Valentina Simina Ciobanu

Biography

Valentina Simina Ciobanu, M.D., M.S., is Associate Research Specialist in the Genomics Research Technology Hub within the Biological Chemistry Department at the University of California, Irvine. With more than twenty years of experience in biology laboratories, Ciobanu specializes in cutting-edge genomic technologies including Next Generation Sequencing, single-cell genomics, and DNA analysis. She independently operates advanced sequencing platforms such as Pacific Biosciences' Revio and Sequel II Sequencers, Illumina's MiSeq Sequencer, and the 10X Single Cell Genomics Chromium System Controller.

Ciobanu received her M.D. from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Romania in 1995 and her M.S. in Biological Sciences with a focus on Biotechnology from the University of California, Irvine in 2005. Her graduate research investigated the effects of human embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocytes on axonal regeneration following spinal cord injury in rats. She has extensive experience in molecular biology techniques, tissue culture, animal research, and human subject research, including maintaining IRB applications and handling HIPAA-sensitive information.

Throughout her career at UC Irvine, Ciobanu has progressed from Staff Research Associate I to her current position as Associate Research Specialist. She has contributed to research on genetics of aging, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Alzheimer's disease. Her work has resulted in multiple abstracts presented at international conferences, including research on DRD4 genotype associations with activity levels and longevity. Ciobanu serves as the primary contact for clients utilizing the Genomics Research Technology Hub's specialized services and is responsible for training staff and students in advanced genomic technologies.

Education

• MS in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, University of California at Irvine, 2005
• MD, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Romania, 1995