Noah Kaplan
Scientific professional with experience in biology, leadership, regulatory affairs, technology implementation, and scientific communication.
Education
Masters in Biology Florida Atlantic University 2014-2016
Thesis: “The analysis of a lysine-rich wound-response protein in tomato plants”
Advisor: Dr. Xing-Hai Zhang
Bachelors in Political Science University of North Florida 2006-2011
Research: “A broader and bolder U.S. policy toward Somalia”
Advisor: Ambassador Nancy Soderberg
Experience
Research Associate GreenVenus 2023-present
GreenVenus is an agricultural genetics company working to enhance vegetable traits through modern biotechnology techniques.
- Utilized cutting-edge tissue culture and genetic transformation techniques to create value-added vegetable varieties
- Participated in large-scale molecular genotyping to investigate genetic segregation in crop production experiments
- Trained junior employees on molecular biology techniques
Laboratory Director The Niva Labs 2019-2022
The Niva Labs was an ISO 17025 analytical testing lab specializing in agricultural and consumer products.
- Managed a 16-member team that included analytical chemists, biologists, lab managers, and lab technicians
- Maintained laboratory accreditations and licenses in compliance with California state regulators and ISO 17025
- Hired laboratory personnel and implemented software solutions(LIMS) and efficiency improvements in the lab
- Managed the validation of new methods and served as a technical liaison to customers
- Created a detailed cost analysis of all lab methods
Consultant Multiple Companies 2019
I helped startup scientific companies research and write regulatory proposals.
- Wrote regulatory proposals for lab-based manufacturing companies
- Researched regulations and interviewed policy makers to complete proposals
Laboratory Manager Florida Atlantic University 2016-2018
I set up the automated manufacturing protocols for Small World Initiative(now known as Tiny Earth).
- Purchasing and set up robotic mass-production equipment
- Managed the data storage, producing materials production, and supply inventory for the program
- Streamlined complex experiments for students and wrote SOPs for the program
Researcher/Teaching Assistant Zhang Lab 2014-2016
The Zhang Lab is a plant biotechnology research lab that investigates the utility and function of genetic components in peppers, tomatoes, and tobacco through genetic transformations and bioinformatics analysis.
- Preformed an analysis of the function and utility of wound-response proteins through bioinformatics research
- Created novel lines of tomato plants through agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformations
- Analyzed the functions and utility of components of the capsaicin synthases pathway
- Instructed classes in plant physiology, plant biotechnology, and genetics
Plant Tissue Culture Specialist Million Orchid Project 2015
The Million Orchid Project is an organization that clones native Florida orchids to revitalize wild populations.
- Propagated over 25,000 endangered orchids in aseptic tissue culture conditions in order to repopulate Florida's native orchid population
Events Director Committee to Elect Michelle Lujan Grisham 2012-2013
The Committee to Elect Michelle Lujan Grisham was a congressional campaign that successfully elected Michelle Lujan Grisham as the representative for New Mexico's 1st congressional district.
- Organized and managed 14 successful fundraisers
- Managed staff and used database software to organize data and target potential donors
- Established relationships with event hosts, volunteers, donors, venue owners, and special guests
Skills
Scientific Skills
PCR, NGS, Sequencing Analysis, Plasmid construction, Bioinformatics species identification, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, Plant tissue culture, mammalian cell culture, PCR troubleshooting, Single cell PCR, Biosafety level-2 lab buildout, Microbial inhibition studies, Pathogens culture, Soil microbe isolation, Culture media creation, Plant stress testing, HPLC, ICP-MS, Sample preparation for chemical analysis
Regulatory Skills
Regulatory submission prep, Governmental communication, Regulatory method validation, Laboratory ISO accreditation, ISO document packet creation, Regulatory interpretation, Governmental audit preparation, B2B audit preparation, Business license proposal writing, Business license submission prep, Manufacturing batch record keeping, Governmental software integration
Tech Skills
LIMS integration, HTML, CSS, Python, Lab tech implementation, Project management, Internal database maintenance, LIMS/regulatory software integration, Controlled document management, Lab hardware/software integration
Management Skills
Employee mentorship, QMS implementation, Laboratory waste handling techniques, Personnel hiring, Employee review procedure implementation, Lab method cost analysis, Equipment purchasing
Additional Accomplishments
Publications
- Xing-Hai Zhang, David Swait, Xiao-Lu Jin, Paveena Vichyavichien, Nicholas Nifakos, Noah Kaplan, Lucwilerna Raymond, John M. Harlin. Evolutionary analysis of KED-rich proteins in plants. PLOS ONE, 18(3).
- Justin Kirke, Noah Kaplan, Stephanie Velez, Xiao-Lu Jin, Paveena Vichyavichien Xing-Hai Zhang. Tissue-Preferential Activity and Induction of the Pepper Capsaicin Synthase PUN1 Promoter by Wounding, Heat and Metabolic Pathway Precursor in Tobacco and Tomato Plants. Molecular Biotechnology. 60. 10.1007/s12033-018-0060-0.
Awards
- Boca Raton Orchid Society Endowment Scholarship
- Yule C. Potts Perpetual Friendship Trophy