Lia Cohen-Poole
Nashville,TN
Summary
Detail-oriented chemistry research assistant with expertise in organic synthesis and instrumental analysis. Proven ability to execute complex multi-step syntheses and troubleshoot experiments, contributing to impactful scientific research.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Medicinal Chemistry Research Assistant
Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY
08.2025 - Current
- Executed a multi-step synthesis of a benzimidazalone drug scaffold based on established synthetic routes.
- Synthesized urea intermediates from substituted aniline precursors and alkyl halides.
- Performed intramolecular cyclization to construct the benzimidazalone core.
- Applied palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling for carbon-carbon bond formation.
- Independently troubleshot failed or low-yield reactions by modifying reaction parameters.
- Purified products in high yield with column chromatography and recrystallization.
- Characterized intermediates and final products with GC-MS and 1H NMR instrumentation, interpreting spectra to confirm molecular structure.
- Maintained detailed records of experiments and findings, ensuring systematic organization for future reference.
- Participated in weekly lab meetings featuring lectures on medicinal chemistry topics, including drug design and structure-activity relationships.
Neuroscience Research Assistant
Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY
08.2025 - Current
- Maintained and passaged 82Q spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) cell lines to support studies of polyglutamine-mediated neurodegeneration.
- Performed calcium imaging experiments to assess intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling dynamics across cell models.
- Analyzed imaging data using ImageJ to quantify fluorescence intensity and cellular responses.
- Critically evaluated and presented peer-reviewed neuroscience literature in weekly lab meetings.
- Collaborated with lab members to support experiments and troubleshoot protocols.
Organic Chemistry Teaching Assistant
Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY
01.2026 - 05.2026
- Instructed and mentored a section of 16 undergraduate students in fundamental organic chemistry laboratory techniques.
- Taught and supervised techniques including thin-layer chromatography, liquid-liquid and acid-base extraction, distillation, rotary evaporation, and recrystallization.
- Operated and guided students in the use of mass spectrometry instrumentation to acquire and interpret analytical data.
- Troubleshot experimental challenges and helped students identify sources of error.
- Evaluated and graded lab notebooks, providing detailed, constructive feedback.
- Ensured adherence to laboratory safety protocols and proper chemical handling procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Chemistry
Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY05-2028
High School Diploma -
University School of Nashville
Nashville, TN05-2024
Skills
- Organic synthesis
- Laboratory techniques
- Problem-solving abilities
- Instrumental analysis
- Chemical analysis
- Molecular biology
- Hazardous materials training
- Experimental planning
Timeline
Organic Chemistry Teaching Assistant
Skidmore College
01.2026 - 05.2026
Medicinal Chemistry Research Assistant
Skidmore College
08.2025 - Current
Neuroscience Research Assistant
Skidmore College
08.2025 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Chemistry
Skidmore College
High School Diploma -
University School of Nashville