neuroinflammation

02/15 – 08/16, Configuration-Based Requirements Analysis (CoBRA) Analyst

Cape Henry Associates Inc., Virginia Beach, VA

  • Extracted website data for timely internal data retrieval by peers used to complete analyses and complete contract deliverables for the US Navy (contract vehicle) within the TGA database system for projects valued ~$200,000-$300,000 in federal funding
  • Updated the Training Gap Analysis (TGA) User’s Manual
  • Analyzed Naval Training Systems Plans (NTSPs), and Training System Installation Plans (TSIPs) documents, including updates of the Equipment Systems Subsystems (ESS) requirements
  • Conducted gap analysis and data entry using research to identify training ESS discrepancies and deficiencies, and unmet requirements in US Navy personnel training (e.g.,  NEC rates to target for recruiting) parallel to manning requirements onboard vessels and duty stations; data funneled to peer analysts to compile reports to US Navy representatives to forecast manpower needs
  • Organized/facilitated training on adding, modifying, updating entries of records in the TGA database

08/16 – 02/19, Student /  Researcher

Eastern Virginia Medical School (Dr. Ciavarra’s Lab), Norfolk, VA

  • Isolated mRNA from mouse medial prefrontal cortices and hippocampi
  • Processed RT-qPCR arrays to assess differences in controllable versus uncontrollable stress-induced neuroinflammation to examine the interplay between the peripheral immune system and the central nervous system
  • Managed/supervised five lab volunteers; mentored and trained in basic lab techniques, e.g., RNA extraction of tissue, cDNA conversion of RNA isolates, polymerase chain reactions, agarose gel electrophoresis, and data analysis; managed/supervised graduate students (3) doing lab rotations
  • Conducted research work on three National Institute of Health (NIH) grants, with estimated funding values of between $150K-$200K (total ~$500K)

Contributions to Science from Laboratory Work

  • Ciavarra Lab collaborating with the Sanford Lab: Isolated total RNA from mouse brain tissue; prepared samples for RT-qPCR using Qiagen mouse pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine arrays to study the effects that controllable and uncontrollable stress have on vesicular stomatitis virus-induced encephalitis and neuroinflammation; using these arrays as preliminary data, designed primers for qPCR to probe specific pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to validate the Qiagen arrays (published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology)
  • Ciavarra Lab: Thesis work focused on the role of the BLA’s glutamatergic neurons in modulating the CNS’s response to stress-induced neuroinflammation in collaboration with the Sanford Lab.  Used an adeno-associated viral (AAV) construct to transfect mice BLA glutamatergic neurons with a halorhodopsin gene and surgically implanted the mice with an LED probe with a light frequency specific to the halorhodopsin proteins to inhibit BLA glutamatergic neurons. After the Sanford lab stress-trained the mice, isolated cells from whole brain tissue, stained and ran the samples using FACS. Analyzed and prepared the flow data for publication. Designed RT-qPCR primers for CX3CL1-CX3CR1 and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathways, analyzed from mRNA, which isolated medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) tissue samples from mice (paper to be submitted)
  • Galkina Lab: Collaborated with Dr. Carlos Fernandez-Hernando from Yale School of Medicine to develop a novel mouse model, which caused B-cell specific overexpression of DHCR24 through the cre-lox recombination system (Dhcr24fl/flCd19cre/+); crossed these mice with LDLR knockout mice (Dhcr24fl/flCd19cre/+Ldlr-/-). Through RT-qPCR and Western Blot, Preliminary studies showed that both DHCR24 protein and mRNA are overexpressed in B cells. Conducted flow cytometry experiments revealing Dhcr24 overexpression in B cells resulted in increased basal levels of activation relative to wildtype and enhanced BCR-mediated calcium flux signaling, suggesting Dhcr24 drives B cell activation; collaborated on related projects with peer lab members

09/14 – 02/15, Quality Assurance Analyst

Cape Henry Associates Inc., Virginia Beach, VA

  • Reviewed and edited Naval System Training Plans (NTSP), Front-End Analyses (FEA), and Training System Installation Plans (TSIP) and edited grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and general consistency errors
  • Reviewed >30 documents (300-500 pages) related to US  Navy, training-related contract deliverables used by the Navy to determine and forecast manpower and training requirements for existing and new platforms, and identify training deficiencies to be addressed to keep ESS operational
  • Developed and implemented the Cape Henry Associates (CHA) Style Guide by generating the first iteration of the CHA style guide instructing employees on formatting documents and contract deliverables for the US Navy, including Navy Training Systems Plans (NTSPs), Training System Installation Plans (TSIPs), and FEAs
  • Peer-reviewed and revised drafts of NTSPs, TSIPs, and FEAs
  • Mentored/trained new department hires to add syntactically correct and accurate records to database

03/14 – 09/14, Administrative Assistant

Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT), Norfolk, VA

11/13 – 03/14, Operations/Intelligence Division Officer (LTJG/O-2)

United States Navy, USS Monterey (CG 61)

  • Supervised ~25 Operations Specialists (ranks E1-E6) within the Operations/Intelligence Division with the assistance of the division chief petty officer (DCPO) (E-7)
  • Managed the Casualty Report (CASREP) program on the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) system; quality assured reporting metrics were correct, identified and reported system casualties (5-10 reported daily) and emergency reporting to targeted representatives; ensured qualified personnel had access; ensured hardware was operational; conducted oversight to equipment valued at ~$500K, with parts and equipment acquisition and delivery ranging within 2-3 business days for generally available parts
  • Advised personnel onboard to cost-reduction alternatives for reporting functions, including ANORS, to complete acquisition ordering through the requisition process

06/12 – 11/13, Main Propulsion Division Officer (ENS/O-1) / Surface Warfare Officer

United States Navy, USS Monterey (CG 61)

  • Managed the Main Propulsion (MP) Division, including supervision of ~20 gas turbine specialists, mechanical (GSM; E1-E6) and ~ 20 gas turbine specialists, electrical personnel responsible for maintaining the onboard propulsion and power generation plants, including LM2500 gas turbine generators (valued at ~$11.4M each, totaling ~$34.2M), Rolls-Royce AG9140 gas turbine generators valued at ~$10M each, totally ~$20M, for a total of equipment valued at >$50M
  • Managed maintenance and repairs and supervision of repair staff responsible for four General Electric (GE) LM2500 gas turbine electrical generators on the ship, and two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine generators onboard, in addition to all other complementary Equipment Systems Subsystems (ESS) as well as prioritizing parts requisition over CASREP/ANORS, resulting in 70% of  maintenance projects completed within 24-hours on average
  • Certified ship for deployment (2013) by ensuring equipment, safety measures, procedures, and policies passed the INSURV quality and mission capability inspection with a superior score of 94% via supervision of the main propulsion division, with the assistance of the Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA), the GSM section chief petty officer, and the GSE section chief petty officer
  • Mentored personnel for career progression and safety of all personnel; recommended, facilitated, and coordinated on-the-job (OJT) training (via personnel qualification standards [PQS]), shipboard training, and onboarding for incoming staff

08/08 – 06/12, Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

02/08 – 08/08, Electronics Technician (Nuclear; SN/E-3), US Navy, Great Lakes, IL

FORMAL EDUCATION

  • 2019 – present, Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), Norfolk, VA (expected graduation: 05/25); GPA: 3.9; Courses: Molecules to Cells, Molecular & Cellular Techniques, Cell Communication & Signaling, Molecular Genetics, Research Literature, Biomedical Sciences, Cell Energetics and Organ Function, Scientific Writing & Research Design, Biometry, Methods & Logic in Translational Bio, Conduct in Science, Informatics, Applied Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Research, Special Topics
  • 06/18, Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA; GPA: 3.9; Thesis: “Does Optogenetic Inhibition of the Basolateral Amygdala Inhibit Innate Inflammatory Response During Acute Viral Infections in the Olfactory Bulbs of Stressed C57Bl/6 Mice?”
  • 06/12, Bachelor of Science, Major – Microbiology, Minor – Naval Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; Courses: Chemistry, Calculus, Organic Chemistry (CHEM 241A), Physics w/Calculus, Vector Calculus, Protein Metabolism Biochemistry, Biology, Physics Mechanics, Microbial Physiology, Immunology, Electric Magnetism, Medical & Molecular Virology, Statistics & Biostatics, Microbiological Technology, Microbial Genetics, Animal & Plant Genetics, Leadership & Ethics, Amphibious Warfare, Naval Ship System: Weapons, Naval Ship System: Engineering, Navigation & Naval Operations, Leadership & Management, Sea Power & Maritime Affairs, Navigation & Naval Operations, Spanish, Naval Science

TECHNICAL / COMPUTER / LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

  • Cell Culture
  • DNA and RNA isolation
  • DNA Isolation (cells)
  • exosome isolation
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • in vitro cell cultures
  • Microscopy
  • PCR
  • Restriction Digestion
  • RNA Isolation (Cells and Tissue)
  • RT-PCR
  • SDS-PAGE
  • Western Blot
  • Languages: R, Python, HTML, LaTeX, Java, VBA
  • Bioinformatics Tools: Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), NCBI Toolkit (BLAST, etc.), Geneious BioInformatics, mFold, NEB cutter
  • Operating Systems: Windows, Mac OSX, Ubuntu, Linux
  • MS O365: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
  • SIPRnet / NIPRnet
  • LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-gauronskas

RESEARCH PROJECTS

(more information available upon request)

  • 01/18 – 07/18, Does Optogenetic Inhibition of the Basolateral Amygdala Inhibit Innate Inflammatory Response During Acute Viral Infections in the Olfactory Bulbs of Stressed C57Bl/6 Mice?, Mentor: Dr. Richard P. Ciavarra
  • 05/17 – present, The Effects of Stress Perception on Innate Antiviral Response of the Olfactory Bulb of C57bl/6 Mice, Mentor: Dr. Richard P. Ciavarra
  • 03/17 – 05/17 (Lab Rotation), Using Patient Cells and Transfected Cells to Test Purα as a Therapy for ALS. Mentor: Dr. Earl Godfrey
  • 01/17 – 03/17 (Lab Rotation), Isolation of Exosomes from Frozen AD+ Patient Tissue. Mentor: Dr. Frank Castora
  • 03/17, Exosome Isolation from Frozen Human Brain Tissue, EVMS Graduate Student Research Conference Oral and Poster Presentation, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507
  • 11/17, The Effects of Controllable Stress on the Olfactory Bulb during an acute Viral Encephalitic Infection, Chalk Talk, Eastern Virginia Medical School (EMVS), Norfolk, VA
  • 11/17, Stress Perception Differentially Affects the Neuroinflammatory Response within the Olfactory Bulb During an Acute Viral Infection, Tidewater Student Research Poster Session, Christopher Newport University (CNU), Newport News, VA
  • 10/16 – 12/16, The Effects of Stress Perception and Optogenetic Inhibition of the Basolateral Amygdala on the Hippocampus. Mentor: Dr. Richard P. Ciavarra

PUBLICATIONS

(more available upon request)

Ciavarra, R.P., Machida, M., Lundberg, P.S., Gauronskas, P., Wellman, L.L., Steel, C., Aflatooni, J.O., and Sanford, L.D. (2018). Controllable and uncontrollable stress differentially impact pathogenicity and survival in a mouse model of viral encephalitis. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 319: p. 130-141. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.02.014

Gauronskas, P.J., Aflatooni, J.O., Lundberg, P.S., Sanford, L.D., Ciavarra, R.P. (2017). Stress Enhances Inflammatory Signaling in Mouse Olfactory Bulbs During an Acute Encephalitic Infection. Tidewater Student Research Poster Session, Christopher Newport University.

Gauronskas, P.J., Castora, F.J.. (2017). Exosome Isolation From AD+ Human Brain Tissue. Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC).

Gauronskas, P.J., Hasanzadah, Y., Parker, L., Wellman, L.L., Sanford, L.D., Ciavarra, R.P. (2018). Glutamatergic Amygdala-Medial Prefrontal Cortex Communication is Critical for Stress-Induced Changes in Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Signaling. Research Day

Gauronskas, P.J., Mußbacher, M; Ma, S., Waseem, T.C.; Fernandez-Hernando, C., PhD; Galkina, E.V. (2020). Characterization of 24-Dehydrocholesterol Reductase Overexpressing B Cells in a Novel Mouse Model.

LANGUAGES / RECOGNITION / AWARDS / VOLUNTEER / AFFILIATIONS

  • 03/17, Certificate of Appreciation, 5th Annual Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC), Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
  • Spring 2012, Dean’s List, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
  • Spanish (proficient)
  • Japanese (proficient)
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Global War On Terrorism Service Medal
  • Pistol Marksmanship (Sharpshooter) Medal
  • 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, Research Day Certificate of Appreciation, Norfolk, VA
  • 2018, Research Day Travel Award Letter, Norfolk, VA
  • 2017, GSRC Certificate of Appreciation, Norfolk, VA
  • 08/16 – present, Member, EVMS Biomedical Sciences Student Organization (BSSO)
  • 2014 – 2016, Volunteer, Dept. of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, EVMS, Norfolk, VA
  • 01/15 – 05/15, Lab Volunteer, Dr. Richard P. Ciavarra, Norfolk, VA
  • 06/12 – present, Member, University of Arizona Alumni Association, Tucson, AZ

Phillip J. Gauronskas – Biochemical Research and Development Analyst

Phillip J. Gauronskas

Virginia Beach, VA 23452  USA

pgaurons@gmail.com

OBJECTIVE:  Biochemical Research and Development Analyst

CAREER SUMMARY

  • 5 years, Biomedical Researcher
  • 3 years, US Navy / NROTC, Electronics Tech, E-3; Surface War Officer, LT/O-3, Hon. Dis.: 09/14
  • 3+ years, Supervisor / Manager (intelligence, propulsion, military)
  • 1.5 years, Electronics and Mechanical Propulsion Technician
  • 1.5+ years, Operations and Intelligence Analyst, Quality Assurance, Administration 
  • Secret Clearance (adjudicated 2014; expired 2019)

EXPERIENCE PORTFOLIO

08/19 – present, Ph.D. Full-time Student

Eastern Virginia Medical School, Dept. of Microbiology & Molecular Cell Biology, Norfolk, VA

Research:

  • Study role of B cells and lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis, a metabolic disorder characterized by overaccumulation of modified low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in medium to large-sized arteries
  • Collaborate with peer lab researchers on projects on B cell biology, atherosclerosis, and Type II diabetes
  • Investigate innate antiviral responses of the CNS
  • Develop a new mouse strain that uses the Cre-lox Recombination system to induce B-cell specific overexpression of 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (Dhcr24) in an inducible mouse model of atherosclerosis via global LDL receptor (LDLr) deficiency and high-fat diet (HFD); Dhcr24 converts desmosterol into cholesterol required for cholesterol biosynthesis
  • Generated an atherogenic mouse model with a mutation that causes B-cell specific overproduction of cholesterol model after discovering an apparent role for desmosterol, a cholesterol intermediate in regulating B cell activation; Macrophages and B cells produce immune responses to modified LDL upon uptake; mLDL are processed and initiate several key pathways in lipid biology, including cholesterol synthesis, lipid droplet formation, and cholesterol efflux; excess mLDL loading generates excess desmosterol in B cells and macrophages; desmosterol causes toll-like receptor signaling and NFκß signaling inhibition in macrophages, and apparently in B cells, based on preliminary findings, with project potential in revealing the importance of lipids in B cell biology and atherosclerosis, which can help improve human life (project aligned with research scope of the American Heart Association)

08/16 – 08/19, Master of Science – Full-time Student

Eastern Virginia Medical School, Dept. of Microbiology & Molecular Cell Biology, Norfolk, VA

Research

  • Studied role of basolateral amygdala’s glutamatergic neurons in modulating stress-induced neuroinflammation

02/15 – 08/16, Configuration-Based Requirements Analysis (CoBRA) Analyst

Cape Henry Associates Inc., Virginia Beach, VA

  • Extracted website data for timely internal data retrieval by peers used to complete analyses and complete contract deliverables for the US Navy (contract vehicle) within the TGA database system for projects valued ~$200,000-$300,000 in federal funding
  • Updated the Training Gap Analysis (TGA) User’s Manual
  • Analyzed Naval Training Systems Plans (NTSPs), and Training System Installation Plans (TSIPs) documents, including updates of the Equipment Systems Subsystems (ESS) requirements
  • Conducted gap analysis and data entry using research to identify training ESS discrepancies and deficiencies, and unmet requirements in US Navy personnel training (e.g.,  NEC rates to target for recruiting) parallel to manning requirements onboard vessels and duty stations; data funneled to peer analysts to compile reports to US Navy representatives to forecast manpower needs
  • Organized/facilitated training on adding, modifying, updating entries of records in the TGA database

08/16 – 02/19, Student /  Researcher

Eastern Virginia Medical School (Dr. Ciavarra’s Lab), Norfolk, VA

  • Isolated mRNA from mouse medial prefrontal cortices and hippocampi
  • Processed RT-qPCR arrays to assess differences in controllable versus uncontrollable stress-induced neuroinflammation to examine the interplay between the peripheral immune system and the central nervous system
  • Managed/supervised five lab volunteers; mentored and trained in basic lab techniques, e.g., RNA extraction of tissue, cDNA conversion of RNA isolates, polymerase chain reactions, agarose gel electrophoresis, and data analysis; managed/supervised graduate students (3) doing lab rotations
  • Conducted research work on three National Institute of Health (NIH) grants, with estimated funding values of between $150K-$200K (total ~$500K)

Contributions to Science from Laboratory Work

  • Ciavarra Lab collaborating with the Sanford Lab: Isolated total RNA from mouse brain tissue; prepared samples for RT-qPCR using Qiagen mouse pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine arrays to study the effects that controllable and uncontrollable stress have on vesicular stomatitis virus-induced encephalitis and neuroinflammation; using these arrays as preliminary data, designed primers for qPCR to probe specific pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to validate the Qiagen arrays (published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology)
  • Ciavarra Lab: Thesis work focused on the role of the BLA’s glutamatergic neurons in modulating the CNS’s response to stress-induced neuroinflammation in collaboration with the Sanford Lab.  Used an adeno-associated viral (AAV) construct to transfect mice BLA glutamatergic neurons with a halorhodopsin gene and surgically implanted the mice with an LED probe with a light frequency specific to the halorhodopsin proteins to inhibit BLA glutamatergic neurons. After the Sanford lab stress-trained the mice, isolated cells from whole brain tissue, stained and ran the samples using FACS. Analyzed and prepared the flow data for publication. Designed RT-qPCR primers for CX3CL1-CX3CR1 and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathways, analyzed from mRNA, which isolated medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) tissue samples from mice (paper to be submitted)
  • Galkina Lab: Collaborated with Dr. Carlos Fernandez-Hernando from Yale School of Medicine to develop a novel mouse model, which caused B-cell specific overexpression of DHCR24 through the cre-lox recombination system (Dhcr24fl/flCd19cre/+); crossed these mice with LDLR knockout mice (Dhcr24fl/flCd19cre/+Ldlr-/-). Through RT-qPCR and Western Blot, Preliminary studies showed that both DHCR24 protein and mRNA are overexpressed in B cells. Conducted flow cytometry experiments revealing Dhcr24 overexpression in B cells resulted in increased basal levels of activation relative to wildtype and enhanced BCR-mediated calcium flux signaling, suggesting Dhcr24 drives B cell activation; collaborated on related projects with peer lab members

09/14 – 02/15, Quality Assurance Analyst

Cape Henry Associates Inc., Virginia Beach, VA

  • Reviewed and edited Naval System Training Plans (NTSP), Front-End Analyses (FEA), and Training System Installation Plans (TSIP) and edited grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and general consistency errors
  • Reviewed >30 documents (300-500 pages) related to US  Navy, training-related contract deliverables used by the Navy to determine and forecast manpower and training requirements for existing and new platforms, and identify training deficiencies to be addressed to keep ESS operational
  • Developed and implemented the Cape Henry Associates (CHA) Style Guide by generating the first iteration of the CHA style guide instructing employees on formatting documents and contract deliverables for the US Navy, including Navy Training Systems Plans (NTSPs), Training System Installation Plans (TSIPs), and FEAs
  • Peer-reviewed and revised drafts of NTSPs, TSIPs, and FEAs
  • Mentored/trained new department hires to add syntactically correct and accurate records to database

03/14 – 09/14, Administrative Assistant

Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT), Norfolk, VA

11/13 – 03/14, Operations/Intelligence Division Officer (LTJG/O-2)

United States Navy, USS Monterey (CG 61)

  • Supervised ~25 Operations Specialists (ranks E1-E6) within the Operations/Intelligence Division with the assistance of the division chief petty officer (DCPO) (E-7)
  • Managed the Casualty Report (CASREP) program on the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) system; quality assured reporting metrics were correct, identified and reported system casualties (5-10 reported daily) and emergency reporting to targeted representatives; ensured qualified personnel had access; ensured hardware was operational; conducted oversight to equipment valued at ~$500K, with parts and equipment acquisition and delivery ranging within 2-3 business days for generally available parts
  • Advised personnel onboard to cost-reduction alternatives for reporting functions, including ANORS, to complete acquisition ordering through the requisition process

06/12 – 11/13, Main Propulsion Division Officer (ENS/O-1) / Surface Warfare Officer

United States Navy, USS Monterey (CG 61)

  • Managed the Main Propulsion (MP) Division, including supervision of ~20 gas turbine specialists, mechanical (GSM; E1-E6) and ~ 20 gas turbine specialists, electrical personnel responsible for maintaining the onboard propulsion and power generation plants, including LM2500 gas turbine generators (valued at ~$11.4M each, totaling ~$34.2M), Rolls-Royce AG9140 gas turbine generators valued at ~$10M each, totally ~$20M, for a total of equipment valued at >$50M
  • Managed maintenance and repairs and supervision of repair staff responsible for four General Electric (GE) LM2500 gas turbine electrical generators on the ship, and two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine generators onboard, in addition to all other complementary Equipment Systems Subsystems (ESS) as well as prioritizing parts requisition over CASREP/ANORS, resulting in 70% of  maintenance projects completed within 24-hours on average
  • Certified ship for deployment (2013) by ensuring equipment, safety measures, procedures, and policies passed the INSURV quality and mission capability inspection with a superior score of 94% via supervision of the main propulsion division, with the assistance of the Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA), the GSM section chief petty officer, and the GSE section chief petty officer
  • Mentored personnel for career progression and safety of all personnel; recommended, facilitated, and coordinated on-the-job (OJT) training (via personnel qualification standards [PQS]), shipboard training, and onboarding for incoming staff

08/08 – 06/12, Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

02/08 – 08/08, Electronics Technician (Nuclear; SN/E-3), US Navy, Great Lakes, IL

FORMAL EDUCATION

  • 2019 – present, Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), Norfolk, VA (expected graduation: 05/25); GPA: 3.9; Courses: Molecules to Cells, Molecular & Cellular Techniques, Cell Communication & Signaling, Molecular Genetics, Research Literature, Biomedical Sciences, Cell Energetics and Organ Function, Scientific Writing & Research Design, Biometry, Methods & Logic in Translational Bio, Conduct in Science, Informatics, Applied Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Research, Special Topics
  • 06/18, Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA; GPA: 3.9; Thesis: “Does Optogenetic Inhibition of the Basolateral Amygdala Inhibit Innate Inflammatory Response During Acute Viral Infections in the Olfactory Bulbs of Stressed C57Bl/6 Mice?”
  • 06/12, Bachelor of Science, Major – Microbiology, Minor – Naval Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; Courses: Chemistry, Calculus, Organic Chemistry (CHEM 241A), Physics w/Calculus, Vector Calculus, Protein Metabolism Biochemistry, Biology, Physics Mechanics, Microbial Physiology, Immunology, Electric Magnetism, Medical & Molecular Virology, Statistics & Biostatics, Microbiological Technology, Microbial Genetics, Animal & Plant Genetics, Leadership & Ethics, Amphibious Warfare, Naval Ship System: Weapons, Naval Ship System: Engineering, Navigation & Naval Operations, Leadership & Management, Sea Power & Maritime Affairs, Navigation & Naval Operations, Spanish, Naval Science

TECHNICAL / COMPUTER / LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

  • Cell Culture
  • DNA and RNA isolation
  • DNA Isolation (cells)
  • exosome isolation
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • in vitro cell cultures
  • Microscopy
  • PCR
  • Restriction Digestion
  • RNA Isolation (Cells and Tissue)
  • RT-PCR
  • SDS-PAGE
  • Western Blot
  • Languages: R, Python, HTML, LaTeX, Java, VBA
  • Bioinformatics Tools: Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), NCBI Toolkit (BLAST, etc.), Geneious BioInformatics, mFold, NEB cutter
  • Operating Systems: Windows, Mac OSX, Ubuntu, Linux
  • MS O365: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
  • SIPRnet / NIPRnet
  • LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-gauronskas

RESEARCH PROJECTS

(more information available upon request)

  • 01/18 – 07/18, Does Optogenetic Inhibition of the Basolateral Amygdala Inhibit Innate Inflammatory Response During Acute Viral Infections in the Olfactory Bulbs of Stressed C57Bl/6 Mice?, Mentor: Dr. Richard P. Ciavarra
  • 05/17 – present, The Effects of Stress Perception on Innate Antiviral Response of the Olfactory Bulb of C57bl/6 Mice, Mentor: Dr. Richard P. Ciavarra
  • 03/17 – 05/17 (Lab Rotation), Using Patient Cells and Transfected Cells to Test Purα as a Therapy for ALS. Mentor: Dr. Earl Godfrey
  • 01/17 – 03/17 (Lab Rotation), Isolation of Exosomes from Frozen AD+ Patient Tissue. Mentor: Dr. Frank Castora
  • 03/17, Exosome Isolation from Frozen Human Brain Tissue, EVMS Graduate Student Research Conference Oral and Poster Presentation, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507
  • 11/17, The Effects of Controllable Stress on the Olfactory Bulb during an acute Viral Encephalitic Infection, Chalk Talk, Eastern Virginia Medical School (EMVS), Norfolk, VA
  • 11/17, Stress Perception Differentially Affects the Neuroinflammatory Response within the Olfactory Bulb During an Acute Viral Infection, Tidewater Student Research Poster Session, Christopher Newport University (CNU), Newport News, VA
  • 10/16 – 12/16, The Effects of Stress Perception and Optogenetic Inhibition of the Basolateral Amygdala on the Hippocampus. Mentor: Dr. Richard P. Ciavarra

PUBLICATIONS

(more available upon request)

Ciavarra, R.P., Machida, M., Lundberg, P.S., Gauronskas, P., Wellman, L.L., Steel, C., Aflatooni, J.O., and Sanford, L.D. (2018). Controllable and uncontrollable stress differentially impact pathogenicity and survival in a mouse model of viral encephalitis. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 319: p. 130-141. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.02.014

Gauronskas, P.J., Aflatooni, J.O., Lundberg, P.S., Sanford, L.D., Ciavarra, R.P. (2017). Stress Enhances Inflammatory Signaling in Mouse Olfactory Bulbs During an Acute Encephalitic Infection. Tidewater Student Research Poster Session, Christopher Newport University.

Gauronskas, P.J., Castora, F.J.. (2017). Exosome Isolation From AD+ Human Brain Tissue. Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC).

Gauronskas, P.J., Hasanzadah, Y., Parker, L., Wellman, L.L., Sanford, L.D., Ciavarra, R.P. (2018). Glutamatergic Amygdala-Medial Prefrontal Cortex Communication is Critical for Stress-Induced Changes in Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Signaling. Research Day

Gauronskas, P.J., Mußbacher, M; Ma, S., Waseem, T.C.; Fernandez-Hernando, C., PhD; Galkina, E.V. (2020). Characterization of 24-Dehydrocholesterol Reductase Overexpressing B Cells in a Novel Mouse Model.

LANGUAGES / RECOGNITION / AWARDS / VOLUNTEER / AFFILIATIONS

  • 03/17, Certificate of Appreciation, 5th Annual Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC), Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
  • Spring 2012, Dean’s List, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
  • Spanish (proficient)
  • Japanese (proficient)
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Global War On Terrorism Service Medal
  • Pistol Marksmanship (Sharpshooter) Medal
  • 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, Research Day Certificate of Appreciation, Norfolk, VA
  • 2018, Research Day Travel Award Letter, Norfolk, VA
  • 2017, GSRC Certificate of Appreciation, Norfolk, VA
  • 08/16 – present, Member, EVMS Biomedical Sciences Student Organization (BSSO)
  • 2014 – 2016, Volunteer, Dept. of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, EVMS, Norfolk, VA
  • 01/15 – 05/15, Lab Volunteer, Dr. Richard P. Ciavarra, Norfolk, VA
  • 06/12 – present, Member, University of Arizona Alumni Association, Tucson, AZ


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