David Rafacz

Background

About David Rafacz

Biochemistry Experience The majority of my strong biochemistry laboratory skills were acquired through performing undergraduate research as a part of the Komarova Laboratory of the UIC Department of Pharmacology. Here, I, along with other undergraduates and PhD candidates, investigated effects of mechanosensitive Piezo1 on calcium signaling in Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells (HPAECs) to ultimately understand the physiology of HPAEC response to a mechanical stimulus, providing potential insight toward defining novel therapeutic agents. Independently, I outlined and performed crucial biochemical procedures, including HPAE and 293T cell subculturing, siRNA transfection for protein knockdown, western blotting to confirm knockdowns, fluid shear stress to activate Piezo1, confocal microscopy and cell fluorescent immunohistochemistry to observe cell alignment changes, and analyses of calcium release from IP3R2 into cytosol, among other general biochemical laboratory techniques. Weekly, I presented and discussed experimental groups during meetings with all staff. Overall, I gained significant insight into the application of fundamental concepts acquired through various courses and into the derivation of viable conclusions from performed experimental methods, on top of successfully honing research techniques for future career application. Moreover, through university-directed laboratory courses, I furthered my knowledge and technique of biochemistry laboratory methods. Clinical Experience Initially, I acquired general insight into medical settings though volunteering at the Advocate Christ Medical Center Emergency Room. Here, I remained responsible for directing patients and visitors to designated locations and additionally created new relationships with patients and medical professionals, strengthened interpersonal communication and time management skills, and increased overall comfort in a medical setting. Currently, I am employed part-time as an ophthalmic technician, performing vision and diagnostic assessments including refraction, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, macula and optic nerve optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus photography, visual field examination, B-scan ultrasonography, and full field electroretinography (ffERG) among other assessments. I communicate and establish empathetic relationships with patients, comprehend and interpret medical histories, and provide preliminary communication prior to physician examination.