Chenna Ahmed

Chenna Ahmed

Category : Medicine - Pharmacy - Veterinary science - Sport

CHENNA Ahmed

Chenna_Ahmed.jpg

Principal Scientist and Lab Supervisor

Monogram Biosciences, Inc. LabCorp, Inc - United States

Specialization Field(s): Medicine - Pharmacy - Veterinary Sciences - Sports

Background & Education

  • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
  • B.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, University of Constantine, Algeria

Scientific Career

Principal Scientist | LabCorp-Monogram Biosciences Inc. | 2016-Present

Responsibilities:

  • Validated and optimized biomarker assays for Alzheimer's, MS, and ALS on advanced platforms like Quanterix Simoa and Fujirebio Lumipulse 1200.
  • Designed and implemented validation protocols for key neurodegenerative biomarkers (NF-L, Tau, BD-Tau, p-Tau181, p-Tau217, GFAP) supporting clinical trial advancements.
  • Led analytical studies on COVID-19 biomarkers, including SARS-CoV-2 N-protein and Spike IgG, facilitating understanding of disease progression in pandemic research.
  • Pioneered biomarker discovery for concussion diagnostics, integrating innovative assays with clinical samples.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with clinical teams, regulatory experts, and data scientists to ensure diagnostic assay accuracy and reproducibility.

Key Accomplishments:

  • Played a pivotal role in establishing clinical-grade biomarker assays for Alzheimer's Disease, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Streamlined the biomarker assay validation process, reducing turnaround time by 20% for clinical trials.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to standardize GFAP and NF-L assays, enabling better concussion diagnostics.
  • Published influential research on SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers, cited widely in COVID-19 diagnostics research.

Technical Contributions:

  • Performed high-sensitivity quantifications of biomarkers like NF-L, Tau, and p-Tau181 using Quanterix Simoa.
  • Validated advanced neurodegenerative biomarkers on Fujirebio Lumipulse platforms, integrating diagnostic-grade quality standards.
  • Utilized immunoassay platforms for SARS-CoV-2 antibody and antigen quantifications, advancing COVID-19 research.

Principal Scientist & Laboratory Supervisor | Aclara Biosciences Inc./Monogram Biosciences Inc. | 1999-2016

Responsibilities:

  • Directed developing and validating of VeraTag™ technology assays for HER2 and HER3 biomarkers, revolutionizing oncology diagnostics.
  • Synthesized fluorescent dye derivatives and bioconjugated antibodies for innovative oncology and gene expression applications.
  • Managed and trained laboratory teams, ensuring precise execution of DNA synthesis, purification, and QC protocols.
  • Enhanced manufacturing processes for large-scale phosphoramidites, streamlining DNA synthesis workflows.

Key Accomplishments:

  • Led a multi-disciplinary team to develop VeraTag™ assays, significantly enhancing oncology's HER2 and HER3 biomarker detection capabilities.
  • Invented novel cleavable tags for oligonucleotide and peptide conjugations, increasing assay sensitivity and specificity.
  • Designed and synthesized large-scale phosphoramidites, reducing production costs by 15%.
  • Spearheaded quality control initiatives for antibody and DNA synthesis processes, achieving a 98% success rate in final assays.

Technical Contributions:

  • Developed novel fluorescent dye derivatives with customized linkers for oligonucleotide and peptide conjugation.
  • Optimized multi-step synthetic processes for phosphoramidites used in DNA synthesis at scale.
  • Implemented rigorous analytical methodologies (LC/MS, NMR, CE) for antibody conjugation and characterization.

Supervised & Managed the Oncology Reagent Group | Aclara Biosciences Inc./Monogram Biosciences Inc. | 2004-2007

  • Provided critical reagents for oncology research and product development, including conjugated antibodies, proteins, and peptides tagged with VeraTags (dyes).
  • Purified antibodies using HPLC, ensuring high-quality characterization and compliance with QC specifications.

Supervised & Managed Oligonucleotides and Peptides Laboratory | Aclara Biosciences Inc./Monogram Biosciences Inc. | 2000-2007

  • Led the manufacture of synthetic DNA primers and labeled probes with VeraTags for gene expression applications.
  • Conducted quality control of VeraTags probes using Capillary Electrophoresis for precise analytical validation.
  • Maintained and operated four ABI 394 and one ABI 3900 DNA synthesizers for high-throughput synthesis.
  • Oversaw the maintenance of five HP 1100 series HPLCs for oligonucleotide analysis and purification.
  • Directed the synthesis, purification, and analysis of peptides with and without VeraTags using HPLC systems.

Staff Scientist | University of California, Berkeley-LBNL | 1993-1999

  • Co-Principal Investigator on two NIH-sponsored research grants totaling $3.2M:
    • "Chemical Basis of Carcinogenic Risk from Benzene."
    • "Biochemical Mechanism of Exocyclic Adducts in Cancer."
  • Designed and synthesized fully protected phosphoramidites of novel modified nucleotides for incorporation into DNA oligomers, supporting research in DNA repair, site-specific mutagenesis, and structural studies using 1H NMR and melting temperature (Tm) analysis.
  • Conducted DNA replication studies involving 32P-labeling and site-specific mutagenesis using DNA polymerase enzymes.
  • Expert in DNA repair enzymology and molecular modeling techniques.

Postdoctoral Research Associate | State University of New York at Stony Brook | 1990-1993

  • Investigated and identified DNA adducts resulting from mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds reacting with nucleosides, nucleotides, and DNA.
  • Applied advanced analytical techniques, including HPLC, LC/MS, and GC/MS (SIM), to characterize DNA adducts after derivatization.

Distinctions & Recognition

Leadership & Mentoring

  • Supervised and mentored teams of research associates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.
  • Chaired the scientific committee for the 2010 Biotech World Conference, Oran, Algeria.
  • Developed and delivered lectures on biomarker diagnostics at international conferences.
  • Implemented safety protocols and served as Environmental Safety and Health Coordinator for laboratory teams.
  • Managed group-wide budgets, ensuring cost-effective purchasing and resource allocation.

Awards & Honors

  • Co-Principal Investigator, NIH Research Grant Proposals ($3.2M).
  • Government Scholarship, Ministry of Higher Education, Algeria.
  • Dean's Honor List, University of Constantine.

Professional Memberships

  • American Chemical Society (ACS) – Member for over 20 years.
  • Society for Neuroscience (SfN).
  • American Academy of Neurology (AAN).
  • American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

Impact & Influence

Innovative Principal Scientist with over 38 years of R&D experience in biotechnology, oncology, and neurosciences. Expert in biomarker assay validation, chemical synthesis, and bioconjugation techniques. Co-inventor of VeraTag™ technology and co-investigator of $3.2M NIH research grants. Proven track record of driving advancements in biomarkers for Alzheimer's, ALS, and cancer diagnostics. Authored over 80 publications, conference abstracts, and 41 worldwide patents. Adept at leading cross-functional teams and managing laboratory operations.

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