J.C.López-Johnston Biologist / Toxinologist

Statement of purpose

My background in cell physiology and long experience in the biomedical research field has given me criteria to carefully design research projects and execute and interpret complex experiments. As equally important asset, this experience extends to provide proficient mentoring to students (undergraduate, MSc and PhD) and train staff personnel of different skills levels allowing me to assure highly reliable results within a working team.

I understand the value of rigorous analysis of the whole research process and how my laboratory managing skills and safety issues concerns are pivotal when working with protein analysis and purification, and techniques related with immunology, molecular biology, cell physiology, cytology and animal handling. Learning and mastering new lab techniques and deep understanding of the theoretical foundation of any laboratory protocol are the keystones to guarantee high quality results and its appropriate interpretation for final publication.

My knowledge in professional serpentarium curatorial and managing positions is supported with long years of experience of high quality venomous snake husbandry and venom extraction skills as supervisor in academic facilities in Venezuela and the US. Rigorous safeness and physical wellness of the housekeeping personnel, the snake handlers and their apprentices, guests, students and of the animals held in the facility, of course, is always on the top list of priorities under my supervision. Safety is always FIRST!. Remember: “You may think you are in control, but THEY still have the POWER”

Academic formation

ò 2013-14: Certification in Biotechnology i, Universidad Del Mar College, Corpus Christi – Texas, USA.

ò 2005: Magister Scientiarium in Physiology Sciences. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas – Venezuela.

òJanuary – Mach 1999: Technical training in snake venoms research. Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica.-.

ò 1998 – 1999: Levels I and II. Workshop: Upgrade in teaching and lecturing techniques. División de Estudios para Graduados, Facultad de Humanidades, La Universiad del Zulia, Maracaibo, estado Zulia, Venezuela.-

ò 1996: Licenciado en Biología (Baccalaureate in Biological sciences). Departamento de Biología, Facultad Experimental de Ciencias, La Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, estado Zulia, Venezuela.

Professional experience

ò May 2014 – up to date: InCell Corporation. San Antonio, Texas – USA

Quality Control and Technical Associate:

- Microbiologic and physicochemical quality control for various types of manufactured products.

- Technical support for contract manufacturing services and scientific research.

- Write new and modify current standard operation protocols (SOPs') and manufacturing batch records (MBRs') according to ongoing projects.

- Oversee and training new personnel in all related quality control protocols.

ò March 2007 – May 2011:. Natural Toxins Research Center. Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas – USA.

Research Associate:

-Responsible for the production, quality control and research development of new scientific projects: Hellerixines 1 and 2, two new platelet aggregation and coagulation inhibitors phospholipases A2 isolated from the venom of the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri).

-Responsible to maintain all lab equipment operating properly.

-Perform biological and biochemical characterization of snake venoms.

-Training graduate and undergraduate students with research projects in different tasks related with venoms characterization. Responsible for direct laboratory training and of the Master chemistry student Vadlamudi, Sanjana (Sweety) in the Isolation and characterization of low molecular weight antibacterial components of the venom of the snake Naja pallida, from 20-- to 2011. (Manuscript and thesis defense pending for revision of the Academic commettee. Final paper manuscript pending for final revision before sending to publication).

-Assist in writing journals for publications.

Special assignments:

-Bibliographical revision: Artificial insemination in snakes. Information to be included in the NIH International Biodiversity grant proposal.

-Co-designer and responsible for the technical equipment inventory for the construction of the new Natural Toxins Research Center serpentarium building.

-Design, photography and compilation of the book “Venomous snakes of Texas, a comprehensive guide”. (Sent to editorial review at Texas A&M Press and pending for final layout changes).

-Design, photography and compilation of the illustrative poster “Venomous snakes of Texas”.

-Photography register and digital scanning of the 1512 slides of the collection of snakes at the NTRC serpentarium.

ò January to May 2014 Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, Texas:

Supplemental Instruction Leader

Supplemental Instruction is a campus-wide initiative to support learning at Del Mar College. Spearheaded by the Curriculum Committee of the Developmental Education Council at DMC, SI is modeled after a successful national program.

What differentiates SI from existing structures/services at DMC is that it focuses on "at-risk courses", not "at-risk students ."

- Provided support to all students enrolled in Biology I (Biotechnology Program) through regularly scheduled, out-of-class, peer-facilitated study sessions.

- Provided support to all students enrolled in Biology I (Biotechnology Program) in regularly scheduled laboratory sessions.

ò September 2005 – March 2007. Natural Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas - USA.

Serpentarium Curator - Supervisor

-Collect venomous snakes for the serpentarium and make sure that all collecting permits are acquired.

-Maintain serpentarium up to Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and USDA standards. Responsible for high level of cleanliness of all areas in serpentarium (snakes, mice, rabbits).

-Organize the venom extraction rotation log and extract venoms from snakes according to the quality control standards and safety protocols.

-Monitor venom and controlled drugs used in research.

-Monitor the overall health care of the snakes and provide medical and quarantine care as required.

-Monitor performance of the computer control heating/air conditioning system and other equipment

-Maintain updated information for snake venoms database.

-Training personnel in snake husbandry and serpentarium housekeeping.

-Responsible for develop the venomous snakes breeding program.

Special assignments:

-Designing and compilation of the book “Venomous snakes of Texas, a comprehensive guide”.

-Designing and compilation of the illustrative poster “Venomous snakes of Texas”.

-Photograph and digital scanning of the collection of the venomous snakes at the NTRC serpentarium.

ò May 2000 – August 2005. Laboratorio de Investigaciones, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas – Venezuela.

Scientific Researcher / Serpentarium Curator - Supervisor

- Responsible for the production, quality control and research development of new scientific projects

-Responsible to maintain all lab equipment operating properly.

-Perform biological and biochemical characterization of snake venoms.

-Technical Training and theoretical advice of graduate (MSc and PhD) and undergraduate students with thesis research projects in tasks related with biological and biochemical snake venoms characterization.

-Organize the venom extraction rotation log and extract venoms from snakes according to the quality control standards and safety protocols.

-Monitor venoms used in research.

-Monitor the overall health care of the snakes and provide medical and quarantine care as required.

-Maintain updated information for snake venoms database.

-Training personnel in snake husbandry and serpentarium housekeeping.

Special assignments:

- Lecturer for the subject “TOXINOLOGY, Snake venom toxins”. Toxicology graduate program course, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela, June-December, 2003.

ò 1997 – 2000: Toxicology and Pharmacology Department, Facultad de Veterinaria, La Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo – Venezuela.

Scientific Researcher:

-Biochemical characterization of Crotalus durissus cumanensis (Common rattlesnake) venom from two different geographical areas using chromatographic techniques.

Peer reviewed publications

òDuque-Zerpa, C.; Fernández, I.; Vargas, A.; López-Johnston, J.C.; Scannone, H. Toxinological Characterization of the Bothrops atrox Venom from Puerto Ayacucho, Amazonas State (Venezuela) and its Neutralization Capability by Venezuelan Antivenom. Revista Científica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXIV, Nº 4, 355 - 362, 2014

òSánchez EE, Lucena SE, Reyes S, Soto JG, Cantu E, Lopez-Johnston JC, Guerrero B, Salazar AM, Rodríguez-Acosta A, Galán JA, Tao WA, Pérez JC. Cloning, expression, and hemostatic activities of a disintegrin, r-mojastin 1, from the mohave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus Thromb Res. 2010 Sep;126 (3):e211-9. Epub 2010 Jul 2.

òSanchez, E.E., López-Johnston, J.C., Rodriguez-Acosta A., Perez, J.C. Neutralization of two North American coral snake venoms with United States and Mexican antivenoms. Toxicon. 2008 Feb;51(2):297-303.

òLópez-Johnston, J.C.; Bosch,N.; Scannone,H.; Rodríguez-Acosta, A. Inhibition of ADP and adreanlin-induce platelet aggregacion by Langberg’s hognose pit viper (Porthidium lansbergii hutmanni) venom. Ann Hematol. 2007 Dec; 86(12):879-85.

òLópez-Johnston, J.C.; Bosch,N.; Scannone,H.; Rodríguez-Acosta, A. Inhibition of collagen and thrombin-induce platelet aggregacion by Langberg’s hognose pit viper (Porthidium lansbergii hutmanni) venom. J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2007; Dec, 24(3):275-82.

òPirela R; López, J.; Hernández, J. “Toxinolocical characterizxation of the Venezuelan common rattle snake (Crotalus durissus cumanensis) total venom from Porshoure, Venezuelan goajira”. Revista Científica, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, La Universidad del Zulia, Vol. --, Nº--, ddd – ddd, 2006.

òHernández, H.; Finol, H.; López, J.J.C.; Fernández, I.; Scannone H.; Rodríguez-Acosta A. “Ultrastructural alterations on cardiac tissue treated with the Venezuelan common rattle snake (Crotalus durissus cumanensis) total venom” Revista de la Facultad de Medicina, Volumen 28, numero 1, 12-16. 2005

òNavarrete L, Lopez J.J.C, Blanco A. “Venenos” on “Guia de las Serpientes de Venezuela, Biología, Veneno conservación y Checklist” ISBN 980-12-1442-2, Caracas, Diciembre del 2005.

òLópez, J.J.C; Rodríguez Acosta A. “Metaloprotease Disintegrins in the ophidiology field” ”http://caibco.ucv.ve/caibco/CAIBCO/Vitae/VitaeDiecisiete/Articulos/Ofidiologia/ArchivosHTML/integrinas.htm

òSaravia, P.; Rojas, E.; Arce, V.; Guevara, C.; López, J. C.; Chaves, E.; Velásquez, R.; Rojas, G.; Guetierrez, J. M. “Geographic and Ontogenic variability in the vemon on the Neotropical Rattlesnake Crotalus durissus. Pathophysiological and therapeutic implications”. Rev. Biol. Trop. (501): 337-346, 2002.

òLópez,J.J.C., Negrón, G.; Villavicencio, J.; Alvarado, M.: “Estudio comparativo de los perfiles de elución cromatográfico del veneno total de la serpiente venezolana Crotalus durissus cumanensis (CASCABEL COMUN) de La Villa del Rosario (estado Zulia) y Mene de Mauroa (estado Falcón)” .Revista Científica, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad del Zulia, Vol.X, Nº1, 2000.

òLópez,.J.J.C, Vargas, A.M.; Scannone, H.; Fernandez Y.: “Estudio Cromatográfico, Electroforético y Enzimático del Veneno Total y Fracción I del Veneno de la Serpiente Venezolana Bothrops venezuelensis (Tigra Mariposa)”. Revista Científica, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad del Zulia, Vol. IX, Nº5, 314 – 320, 1999.

Area related publications

ò BOOK: López-Johnston JC (Compilation, photography and desing), Wyro Angela (Graphic designer and layout) . “Venomous snakes of Texas, a comprehensive guide”. (Sent to editorial review at Texas A&M Press and pending for final layout changes).

òPOSTER: López-Johnston JC (Compilation, photography and desing), Wyro Angela (Graphic designer and layout) . “Venomous snakes of Texas”.

ò BOOK: Navarrete L, Lopez-Johnston J.C, Blanco A. “Guia de las Serpientes de Venezuela, Biología, Veneno conservación y Checklist” Caracas-Venezuela. Second edition, 2009. ISBN: 978-980-12-3624-5

ò BOOK: Navarrete L, Lopez J.J.C, Blanco A. “Venenos” en “Guia de las Serpientes de Venezuela, Biología, Veneno conservación y Checklist” Caracas-Venezuela, Dicember 2005-First edition. ISBN:980-12-1442-2.

Technical skills

ò Determination of biological activities and antivenom neutralization assays: Lethal dose 50, hemorrhagic, edema, procoagulant, defibrinating, necrosis, platelet aggregation, indirect hemolysis, thrombin like and others.

ò Operation of various biochemical tools: SDS-PAGE, liquid chromatography with open columns and HPLC systems (size exclusion, reverse phase, ion exchange), lyophilizer, centrifuges, spectrophotometer, analytical balances, pH meters, SONOLOT. Basic theoretical knowledge and skills in preparation of samples and use of MALDI TOF.

ò Curatorial, supervising and Husbandry of venomous snakes facilities: Venom extraction of Venezuelan (since 1986) and North American (since 2005) venomous snakes (Viperidae and Micruridae/Elapidae families). Also experience (since 2005) with Naja pallida (red spitting cobra) and Naja melanoleuca (Forest cobra).

ò Design and organization of venomous and non-venomous snakes public exhibitions since 1994.

ò Design and organization of academic and all public workshops related with biology of the snakes, snake collecting field trips, venomous snakes clinic and physiopathology and snake bite accident prophylaxis since 1994.

Other interests

ò Instructor: "A basic course of photography, taking pictures or making images" at The Center for Continuing Education, Texas A&M University - Kingsville, since Spring 2011. (15 class theoretical / 16 on the field practical hours).

ò Photography: Scientific photography, Studio and candid portraiture, studio snakes portraiture, macro photography, outdoor photography, still life / experimental photography, B&W film developing and silver printing, photo documental, negative film and slide digital scanning, basic skills in Photoshop.

ò Photography portfolios and publications:

http://photo.net/photos/lopezjohnston

http://lopezjohnston-photography.blogspot.com/

ò Graduated from The Complete course in Professional Photography. New York Institute of Photography. September 2008.

ò Outdoor activities: scientific and recreational fieldtrips / camping / trekking.

Professional references

- John C Perez: Director and Regent Professor, National Natural Toxins Research enter, Texas A&M University – Kingsville. Kingsville, Texas – USA (RETIRED in May 2011). kfjcp00@tamuk.edu (Call for biomedical besearch and Animal husbandry)

- Juan Garza: Manager of environmental health and safety at Texas A&M University – Kingsville. Kingsville, Texas – USA. kajbg00@tamuk.edu (Call for laboratory and animal facility safety compliance)

- Marilu Salazar: Director of the Center for Continuing Education and Office of International studies and Programs at Texas A&M University Kingsville.marilu.salazar@tamuk.edu / ml.salazar@yahoo.com

(Call for teaching positions)

- Douglas Hotle: Curator of reptiles at the Albuquerque BioPark. Albuquerque, New Mexico. doug.hotle@facebook.com (Call for animal husbandry).

- Héctor Scannone Tempone. Director, Laboratorio de Investigaciones, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas – Venezuela. +58-212-6052690. J_scannone@cantv.net / labinvest@hotmail.com

- José Maria Gutierrez: Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiologia, Universidad de Costa Rica. jgutierr@icp.ucr.ac.cr

- Alba Marlene Vargas: Laboratorio de Investigaciones, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas – Venezuela. +58-212-6052690. avapino@gmail.com / labinvest@hotmail.com

- Jon A .Baskin: Professor of the Biology Department at Texas A&M University – Kingsville. Kingsville, Texas – USA. J-BASKIN@tamuk.edu

Academic Tutoring References (Thesis advisor)

> Specialized thesis advisor of Sweety Vadlamudi, Master student of the Chemistry Graduate Program at Texas A&M University Kingsville in the theoretical and practical aspects in the field of snake venom toxinology. Thesis: Isolation and characterization of the molecules of the venom of the Red Spitting cobra (Naja pallida).

> Specialized thesis advisor of Mariana Cepeda, Master student of the Toxicology Specialization Program at the Facultad de Farmacia of Universidad Central de Venezuela from June 2004 to August del 2005 in the theoretical and practical aspects in the field of snake venom toxinology. Thesis: Evaluation of the main biological activities of the whole venom and fractions of the snake Crotalus durissus cumanensis (Gran Sabana, Amazonas state) and neutralization by the Venezuelan polyvalent antivenin.

> Specialized thesis advisor of Geraldine Esperanza Guerrero C., Master student of the Toxicology Specialization Program at the Facultad de Farmacia of Universidad Central de Venezuela from June 2004 to August del 2005 in the theoretical and practical aspects in the field of snake venom toxinology. Thesis: Evaluation of the main biological activities of the whole venom and fractions of the snake Crotalus durissus cumanensis (Caruachi, Bolívar state) and neutralization by the Venezuelan polyvalent antivenin.

> Specialized internship and thesis advisor of Professor Miguelina Hernández from Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Experimental Rómulo Gallegos, Guárico state), PhD student of the Medical Faculty of Universidad Central de Venezuela from July 2004 to August 2005, in the theoretical and practical aspects in the field of snake venom toxinology

> Specialized thesis advisor of Carmen Teresa Duque, graduate student of the Toxicology Specialization Program at the Facultad de Farmacia of Universidad Central de Venezuela from June 2004 to August del 2005 in the theoretical and practical aspects in the field of snake venom toxinology. Thesis title: Evaluation of the main biological activities of the whole venom of the snake Bothrops atrox from Puerto Ayacucho, Amazonas state, and neutralization by Venezuelan polyvalent anti-venom.

> Internship Tutor of Rafael Pirela de Las Salas from the Biology Department of Facultad Experimental de Ciencias de la Universidad del Zulia in the theoretical and practical aspects in the field of snake venom toxinology and venomous snakes handling and husbandry in an academic facility.

> Tutor of undergraduate thesis “Toxinological characterization of the whole venom of the snake Crotalus durissus cumanensis (Viperidae) from Porshoure, Venezuelan Guajira” by Rafael Pirela de Las Salas, as requirement to obtain the Bachellor degree in Biology at Departamento de Biología de la Facultad Experimental de Ciencias de la Universidad del Zulia, January 2004

Research Laboratory Tutoring

> Esteban Cantu: Research undergraduate student and chemistry master student at Natural National Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University Kingsville.

> Bruno Alejandro Cantú: Animal Technician and Research undergraduate student at Natural National Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University Kingsville.

> Jesús Andres (Andy) Hernández: Chemistry master student at Natural National Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University Kingsville.

> Yvette A. Guerra: Research undergraduate student at Natural National Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University Kingsville.

> Tracey Alvarado: Research undergraduate student at Natural National Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University Kingsville.

> Jennifer Slayton: Research undergraduate student at Natural National Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University Kingsville.

> Andriah N. Scott: High school summer program student and research undergraduate student at Natural National Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University Kingsville.

> Kelsy Gulick: Summer program student and research undergraduate student at Natural National Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University Kingsville.

> Cody Bigelow: High school summer program student and research undergraduate student at Natural National Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University Kingsville.