CHARLOTTE BRADSHAW

Enthusiastic and detail oriented graduating microbiology student. Hands-on experience in molecular biology, microbial culturing, microscopy, biochemical and serological testing. Proficient in many laboratory techniques and adept at applying aseptic technique, maintaining accurate lab records, and interpreting experimental data. Eager to contribute technical skills and scientific curiosity in a research or clinical laboratory setting.

• Microscopy: Gram staining, acid-fast staining, wet mounts, fluorescence microscopy
• Molecular testing: PCR, DNA sequencing, DNA extraction and purification
• Culture-based tests: colony isolation via streaking, antibiotic susceptibility testing
• Biochemical tests: catalase tests, oxidase tests, coagulase tests, API strips
• Serological tests: ELISA, Western blotting

Targeted Cancer Therapeutics Development

University of Auckland Laboratory Project
Project Title: Selective Binding of Therapeutic Antibodies to Mutant c-MET in Human Cells
Key Techniques: Immunocytochemistry, ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Sequence Alignment, Fluorescence Microscopy

• Investigated the binding affinity of newly developed therapeutic antibodies to wild-type and mutant c-MET, a tyrosine kinase linked to cancer progression.
• Performed comparative expression and localisation analyses in human DNA biopsy samples using fluorescence imaging and GFP-tagged constructs.
• Applied ELISA and flow cytometry to quantitatively assess antibody binding strength; identified antibody B as most selective for mutant c-MET.
• Conducted sequence alignment to locate a deletion mutation in the intracellular juxtamembrane region of mutant c-MET, associated with altered protein function.
• Concluded that mutant c-MET exhibits more diffuse localisation and higher fluorescence intensity, potentially influencing therapeutic targeting efficacy.

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Influenza Virus Characterisation Using HA and HAI Assays

University of Auckland Laboratory Project
Project Title: Quantitation and Inhibition Analysis of Human Influenza Virus Strains
Key Techniques: Hemagglutination (HA) Assay, Hemagglutination Inhibition (HAI) Assay, Serial Dilutions, Virus Quantification

• Conducted HA assays to determine viral concentration endpoints for Influenza B (IBV), H1N1, and H3N2 strains, measuring hemagglutination titers of up to 640 HA units/mL.
• Performed HAI assays to assess antibody-mediated inhibition of viral agglutination, accurately identifying one HAI unit per antiserum and quantifying antibody efficacy at various dilutions.
• Analysed effects of temperature and viral concentration on assay sensitivity and inhibition patterns, interpreting shifts in hemagglutination based on HA/NA protein function.
• Investigated antigenic drift and shift by exploring genetic changes in viral surface proteins (HA and NA), linking point mutations and genome reassortment to the emergence of new strains.
• Gained practical skills in serological virus typing, antigenic variation analysis, and interpretation of immune response assays under controlled experimental conditions.

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Diagnostic Identification of Staphylococcus aureus

University Laboratory Project

Project Title: Identification of Staphylococcus aureus in a 52-Year-Old Patient
Key Techniques: Gram Staining, Catalase Test, Coagulase Test, Mannitol Salt Agar Culture, Clinical Correlation

• Investigated a clinical case involving necrotising skin lesions and systemic infection symptoms (e.g., metabolic acidosis, high CRP, DIC) in a post-biopsy patient.
• Performed diagnostic testing to identify an unknown bacterial isolate from a skin biopsy, progressing through a structured workflow to exclude fungal and Gram-negative organisms.
• Conducted a Gram stain confirming Gram-positive cocci, followed by a catalase test (positive), narrowing identification to Staphylococcus species.
• Used coagulase testing to distinguish S. aureus from coagulase-negative staphylococci; observed clot formation confirming S. aureus.
• Validated results using Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA); yellow color change confirmed mannitol fermentation consistent with S. aureus.
• Linked clinical presentation (hemorrhagic bullae, necrosis) to the pathogen's ability to produce virulence factors such as hyaluronidase and coagulase, enabling immune evasion and tissue destruction.