# Sharon K.

> Software Engineer

Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/sharonk

I make things. Sometimes they're on the internet.

## Work Experience
### Senior Software Engineer @ Zitara
Jan 2023 – Present | San Francisco, California, United States
Batteries have a big role to play in tackling the climate crisis, and it's essential to make sure that they're safe and reliable to operate.

At Zitara, we build cutting-edge software solutions that empower companies to deeply understand their batteries, both in design and deployment. It's all part of our work to enable a renewable energy revolution, powered by safer batteries, at a lower cost, with less waste.

Learn more at www.zitara.com.

### Software Engineer @ Zitara
Jan 2020 – Jan 2023 | San Francisco, California, United States

### Software Engineer @ AbbVie
Jan 2018 – Jan 2019 | San Francisco Bay Area
Full stack development on custom web applications for research scientists at AbbVie Stemcentrx, allowing users to record and manage laboratory research experiments. Examples include:
• Data collection, tracking, and reporting for in vivo research studies
• Research task scheduling system
• Status tracking and requesting system for internal deliverables
In other words, developing a custom laboratory information management system (LIMS).

Technologies used include:
• Groovy/Grails
• Ruby on Rails
• MySQL
• JavaScript

### Associate Software Engineer @ AbbVie
Jan 2016 – Jan 2018 | San Francisco Bay Area

### Research Associate @ Pathway Genomics Corporation
Jan 2013 – Jan 2015 | San Diego, CA
Performed DNA library preparation and sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform.
Performed array comparative genomic hybridization on the Agilent microarray platform.
Performed DNA genotyping, sequencing, and data analysis using Sanger sequencing for breast cancer genes, colorectal cancer genes, and carrier status genetic testing panels.
Optimized DNA preparation by consolidating DNA isolation processes and reducing processing time by half.

### Research Associate @ Illumina
Jan 2012 – Jan 2013 | San Diego, CA
Ran validation/verification testing on the HiSeq 2500 and 1500 platforms for the release of new hardware, software, and reagent kits. Collected and analyzed output data on a range of control samples and experiment parameters and confirmed if values were within specifications.

Trained customer hardware support technicians on proper protocols for preparation of samples, handling of reagents, setup of software, and troubleshooting of hardware issues. Collaborated with and provided input for various departments such as marketing, software, hardware engineering, and chemistry development to deliver finalized HiSeq 2500.

Tested new flow cell prototypes and compiled data for comparison with standard flow cells.

### Mathematics Teacher @ ACI Institute
Jan 2011 – Jan 2011 | Taipei City, Taiwan and Diamond Bar, CA
Taught SAT Math preparation courses, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus.
Taught English writing classes for middle and elementary students.
Prepared teaching materials for the company’s use in SAT preparation.

### Undergraduate Research Fellow @ California Institute of Technology
Jan 2010 – Jan 2010 | Eric H. Davidson lab, Caltech
Analyzed the gene regulatory network controlling aboral ectoderm specification in the sea urchin embryo, in order to provide a foundation for further research on individual genes.

Using PCR, designed and synthesized reporter constructs with transcription factor binding sites on for the genes dlx, irxa, nk2.2, and tbx2/3. Performed DNA and RNA extractions and quantitative PCR (real-time PCR) to measure relative expression levels of reporter constructs once injected into an embryo.

Used a newly designed qPCR 13-tag system that allowed for the injection of multiple constructs into each embryo, expediting efficiency of cis-regulatory analysis.

### Undergraduate Research Fellow @ California Institute of Technology
Jan 2009 – Jan 2009 | Eric H. Davidson lab, Caltech
Analyzed the cis-regulatory modules governing expression of the gene foxa in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, using genetic knockdowns and synthesis of reporter constructs containing Brachyury and Hox11/13 transcription factor binding sites.

Determined the kinetics and temporal expression effects of the transcription factors Hox11/13 and Brachyury on the expression of foxa by creation of reporter constructs with portions of regulatory DNA and constructs with point mutations at putative binding sites with PCR, showing that the Brachyury transcription factor is an activator of the foxa gene, and Hox 11/13 is an early activator of foxa and controls expression kinetics and boosts expression levels.

Measured relative expression levels and kinetics of synthesized constructs at various time points with qPCR, as well as DNA and RNA extraction and purification.


## Education
### Bachelor’s Degree in Biology
Caltech

### Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
Oregon State University


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sharonrkuo
- Website: http://sharonkuo.me

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Source: https://flows.cv/sharonk
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/sharonk/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-04-01