Paola Perez

A. Personal Statement I am a Senior Scientist in the salivary Disorder Unite at the NIDCR. Our unit is pursuing two focused research projects: i) investigating pathogenic T cell subsets in Sjögren’s Syndrome and immune checkpoint inhibitor sicca, and ii) the identification of novel mechanisms of salivary dysregulation in genetic forms of Sjögren’s Syndrome. The laboratory uses patient-derived tissues to perform integrated tissue investigations using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatially resolved RNA-seq (sRNA-seq) and robust clinical data understand each salivary cell's transcriptional state type. The second aim is to identify unique subsets of patients which phenocopy SS but with variants in pathways central to salivary function, or in genes that modify the development of autoimmunity. In studying rare disease variants, we open a window into the biology of complex autoimmune diseases. I have expertise in various facets of research, development, data analysis, and research project management within high-profile research laboratories. During my career have worked with intra and extramural l researchers, employing cutting-edge biotechnologies in the area of biology, genomics, nucleic acid and protein processing, and biological mechanisms in cells. Instrumental in streamlining and introducing new scientific analysis processes, enhancing productivity, and implementing biotechnology solutions. My interest focus on the biology and pathobiology of salivary glands. I have dedicated most of my career to studying Sjogren’s syndrome. B. Positions and Honors 2019 – Present Research Scientist, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL & CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH, Bethesda, MD 2017 – 2019 Senior Research Scientist, PFIZER – CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN PRECISION MEDICINE, Santiago, Chile 2016 – 2017 Senior Research Scientist, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL & CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH, Bethesda, MD 2015 – 2016 Scientist I, Process Development Department, OMNIA BIOLOGICS, Rockville, MD 2007 – 2015 Research Fellow, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL & CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH, Bethesda, MD 2007 – 2012 Post-Doctoral Visiting Fellow, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL & CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH, Bethesda, MD 2004 – 2007 Laboratory assistant, UNIVERSITY OF CHILE – INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES, Santiago, Chile 2002 Guest Researcher, NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE, Frederick, MD Honors Best Review of the Year Award, Oral Disease; Article emerging landscape on non-coding RNA’s in oral health and disease, 2013 Post-Graduate Thesis Scholarship Award, University of Chile, 2004 Research Travel Award, MECESUP Project, University of Chile, Faculty of Medicine, 2002 Doctoral Fellowship, Chilean Government, National Council for Science and Technology, 2002 Doctoral Fellowship, MECESUP Project, University of Chile, Faculty of Medicine, 2001 C. Contributions to Science D. Additional Information: Research Support and/or Scholastic Performance Paper reviewer appointments Journal of Oral Diseases, 2012-2014, 2016 Journal of Dental Research, 2013 PLOS ONE, 2013 Developmental Dynamics, 2008 Master of Science in Biochemistry Student’s Thesis Proposal, National University of Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, 2008 American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 2007