Mojca Strazisar
Expert Technologist, NSF lead
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8046-3408
Science
In 2011 I became a postdoctoral scientist in the VIB Department of Molecular Genetics with the main focus to develop, test and implement novel technologies to be utilized in our research. During 2011-2012 we screened for SNVs and CNVs using in–house proprietary assays, multiplex amplicon quantification and multiplex amplification of specific targets for resequencing, on large sample cohort of patients suffering from different psychiatric disorders and controls. Given the importance of miRNAs in brain function we also performed a pilot study and subsequent main screen of miRNA genes, known to be expressed in brain with the goal to identify variants affecting miRNA function and/or expression levels.
In 2015 I joined Genomic Service Facility, now expanded to Neuromics Support Facility to facilitate and optimize primarily the sequencing service (Sanger, targeted re-seq, WES, WGS, RNA) and to help develop the technical pipelines, which will grant our center an integrated access to the –omics technologies, enabling the study of molecular signatures using different approaches. I was introduced to all aspects of NSF workflow and am now actively involved in optimizing current and researching novel technological possibilities that can strengthen and complement our existing platforms.
I'm dedicated and determined to guide NSF to provide coherent and integrated support to research within CMN, including collaborations on research projects, evaluation of novel scientific and commercial tools and technologies, consultation, user training and experiment design, support and scientific reporting in all areas of our proficiency. Our members possess high impact expertise in sequencing, imaging, bioinformatics, data analysis and data maintenance and we maintain state-of-the-art, reliable, efficient, affordable and flexible support to the main research activities of the CMN, VIB, UAntwerp and wider .
I participate in and am responsible for activities within NSF, including responsible for running of sequencing platforms (project initiation to data delivery and interpretation), data analysis (infrastructural, administrative, strategic) and imaging (infrastructural, administrative, strategic). I'm responsible to initiate, validate and follow up most optimal and promising technological solutions for specific research questions with intent to boost integration, tech awareness and communication of the support in the research realm of the CMN, VIB and UAntwerp.
While I'm heavily involved in managerial and administrative NSF activities, I stay active in the daily lab-work and research, as only that enables proper evaluation and comparison of different strategies in order to select the most suitable solutions for the Center. I'm also facilitator and promoter of smooth, clear, prompt and professional communication between the NSF and the users of our support by working hand-in-hand with the demands of the researchers, clients and NSF.
Relevant Expertise:
- Lab Automation
- Sequencing: ABI (Sanger), SOLID (SBL), Illumina (SBS) and ONT (nanopore sensing) from sample prep to data delivery
- QC: gel, DropSense, NanoDrop, LabChip Gx, Qubit, Fragment Analyzer, QPCR (ABI 7500 and Viia7)
- Expression: qPCR, RNA-seq, Microarrays
- Variant detection and analysis: SPSS, DHPLC, PCR, STR, MSI, sequencing, fragment analysis, HRM, QPCR
- Cell work: cloning, transformation, culturing, transfection, transduction, blood separation
- Nucleic acid and protein extraction (cells, tissues, manual /automated)
- Data analysis and QC
- SOP, FAIR principles
Additional activities
Lecturer (Titularis) in Integrative Omics course (UAntwerpen, FBD)
Education Committee Biochemistry (effective advisory member, UAntwerpen, FBD)
Examination Board Master Biochemistry and Biotechnology (effective advisory member, UAntwerpen, FBD)
VIB Technology Watch Team (member, VIB)
Supervisor, promotor, co-promotor
publons Google Scholar LinkedIn
"Technology plays a critical role in development of high quality scientific ideas and methods in order to execute research strategy and answer important biological questions. Scientific and research advances depend not only on new ideas and paradigm shifts, but also on technological advances that make those steps possible. Understanding scientific research includes understanding technology as well."