Christopher Gardner

Background

About Christopher Gardner

I am a Master Biological Scientist at the University of Florida with over 13 years of professional experience in clinical laboratories and research projects. During the execution of these projects, I established a firm grasp of a wide variety of techniques associated with microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics. My educational background is highlighted by a B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science in 2010. Achieved title of Biological Scientist IV, the highest level for a Biological Scientist in research. Held role of Lead Scientists for a drug discovery project involving the usage of microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology techniques to identify chemicals to treat citrus greening disease – these efforts positioned the research group for approximately $4M in funding to examine the efficacy of the compounds in field trials. Designed a pneumatic trunk injection system that decreased treatment application times 90% and increased deliverable capacity 20-fold. Identified a new probiotic bacteria species (Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2) characterized/identified as a mechanism that could be used to prevent onsets of type 1 diabetes; oversaw animal studies and 3 clinical trials to examine the efficacy of L. johnsonii in humans with type one diabetes. Acted as Lead Scientist for the production of artificial extracellular vesicles designed to deliver proteins and genetic materials from L. johnsonii to high-risk patients (premature/neonatal babies) without direct exposure to live bacteria. Contributed to 21 scientific publications in high impact journals, with an additional 5 publications pending review.