Yusra Alabdulla

Analytical biochemist specializing in nucleic acid chemistry with over five years of experience in RNA/DNA oligonucleotide synthesis, LC-MS characterization, and analytical method development. Experienced in operating and maintaining advanced laboratory instrumentation, ensuring data integrity, and supporting multidisciplinary research programs. Proven ability to train researchers, troubleshoot analytical systems, and optimize workflows for nucleic acid analysis in regulated laboratory environments.

Graduate Research Assistant - Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wayne State University - Detroit, MI

(2020-08 - 2026-05)

• Contributed to analytical method development for RNA oxidative stability and degradation studies using radiolabeling.
• Independently restored, reinstalled, and qualified a non-operational ABI DNA/RNA Synthesizer, establishing the laboratory's first RNA oligonucleotide synthesis capability and developing RNA-specific synthesis protocols.
• Synthesized RNA/DNA oligonucleotides using solid-phase techniques to provide access to high-purity modified sequences.
• Maintained an RNase-free workspace by adapting unwanted lab equipment and communal consumables to overcome budgetary limitations of specialized resources.
• Managed departmental LC-MS instrumentation and implemented maintenance protocols to ensure reliable analytical performance across small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotide groups.
• Achieved reproducible, high-purity characterization of unprotected oligomers (19-mer) using reverse-phase LC-MS.
• Carried out computational analysis of modified oligonucleotides, reducing experimental costs with biomolecular simulation.
• Mentored graduate researchers in analytical techniques, laboratory safety, and data analysis.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize nucleic acid synthesis workflows and instrumentation

Graduate Research Assistant - Department of Chemistry, University of Toledo - Toledo, OH

(2019-01 - 2020-05)

• Developed modified RNA monomers for automated oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Improved reagent stability and coupling efficiency through synthesis process optimization.
• Supported interdisciplinary research linking synthetic chemistry with molecular biology.
• Executed the disassembly, packaging, and moving of laboratory equipment, glassware, and consumables, facilitating a lab relocation under COVID-19 precautions.

Clinical Laboratory Technologist - Asamawa Children Hospital - Samawah, Iraq

(2007-01 - 2008-05)

• Performed biochemical and hematological diagnostic analyses.
• Maintained calibration and quality control of clinical laboratory instruments
• Collaborated with medical staff to ensure accurate diagnostic results.
• Instructed undergraduate chemistry laboratories, trained students in safety, experimental design, and analytical techniques.
• Assisted with course coordination, laboratory preparation, and grading.

Graduate Teaching Assistant - General, Organic, and Biochemistry Lecture & Lab - Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University - Detroit, MI

(2023-01 - 2023-05)

• Provided supplementary instruction aligned with lecture material.
• Trained students in safety, experimental design, and analytical techniques.
• Maintained strict student safety compliance. Maintained solutions, reagents, and supplies.
• Assisted with course coordination, laboratory preparation, and grading.

Graduate Teaching Assistant - General, Organic, and Biochemistry Lecture - Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Toledo - Toledo, OH

(2019-01 - 2020-05)

• Supervised undergraduate chemistry laboratory sessions and ensured compliance with laboratory safety procedures.
• Proctored examinations and maintained academic integrity during testing.
• Assisted with grading laboratory reports, quizzes, examinations, and course assignments.

Ph.D. - Medicinal Chemistry - Wayne State University (2026-05)

M.S. - Chemistry - University of Detroit Mercy (2018)

B.S. - Chemistry - University of Kufa (2003)