Disentangling the origin of chemical differences using GHOST
Loomis j entering graduate school cv
1. Loomis 1
Joseph F. Loomis
jfloomis@umich.edu
I. Education
A. The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS (Graduated May 2019)
1. Cumulative KU GPA: 4.00 (earned Highest Distinction in the College of Liberal
Arts and Sciences)
2. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (with Departmental Honors)
3. Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
4. Graduated with University Honors and a Certificate in Undergraduate Research
II. Research Experience
A. Dr. Michael A. Johnson’s Lab in the Chemistry Department at the University of Kansas
(Summer 2015-June 2019)
1. Dr. Johnson’s Lab focuses on developing and applying bioanalytical methods to
understand brain function, especially in the context of neurodegeneration and
chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (“chemobrain”). My work in the lab
included:
i. Manufacturing and calibrating my own carbon fiber microelectrodes for
quantification of dopamine release by fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV)
ii. Collaborating with the KU Mass Spectrometry Laboratory to develop an
analytical method capable of quantifying whole-brain neurotransmitter
content in zebrafish
iii. Utilizing atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) to determine whether
carboplatin, a common chemotherapeutic agent, crosses the blood-brain
barrier in zebrafish
iv. Employing AAS to evaluate how different carboplatin treatment routes lead
to discrepancies in carboplatin absorption in zebrafish tissues
v. Designing and carrying out an experiment to evaluate the potential
therapeutic ability of metformin in the context of chemobrain
a. Administering carboplatin and metformin to zebrafish in accordance
with Animal Use Statement guidelines
b. Sacrificing zebrafish and preparing zebrafish whole brains for
FSCV determination of dopamine release
c. Independently collecting FSCV measurements of dopamine release
in zebrafish
d. Performing appropriate statistical analyses and presenting the
results of this experiment at conferences of regional and national
stature
vi. Designing and conducting an experiment to ascertain whether negative
feedback from dopamine D3 receptors inhibits dopamine release in
zebrafish (similar methodology to metformin experiment)
vii. Writing an undergraduate thesis for Departmental Honors in Chemistry
based on AAS and FSCV experiments in zebrafish (defended on May 31st,
2019)
viii. Five extended (30+ minutes) lab group meeting presentations
III. Selected Presentations
2. Loomis 2
A. (Poster) 254th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting & Exposition,
Washington, D.C.: “Assessing the impact of chemotherapeutic agents on the zebrafish
brain through bioanalytical methods”, August 21st, 2017.
B. (Oral) 2nd Annual Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Innovator’s Gala Technical
Conference, Washington, D.C.: “Chemobrain in zebrafish: Neurochemical measurements
and evaluation of potential therapeutic agents”, August 25th, 2018.
C. (Poster) 52nd ACS Midwest Regional Meeting, Lawrence, K.S.: “Chemobrain in
zebrafish: Neurochemical assessments and evaluation of potential therapeutic
treatments”, October 19th, 2017.
D. (Poster) 51st ACS Midwest Regional Meeting, Manhattan, K.S.: “Determination of Whole-
Brain Dopamine Content in Chemotherapy-Exposed Zebrafish with Ultra-High
Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-
MS/MS)”, October 27th, 2016.
E. (Poster) 16th Annual K-INBRE Symposium, Overland Park, K.S.: “Chemobrain in
zebrafish: Neurochemical assessments and evaluation of potential therapeutic
treatments”, January 13th, 2018.
IV. Publications
A. Field, T.M.; Shin, M.; Stucky, C.S.; Loomis, J.; Johnson, M.A. Electrochemical
measurement of dopamine release and uptake in zebrafish following treatment with
carboplatin. ChemPhysChem 2018, 19, 1192-1196.
V. Research Skills
A. Demonstrated an ability to properly feed, handle, treat, and sacrifice zebrafish
B. Showed proficiency in dissecting/removing the zebrafish brain safely and with minimal
tissue damage
C. Capable of working independently to collect FSCV measurements of neurotransmitter
release in zebrafish
D. Mastered the use of AAS to detect platinum from platinum-based chemotherapeutics in
biological tissues
E. Collaborated with scientists from various disciplines to formulate a research essay/proposal
comprehensible to a general science audience (Goldwater Scholarship Research Essay)
VI. Selected Scholarships, Awards, and Recognitions
A. 2018 Barry M. Goldwater Scholar
B. 2018 Astronaut Scholar (1 of 3 from KU, 1 of 50 from across the U.S.)
1. “Astronaut Scholars are among the best and brightest minds in STEM who show
initiative, creativity, and excellence in their chosen field.”
C. 2016 Kansas Idea Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE)
Semester/Summer Scholar
D. KU 2019 American Institute of Chemists Award
1. “A national award presented to a graduating senior who has achieved an outstanding
record as a chemistry major.”
E. KU Smiley-Gilligan Family BioScholar
1. A highly-competitive merit-based scholarship given to outstanding students in the
Biological Sciences
F. KU Gini Adams Research Award (Spring 2017)
1.“Awarded to undergraduates who demonstrate dedication to exemplary scholarship
and research in Analytical Chemistry”
3. Loomis 3
G. KU Summer 2017 Undergraduate Research Award (UGRA) recipient
H. KU Chancellor’s Scholarship
1. Merit-based aid given to students admitted to the University with a non-weighted
high school GPA of 3.75+ and an ACT score of 32+
I. Dean’s Honor Roll (>3.75 GPA) during all semesters at the University of Kansas
VII. Co-Curricular Activities at The University of Kansas
A. University Honors Program Student Ambassador (2015-2019)
B. Teaching Assistant for Dr. Misha Barybin’s Honors Freshman Seminar (Fall 2017 and Fall
2018)