Experience

Postdoctoral Research Fellow
National Institute of Environmental Health Science, Research Triangle Park, NC
(2023-present)

• Performed bioinformatic analysis on large single nucleus multiomic datasets using R, Command Line, & Python
  • Integrated single nucleus multiome (RNAseq and ATACseq) data from multiple biological replicates and different experimental exposures for analysis 
  • Annotated cells from different tissues through identification of marker genes
  • Identified signaling pathways perturbed by postnatal chemical exposure relevant to long-term development
  • Estimated alterations in transcription factor binding site availability and activity through differences in chromatin accessibility
  • Exposed differences in expression of genes necessary for cell-cell-communication 
• Communicated methods and findings to audiences of varied expertise and interests in international, national, and local meetings
• Helped lab members interpret and analyze omics data
• Adapted protocols for isolation of single nuclei from uterine tissues of varying developmental age and chemical exposure
• Designed experiments for long-term study of uterine development after exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals

PhD Student
University of Pittsburgh Department of Biological Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA
(2018-2022)

• Utilized electrophysiology techniques, in vitro fertilization techniques with frog, cnidarian, and sea urchin gametes, and physiological techniques with mammalian sperm
• Mentored and trained undergraduate researchers new to the lab in experimentation, presentation, data analysis, and problem solving  
• Oversaw undergraduate project progress and experimental rigor for groups of undergraduates who alternated bi-weekly and whose composition changed each semester
• Presented preliminary data to international and local special topic groups 
• Assisted in peer reviewing manuscripts for the following journals: Cell, Science, and PNAS   
• Handled and cared for animal research subjects

Graduate Rotation Student
University of Pittsburgh Department of Biological Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA
(2018)

• Adapted and troubleshot capture-based sequencing protocol      
• Developed general lab protocols for using the Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencer     
• Collected sequencing data and assembled a repetitive gene locus using tools in command line and Python such as bowtie and pandas

Education

PhD, Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

(2022)

Bachelor of Science

West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Major: Biology

Focus: Genomics

(2017)

Bachelor of Arts

West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Major: Psychology

Minor: Creative Writing

(2017)

Additional Training

Single Cell Analysis

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY

(Summer 2023)

Two-week intensive course teaching cutting-edge wet-lab approaches for single cell analysis and bioinformatic analysis of single cell data using Python. Approaches include droplet- and microwell-based single cell isolation, RNA library preparation, single cell FISH, single cell mass spectrometry, photoactivatable single cell probes. Bioinformatic training project included identification of melanoma cell lines from a mixture, and comparison of sequencing quality and sensitivity following isolation of cells by droplet vs microwell based techniques.

Frontiers in Reproduction: Molecular and Cellular Concepts and Applications

Marine Research Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA

(Summer 2022)

Six-week intensive laboratory and lecture course for advanced graduate students and post-doctoral fellows exploring research topics and techniques in endocrinology, gametogenesis, embryogenesis, and reproductive tract health and development.

Publications

Peer Reviewed Manuscripts

Nishio, S., Chihiro, E., Wiseman, B., Fahrenkamp, D., Dioguardi, E…Bainbridge, R. E., et al. (2024) Architecture of the vertebrate egg coat and structural basis of the ZP2 block to polyspermy. Cell.  doi:10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.013

Komondor, K. M.*, Bainbridge R. E.* (co-first author), Sharp, K. S., Iyer, A. R., Rosenbaum, J. C., & Carlson, A. E. (2023) TMEM16A activation for the fast block to polyspermy in the African clawed frog does not require conventional activation of egg PLCs. J Gen Physiology, 155(10): e202213258. doi:10.1085/jgp.202213258 

Tembo, M., Bainbridge, R. E., Lara-Santos, C., Komondor, K. M., Daskivich, G. J, et al. (2022) Phosphate position is key in mediating TMEM16A-PI(4,5)P2 interaction. Journal of Biological Chemistry. doi:10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102264

Zia, J., Venkat, A., Bainbridge, R. E., Reese, M. L., Le Roch, K., et al. (2021) Third generation sequencing revises the molecular karyotype for Toxoplasma gondii and identifies emerging copy number variants in sexual recombinants. Genome Research. doi:10.1101/gr.262816.120 

Wozniak K. L., Bainbridge R. E. (co-first author), Summerville D. W., Tembo M, Phelps W. A., et al. (2020) Zinc protection of fertilized eggs is an ancient feature of sexual reproduction in animals. PLOS Biology 18(7): e3000811. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.3000811

Tembo, M., Wozniak, K. L., Bainbridge, R. E., & Carlson, A. E. (2019). Phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and Ca2+ are both required to open the Cl− channel TMEM16A. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 294(33). doi:10.1074/jbc.RA118.007128

Manuscripts in preparation

Rachel E. Bainbridge, Jefferson, W. N., Williams, C. J. (in preparation) Bad First Impressions: DES exposure alters cell differentiation through perturbation of intracellular and extracellular signaling in the developing uterus. 

Rachel E. Bainbridge, Milnes, B. L., Sau, P., Schack, J. M., Misuku, R., et al. (in preparation) Extracellular zinc has differential effects on fertility of X. laevis gametes. 

Rachel E. Bainbridge, Rosenbaum, J. R., Sau, P., Carlson, A. E. (submitted) Genomic Insights into Fertilization: Tracing PLCZ1 Orthologs Across Amphibian Lineages.
Preprint: 10.1101/2023.02.02.526858

Commentaries, reviews, & other publications

Rachel E. Bainbridge & Williams, C. J. (in press) Diethylstilbestrol (DES). Encyclopedia of Reproduction, 3^rd edition, Volume 2

Rachel E. Bainbridge & Carlson, A. E. (2023). Ion Channels in Sperm and Eggs. Chapter 6, Handbook of Ion Channels, 2nd Edition, Volume 3 

Bainbridge, R. E., & Carlson, A. E. (2019). Tiny Dancer: EFCAB9 Triggers Sperm Hyperactivation via CatSper. Trends in Biochemical Sciences.     

Conference Presentations

Bainbridge, R. E., Jefferson, W. N., Williams, C. J. (2024) Bad First Impressions: DES Exposure Alters Cell Differentiation and Signaling in the Developing Uterus. Poster presentations at the Environmental Endocrine Disruptors Gordon Research Seminar and Conference.

Bainbridge, R. E., Jefferson, W. N., Williams, C. J. (2024) Bad First Impressions: DES Exposure Alters Cell Differentiation and Signaling in the Developing Uterus. Poster presentations at the US DoHAD (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease) Society Meeting.

Bainbridge, R. E., Rosenbaum, J. C., Carlson, A. E. (2022) Mouse and human sperm import zinc from the seminal fluid. Poster presentation at the 55th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction. 

Bainbridge, R. E., Wozniak, K. L., Phelps, W. A., Sanders, S. M. et al. (2020) Zinc Protection of Fertilized Eggs is Conserved in Non-Mammalian Species. Biophysical Journal 118 (3), 563a. Poster presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society.   

Tembo, M., Bainbridge, R. E., & Carlson, A. E. (2019). PIP2 Potentiates the Ca2+-Activated Cl− Channel TMEM16A in Xenopus laevis Oocytes. Biophysical Journal, 116 (3), 222a. Poster presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society.          

Leadership Experience & other service

Social Co-Chair – RDBL Trainee Committee

Reproduction and Developmental Biology Lab
National Institute of Environmental Health and Science  

(2024-2025)

• Organized monthly social activities for RDBL lab trainees to interact and network.

RDBL Representative – Duke BioCoRE Site Visit

Reproduction and Developmental Biology Lab
National Institute of Environmental Health and Science  

(2024)

• Led tours and acted as a postdoctoral representative in site visit from Duke undergraduates interested in biological research, answering questions and networking with students.

Trainee Organizing Committee Member

Tri-Institutional Symposium on Reproductive Biology and Infertility

Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation

•   Organized a two-day multi-institutional virtual meeting fulfilling several duties, including selecting seminar speakers from submitted abstracts and moderating oral seminar sessions, on a new virtual meeting space. 

Graduate Volunteer

Committee for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (CODIE)   

University of Pittsburgh Department of Biological Sciences   

(2020-2021 ) 

• Organized the Science and Society Book/Journal Club, devoted fostering frank and meaningful discussions on social issues, within our department, as they relate to the scientific community, such as the discrepancy in NIH awards for non-white scientists, the diversity-innovation paradox, and gender-based data bias.   

Web Content Committee Chair

Graduate Student Organization      

University of Pittsburgh Department of Biological Sciences     

(2020-2021)

• Created and managed a web presence for the department Graduate Student Organization (GSO) to showcase graduate student achievement, organization and department events, as well as a blog open to all graduate students for submission. Worked with other members of GSO leadership to write, design, and lay out a new peer graduate guide with resources and advice for navigating PhD studies in the department.   

Vice President

Graduate Student Organization     

University of Pittsburgh Department of Biological Sciences     

(2019-2020)

• Worked with GSO leadership to organize and run meetings with students and faculty regarding important issues in our department such as mental health and resource use, as well as social events for graduate students in the department. 

Career Seminar Planning Committee  

University of Pittsburgh Department of Biological Sciences     

(2019-2020)

• Organized a series of seminars detailing non-academic careers for biology PhDs. This work included finding and contacting potential speakers, acting as a contact for visiting speakers, preparing logistics for seminars, and creating and distributing promotional materials.         

Fellowships, Awards, & Honors

T32 Training Program: Reproductive Development from Gonads to Fetuses

Magee Womens Research Institute   

2021-2022

Andrew W. Mellon Predoctoral Fellow 

University of Pittsburgh, Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

2020-2021 

Helmsley Scholarship

Helmsley Charitable Trust

2023

• In recognition of the cross-disciplinary nature of my academic and scientific career, to support participation in the 2023 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory course on Single Cell Analysis.

Excellence Prize

Single Cell Analysis course, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

2023

• For outstanding results on mass spectrometric analysis of a single mammalian cell.

Elizabeth Dillon Travel Award

University of Pittsburgh Department of Biological Sciences 

2022 

• For travel and expenses to attend and present at the 55^th Annual Conference for the Society for the Study of Reproduction. 

Mary P. Edmonds Memorial Award

University of Pittsburgh Department of Biological Sciences   

(2020-2021 )

• In recognition for the publication of an outstanding research paper during the academic year for: Bainbridge R. E., Wozniak K. L. (co-first author), Summerville D. W., Tembo M, Phelps W. A., et al. Zinc protection of fertilized eggs is an ancient feature of sexual reproduction in animals. PLOS Biology (2020).   

Outstanding Presenter 

Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Organization (A&S GSO) Grad Expo 

(2021 )

• In recognition of the presentation of the poster: Zinc Protection of Fertilized Eggs is Conserved in Non-Mammalian Species   

Outstanding Senior

West Virginia University     

(2017)

• Recognized as the top 1% of graduating seniors in the University based on criteria of academic achievement, sustained service, and demonstrated leadership.