Tracey Mansell

Provided laboratory support across 4 GSK research departments over 11 years at GSK.

1. Complex In Virto Models Unit (CIVM) - 2023 to current.

• Support ongoing projects in CIVM, encompassing Oncology, Respiratory, Osteoarthritis, and vaccine programs.
• Culture and Maintain Patient-derived organoid cells (colonic, ovarian cancer, lung lines).
• Contributed to complex in vitro model development by aiding read-outs and end-point protocols. Conducted Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) Assays, such as V-plex and U-plex types. Measured TEER readings to determine cell layer viability. Labelled patient-derived organoids for surface proteomics research. Stained cells for imaging purposes across transwells, organoids, and Mimetas plates.
  Performed DNA isolation and analysis using NanoDrop instrument.
  Prepared organoids for subsequent histology embedding.
• Support cell culture maintenance in organ-on-chip model (e.g. media change in Mimetas chip).
• General cell culture support for complex in vitro model building (e.g. HUVECs, T84 cells and PBMCs).
• Aliquoting and maintaining audit on reagents for cell culturing.
• Collaborate with scientific personnel and team members on programs regularly.
• Documenting experimental activities on Electronic Laboratory Notebook (SignalsNotebook, Version 25.9.4).
• Optimised lab processes by establishing Kanban system and supporting Research Operation & Externalization group (ROX) in the rollout of new Inventory Management system.

2. Novel Human Genetics Research Unit (NHG) - 2023-2024.

• Facilitated projects by plating hiPSC-derived monocytes for Incucyte analysis.
• General cell culture for projects requiring cell lines such as J774, ChaGo-K1, and Jurkat.
• Primary cell culture of Human Lung Fibroblasts for the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) project.
• Facilitated IPF project by conducting Mink Lung Epithelial Cell (MLEC) and Scar In A Jar (SIAJ) assays and conducting analysis using GraphPad Prism (v 9.5.1).
• Imaged and analysed results of experiments using the Operetta instrument and Signals Image Artist (SImA) software (v.1.3).

3. Immunology Research Group - Barrier Group 3 - 2020-2023.

• Supported barrier group initiatives by managing and preserving cell lines for Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) programs, encompassing Caco-2, HT29, HT29-MTX, Park 7, T84 and C2Bbe1.
• Set up barrier experiments and conduct TEER measurements on 24 well plates using the EVOM-3 instrument and the Axion Maestro instrument for 96 well plates.
• Assisted scientists with assay work, specifically scratch assays in 24 well plates and in the 96 well plates using the Incucyte instrument.
• Assisted with fibroblast and mast cell culturing while utilizing flow cytometry for mast cell viability assessments.

4. Respiratory DPU 2015-2020

• Led and coordinated operations of specialised Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) laboratory, communicating daily with team members regarding requests and providing training for scientific staff, apprentices and students.
• Cultured and maintained Primary Human Bronchial Epithelial cells (HBEC) on an Air-Liquid Interface (ALI), from COPD, asthma, healthy donors and bronchial brushings from bronchiectasis patients.
• Assisted with assay work, specifically MSD, ELISA and Automated Western Blotting.
• Managed frozen stock inventory of HBECs and upheld accurate records of cell recoveries and cultures using Electronic Laboratory Notebook (eLNB, version 13.9 E-Notebook).
• Conducted sterility checks routinely and performed mycoplasma testing.
• Executed histology procedures on HBECs to enhance respiratory research, focusing on Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining techniques.
• Regularly liaised with company representatives (Stemcell and Lonza) to address ALI laboratory necessities for example media and cell donors.
• Facilitated collaborations with UCL and Cambridge, including site visits.
• Cultured primary HBECs on an Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) model from bronchial brushings of bronchiectasis patients. Achieved a significant milestone by performing this for the first time with cells from bronchiectasis donors.
  

• Managed preparation of experiments for KS3 to A-Level science classes and provided support to teachers during implementation of the science curriculum.
• Collaborated with teaching staff to prepare materials for science fairs, fostering creativity amongst students.
• Managed upkeep and restoration of faculty equipment such as autoclaves, microscopes, and data loggers.
• Oversaw administration of science department, managing practical worksheets for classes, student payments for resources, stock control and inventory processes.
• Monitored health and safety procedures with guidance from CLEAPSS.
• Managed and facilitated training sessions for new science technicians and science teachers.
• Contributed to extra-curricular programs within faculty by leading gardening club for students and collaborating with the head physics teacher on astronomy club.
• Supervised on various school excursions to Selex Galileo in Luton for Go4SET initiatives, to Rothamsted Research in Harpenden for A-Level and Applied Science coursework, and to Luton Hoo for gardening club activities.

• Contributed seven years at Tesco through checkout operations, customer service, DOT.com management, and general shop floor responsibilities including shelf stacking and stock rotation.
• Served as non-food stock controller, responsible for stock counting and replenishment. Monitored and updated pricing on the shop floor and helped set up promotional aisles.
• Trained first aider for the store.
• Employed at Tesco on a part-time basis throughout college and university, subsequently moving into a full-time role upon completion of studies.

• Assisted team in stripping, staining, and polishing various furniture types.
• The company mainly dealt with piano’s, pool tables and snooker tables and occasionally off-site work. Partnered with manager at Silverstone racetrack during one week for a bar refurbishment

• Executed general usher duties encompassing ticket sales, guiding patrons to seats, managing confectionary stall operations, and performing cleaning tasks.
• Balanced work responsibilities alongside A-Level education.