36 Quint Avenue, Apartment 2

Allston, MA 02134
joseph.s.maffei@gmail.com
617-817-8196

JOSEPH S. MAFFEI

Qualified By: Over 7 years of mammalian cell culture with multiple projects that include molecular
genetic techniques such as gene transfection, cell clonal expansion, bacterial vector engineering, and
cell-based assays. Skills also include computational proficiency and a willingness to perform inter-
disciplinary research.

EDUCATION
Boston University Boston, MA
Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Engineering Anticipated Completion: Sep., 2014
Principal Investigator: Dr. Muhammad Zaman
Dissertation Title:

Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ
Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering, summa cum laude 2005 2009


RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Boston University Boston, MA
Graduate Assistant 2009 2014
Explored the influence of extracellular matrix properties on cellular behavior using 3D culture
techniques, FACS, and immuofluorescent staining
Analyzed the role of matrix metalloproteinase 14 in migration utilizing confocal microscopy to
create custom made cell migration assay
Investigated changes in protein signaling upon protease inhibition and downregulation using
western blotting, and siRNA mediated gene knockdown
Developed stable cell clones via bacterial plasmid transfection and performed ELISA to assess
the mechanisms of HER2 breast cancer chemoresistance
Engineered computational model to predict cell migration response to drugs in vitro

Merck and Co. Inc. Rahway, NJ
Automation Engineer Intern Jun. 2009 Aug. 2009
Integrated new picoliter scale low volume liquid handler technology to the division
Developed custom software protocols for assay development using the STAR Line of Hamilton
automated liquid handling devices
Verified the accuracy of liquid handling transfer devices using the Artel MVS system

Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ
Aresty Research Fellow 2007 2009
Probed the role of Ephrin-A5 in the retinal development of chick embryos using in vivo
transfection via microinjection and electroporation


Performed bacterial plasmid digestion, ligation, isolation, and amplification for the purpose of
stable transfection in live samples
Harvested, sectioned, and imaged retinal tissue samples of chick embryos for the study of
neuronal outgrowth in response to genetic expression modification
Constructed custom image processing algorithm for the quantification of neuronal
directionality and growth

New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR) Research Fellow Jun. 2007 Aug. 2007
Assessed protein expression of CD44 in mouse breast cancer cells via western blotting
Cultured, fixed and immunostained cancer cells to test for CD44 cell surface expression
Performed general laboratory duties to increase efficiency of other lab member activities

Research Assistant 2006 2007
Established qualitatively the mechanical properties of murine dura mater via polarized light
microscopy
Analyzed large data sets using SPSS software
Created custom Microsoft Excel macro programs to increase efficiency of data analysis


TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
Cell Culture: Bacterial, Mammalian breast/prostate/lung cancer, 3D single cell, 3D spheroid

Molecular Biology: DNA/RNA/Protein gel electrophoresis, Western blot, Immunoprecipitation,
Immunocytochemistry, DNA/RNA lipofection, DNA electroporation transfection, Plasmid engineering,
DNA ligation/digestion/gel extraction, Bacterial/Mammalian cell molecular cloning, RT-PCR/PCR,
FACS, ELISA

Animal Models: Embryonic chick, Rat, Tissue extraction from retina, spinal cord, brain dura. Tissue
sectioning/staining, Slide preparation

Microscopy: Inverted light microscopy, Confocal, Polarized light, Phase contrast, Differential
interference contrast, Fluorescence

Computer Skills: MATLAB, Microsoft Excel, ImageJ, Imaris,


TEACHING AND OUTREACH
Boston University Boston, MA
Teaching Assistant, Fluid Mechanics Sep. 2011 Dec. 2011; Jan. 2012 May 2012
Conducted recitation sessions to support reinforcement of subject material
Graded and proctored exams
Instructed students on difficult concepts during office hours

Honors College Assistant Instructor Jan. 2012 Mar. 2012


Developed, managed, and oversaw experiments for students from various academic
backgrounds to foster an understanding of the scientific method
Instructed on concepts of biomedical science such as cellular culture and microscopy
Provided guidance for students interested in pursuing careers in science

RISE (Research Internship in Science and Engineering) Student Mentor Jun. 2011 Aug. 2011
Designed model projects and experiments to encourage lifetime learning
Introduced and instructed concepts of academic research and project formulation
Trained students to perform cell culture, ELISA, and western blot experiments


HONORS AND AWARDS
Trainee/Event Coordinator, NIH Quantitative Biology and Physiology Grant Sep. 2010
Recipient, BU Biomedical Engineering Fellowship Sep. 2009
Recipient, New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research Fellowship Jun. 2008
2x Recipient, Aresty Research Grant Oct. 2008, Oct. 2009
Secretary, Alpha Eta Mu Beta BME Honors Society Apr. 2008 May 2009
Member, Tau Beta Pi BME Honors Society Mar. 2007 - Present
1
st
Place, Undergraduate Research Presentation Competition Apr. 2007
Member, Rutgers BME Honors Academy Sep. 2007 May 2009
Member, National Society of Collegiate Scholars May 2005 - Present
Engineering Honors Program Member, Rutgers University Sep. 2005
Recipient, Rutgers University Scholarship Sep. 2005
Deans List (All semesters) 2005 2009


PUBLICATIONS
MAFFEI, J.S., Srivastava, J., Fallica, B., Zaman, M.H., Combinative in vitro Studies and Computational
Model to Predict 3D Cell Migration Response to Drug Insult, Integrative Biology: Under Review
Fallica, B., MAFFEI, J.S., Zaman, M.H., Alteration of Cellular Behavior and Response to PI3K Inhibition
by Culture in 3D Collagen Gels, PloS ONE 7, no. 10 (2012): e48024.
Harjanto, D., MAFFEI, J.S., Zaman, M.H., Quantitative Analysis of the Effect of Cancer Invasiveness
and Collagen Concentration on 3D Matrix Remodeling, PloS ONE 6, no. 9 (2011): e24891.
MAFFEI, J.S. and Zaman, M.H. Quantifying cell-ECM pathology in 3D. In Extracellular Matrix:
Pathobiology and Signaling, edited by: Nikos Karamanos, 689-698. Berlin: De Gruyter, 2012.


PRESENTATIONS
MAFFEI, J.S, Srivastava, J., Fallica, B., and Zaman, M.H. Integrin-1 and MT1-MMP differentially
govern cell speed and persistence in 3D matrices. Poster presentation at the Biomedical Engineering
Society annual meeting, Seattle, WA, September 25-28, 2013.



MAFFEI, J.S., Srivastava, J., Fallica, B., and Zaman, M.H. Roles of Integrin-1 and MT1-MMP in cancer.
Poster presentation at Cancer Care for Scientists and Engineers, Boston, MA, May 14-15, 2012.

MAFFEI, J.S., Zaman, M.H. Integrin-MMP crosstalk in cell migration. Poster presentation at Global
Enterprise for Micro-Mechanics and Molecular Medicine, Atlanta, GA, June 20-30, 2011.

MAFFEI, J.S., LaBouff, E., Cai, L. Expression levels of Ephrin-A5 in chick model. Poster presentation at
Rutgers University Aresty Undergraduate Research Symposium, Piscataway, NJ, May, 2007.

MAFFEI, J.S., LaBouff, E., Cai, L. Roles of Ephrin-A5 in Retinal Development. Poster presentation at
New Jersey Institute of Technology Biomedical Engineering Showcase, Newark, NJ, 2009.