Profiles

Have you ever wondered what a postdoc opportunity provides? Here is a success story:

Chariz Peñalber-Johnstone

Dr. Chariz Peñalber-Johnstone received a B.S. degree in Chemistry (Cum Laude) from The University of San Carlos in Cebu, Philippines in 2006, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA in 2012. Her graduate work was in the area of physical chemistry with focus on the use of nonlinear optical spectroscopy for molecular-level structural analysis of ionic liquid surfaces. She has conducted studies at various interfaces to explain the physico-chemical properties of imidazolium and phosphonium-based ionic liquids relevant to their applications in electrochemistry and catalysis.

Prior to graduate studies, Chariz worked at the University of San Carlos Water Laboratory in Cebu, Philippines as an undergraduate intern, which provided her with extensive training in performing standard methods for water and wastewater analysis relevant to regulatory compliance of various local industries. She has also served as a college instructor at the Natural Science and Mathematics Division, University of the Philippines-Cebu College.

During her appointment as a post-doctoral research associate at the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology at the University of Maryland Baltimore County in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Chariz contributed to both system design and protein expression sub-teams. She worked cross-functionally in the development of a device to produce, purify, and quantitatively determine a ready-for-delivery therapeutic protein in a few hours. The project included the design of innovative mammalian in vitro protein expression and purification technologies combined with advances in microfluidics and microelectronics to produce biologics on-site and on demand. The research contract was competitively procured via a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) award in support of the Biologically-derived Medicines on Demand (BioMOD) Program. The overall aim was to provide battlefield medical supply for front-line military medics, responsive to emergency settings. Specifically, with her four-year track record in early phase biologic drug development, Chariz investigated effective methods of energy regeneration to optimize protein synthesis, and contributed in the development of a novel platform in which to carry out rapid, end-to-end protein expression and purification. Her technical skill set additionally includes designing and fabricating various equipment that support novel studies on systems under high vacuum pressures. Her current work interests are in the area of early to late stage therapeutic drug development as well as the regulatory sciences that govern them.

Bringing 5 years of teaching experience at the undergraduate level, Chariz is committed to focused efforts to facilitate equal and inclusive access to STEM. She believes the key is the manner in which STEM is taught in our schools which distinguishes it. This led her to currently pursue a teaching position at the secondary school level. As pursuing studies in STEM is no easy track without well-supported, inspiring science and math programs early on in the education system, her pedagogy is centered on providing the basic tools for ALL students with potential to succeed.

 

Why are we sharing her story?

Dr. Peñalber-Johnstone participated in the ECI Regulatory Sciences Conference in Leesburg, VA in 2017 and then gave a talk at UMBC titled “How to Apply for Travel Funding” as part of our professional development series. This was motivated thanks to the support she received to attend the conference and to encourage sharing experiences for the next generations. Here is an excerpt of an update Chariz provided (addressed to Dr. Renetta Tull, PROMISE Director):

“… I wanted to send a special note of thanks to you for making it possible for me to participate at the Regulatory Sciences conference last week in Leesburg, VA. It was a tremendously valuable experience for me – in fact, my BEST conference attended yet –  and I look forward to sharing the experience with other postdocs in the future.

My story is perhaps only one among many others that ultimately provide testimony of your commendable efforts to support all postdoctoral fellows in this community, and for that I am truly grateful…”

She also shared some pictures of her at the conference and enjoying some time off from the conference.

Chariz’s view during one of the sessions/talks.

 Clara (daughter) helping mom present her poster.

 

Clara (daughter) and Anthony (husband) enjoying dinner.