Panagiota Pitta
Molecular Geneticist
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Molecular Geneticist with over 20 years of experience in diagnostic laboratories. HAAD licensed (GT23606), ErCLG certified, and golden visa holder. Expertise in molecular testing techniques and procedures, as well as result interpretation and reporting related to genetic disorders, both inherited and sporadic. In particular long practical experience and background knowledge of the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical techniques and methods to be applied in genome diagnostics such as Sanger sequencing, NGS, aCGH, fragment analysis, MLPA, and real-time PCR. Skilled in ISO, CAP, and SOP preparation. Organized, successful at managing multiple priorities, and motivated to learn, grow and excel.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Molecular Genomics Laboratory Supervisor
National Reference Laboratory
08.2023 - Current
- Contributed to development of new tests or methodologies through collaborative research efforts with colleagues or external partners.
- Ensured accuracy in testing by maintaining rigorous quality control standards and regularly calibrating equipment.
- Reduced turnaround time for test results by optimizing workflows and laboratory procedures.
- Trained and supervised junior technicians in laboratory protocols.
- Increased productivity with effective resource allocation, maximizing the use of available personnel and equipment.
- Actively participated in industry conferences or workshops to stay current on trends, innovations, or best practices relevant to laboratory operations or management responsibilities.
- Analyzed results using analytical software and created reports.
- Troubleshot and resolved equipment and process issues.
Molecular Laboratory Supervisor
Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children
01.2020 - 07.2023
- Designed the Molecular Microbiology Laboratory in Danat Al Emarat Hospital at the beginning of the pandemic following WHO, CDC, CLSI, and DOH recommendations
- Main activities and responsibilities: Real-time PCR, MLPA, PGT-A, PGT-M, training of staff in RNA and DNA extraction techniques, and how to perform and interpret real-time PCR for SARS-CoV2, Influenza, RSV, HPV, etc
- Preparation of all SOPs and policies
- Participation in ISO, Cap, and DOH audits
- Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students during their practice
- DNA and RNA extraction, molecular microbiology, hereditary cancer syndromes and somatic mutations, monitoring maintenance records, PPM, consumption, and KPIs.
Clinical Laboratory Geneticist
A-Lab Genetics and Genomics Center
11.2000 - 08.2019
- Molecular Geneticists certified on ISO 15189
- Main activities and responsibilities: Molecular diagnostics in the field of prenatal and postnatal diagnosis, preimplantation diagnosis (PGT-A and PGT-M), cancer genetics (hereditary cancer syndromes and somatic mutations), pharmacogenetics, molecular microbiology
- Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students during their practice
- Participation in accreditation procedures of the laboratory (ISO 15189)
- Participation in fundamental research projects
- DNA and RNA extraction techniques from different tissue types, manually and also using a variety of automated working stations such as QIAcube, QIAsymphony and Magcore
- Performance of end-point PCR, real-time PCR, melting curve PCR, Sanger Sequencing, NGS (Illumina and Ion Torent), MLPA, SnapShot, array CGH
- Analysis, interpretation and reporting of results
- Participating in UK NEQAS 2007-2017, EMQN 2007-2019, and EQAS 2009-2019
- New method/assay validation
- Primer design
- SOP preparation.
Project Lead
National and Kapodistrion University of Athens
11.2000 - 08.2005
- Leading a project for 'Molecular of families with breast and/or ovarian cancer
- Mutation detection in genes related to the disease.' After the discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, increasing data revealed the correlation of germline mutations in these genes and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
- CHEK2 gene was also found to be implicated in such cases, in particular 1100delC mutation
- Pathogenic mutations have been detected along the coding sequence of both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
- The purpose of the project was to identify new germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and 1100delC mutation in the CHEK2 gene, among Greek families with multiple cases of breast and/or ovarian cancer, male members with breast cancer and patients with early onset of the disease
- Eligible candidates for genetic testing were selected according to the European Guidelines for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome
- Peripheral blood samples were collected from these patients and genomic DNA was extracted
- Sanger Sequencing, MLPA, and SnapShot techniques were used to detect the presence of mutations in the above-mentioned genes.
Education
Training Course - Personalized Medicine
Golden Helix Academy
UK 03.2024 - 06.2024
M.Sc. - Human Genetics and Genetic Counselling
University of Thessaly - Faculty of Medicine - Larissa
Larissa, Greece 05.2022 - 05.2023
ErCLG, Clinical Laboratory Geneticist - Basics in Human Genetic Diagnostics
Hellenic Association of Medical Genetics
Athens, Greece 09.2017 - 05.2017
B.Sc., M.Sc. - Molecular Biology
Sofia Univesity, Sv.Klliment Ohridski
Sofia, Bulgaria 05.1994 - 05.1999
Skills
NGS (Illumina, Ion Torent)undefined
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of three different laboratories in Greece in the development of a project for Genetic Predisposition to Male Breast Cancer. Genetic Predisposition to Male Breast Cancer: A Case Series, Anticancer Research Dec 2022, 42 (12) 5795-5801; DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.16086
- Participation in the EMQN workshop, 24-25 October 2007, for EMQN Best Practise Guidelines for Molecular Genetic Analysis in Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer (Approved EMQN Guidelines)
Timeline
Training Course - Personalized Medicine
Golden Helix Academy
03.2024 - 06.2024
Molecular Genomics Laboratory Supervisor
National Reference Laboratory
08.2023 - Current
M.Sc. - Human Genetics and Genetic Counselling
University of Thessaly - Faculty of Medicine - Larissa
05.2022 - 05.2023
Molecular Laboratory Supervisor
Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children
01.2020 - 07.2023
ErCLG, Clinical Laboratory Geneticist - Basics in Human Genetic Diagnostics
Hellenic Association of Medical Genetics
09.2017 - 05.2017
Project Lead
National and Kapodistrion University of Athens
11.2000 - 08.2005
Clinical Laboratory Geneticist
A-Lab Genetics and Genomics Center
11.2000 - 08.2019
B.Sc., M.Sc. - Molecular Biology
Sofia Univesity, Sv.Klliment Ohridski
05.1994 - 05.1999
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