Rayne Leonard Lawrence

Nashville TN ยท opalrleonard@gmail.com

I gained wet lab and genomics data analysis experience during my graduate studies, before beginning as a Research Associate at Insight Genetics, Inc. I started at IGI conducting lab work for next-generation sequencing library preparation, and over the subsequent four years, gained more experience and responsibilities in the project management and bioinformatics effort. I began overseeing day-to-day sequencing operations as well as all bioinformatics needs in the genomics department as a Research Scientist. I gained an intimate understanding of Illumina NGS sequencing technologies, which gave me an edge when troubleshooting sequencing and bioinformatics issues. I am now a Field Application Scientist for Illumina in the Southeast region.


Experience

Senior Field Applications Scientist

Illumina
January 2020 - present

The Field Applications Scientist partners with customers to provide technical training, troubleshooting, and complaint resolution. This position serves as a scientific consultant during pre- and post-sales activities. This role requires troubleshooting, communication, time management, situational awareness, poise under pressure, and collaboration.

Research Scientist

Insight Genetics Inc.
October 2015 - December 2019

Next-generation sequencing project manager that oversees and participates in NGS library prep, sequencing, quality control, LIMS management, and bioinformatics development, training, and operations. Participates in assay verification and validation studies, including NGS CLIA validation. Participates in contract research for academic and pharmaceutical groups. Builds NGS analysis pipelines and troubleshoots all bioinformatics issues as they arise.

Publications

Shaw J, Shafer HJ, Leonard OR, KovachMJ, Schorr M, Morris AB. Chloroplast DNA sequence utility for the lowest phylogenetics and phylogeographic inferences in angiosperms: the tortoise and the hare IV. American Journal of Botany 101 (11):1-17. 2014

Fernandez JRE, Eckhardt BL, Jangsoon L, Lim B, Pearson T, Seitz RS, Hout DR, Schweitzer BL, Neilson T, Leonard OR, Wang Y, Rao A, Ueno NT. Defining the most molecularly stable triple-negative breast cancer cell lines using a simplified algorithm. In prep. 2019.


Education

Tech901

Code 1.0

The course introduces basic computer programming topics including logic, flow control, functions, and data structures. It also includes a broad survey of Computer Science topics such as algorithms, computational complexity, and software engineering.

August 2018 - December 2018

Middle Tennessee State University

Master of Science
Biology - Genetics - phylogenetics

GPA: 4.0

August 2013 - December 2015

Middle Tennessee State University

Bachelor of Science
Biochemistry

GPA: 3.5

August 2009 - May 2013

Skills

Bioinformatics
  • Languages: Python, R, Perl, Git, Bash, C
  • Proficient in Linux command line use and Linux program compilation
  • General NGS data computation skills, including assembly, alignment, and expression analysis
  • Whole genome data preparation for variant analysis
  • Automation of NGS RNASeq analysis workflow
  • Developed workflow for reference set testing for TNBC subtyping analysis
  • Developed limit-of-detection test for RNASeq CLIA validation study
  • Developed workflow for microsatellite instability detection in Lynch Syndrome from NGS targeted panel
  • Monitor and troubleshoot all workflows and bioinformatics operations, often using remote access
  • Developed protocol for in-silico RNASeq analyses
Wet Lab
  • Next generation sequencing library prep, including: targeted DNA and RNA; whole exome panels; various Illumina, Qiagen, Kapa, and ThermoFisher workflows
  • Sequencing run setup with Illumina NextSeq and MiSeq
  • NextSeq and MiSeq troubleshooting experience, ranging from cluster density issues to equipment malfunctions
  • Isolations and proper handling of RNA and DNA samples
  • QC methods: gel electrophoresis, Agilent Tapestation, Qubit, Nanodrop, qPCR
  • Primer and custom assay design and troubleshooting
  • Study validation and verification, adhering to CLIA and CAP guidelines
  • Equipment qualifications, including installation qualification, performance qualification, and operation qualification, as per pharmaceutical qualification standards
  • GLP and GCP compliance on all lab work
Management
  • Acted as project manager on several successful projects for pharmaceutical and academic clients
  • Recruited and led a team of research associates through several major RNASeq projects for a pharmaceutical client
  • Managed LIMS system for tracking NGS samples
  • Conducted extensive training with research associates, both in wet lab and bioinformatics workflows
  • Maintained project timelines, client communication, and resource allocation
  • Maintained quality control documentation for all projects, staying compliant with GLP, GCP, CLIA, CAP, and pharmaceutical requirements
  • Reported and transferred RNASeq data as according to Data Transfer Agreements set in place at project outset
  • Completed projects on time with high sequencing success rate and high client satisfaction

Interests

I have a wonderful husband, two lovely stepchildren, and a German Shephard named Luna. We are often found at a concert or on the lake.

We welcomed a baby girl, Ruby, in 2022. My hobbies during the newborn days include quilting (all by hand) and watching Christmas movies.

I regularly obsess over the science of cooking, and read too many fantasy novels (urban fantasy is my guilty pleasure).