Dianna Elaine Benson
debenson@comcast.net
OBJECTIVE:
Challenging
position my medical knowledge and bioengineering skills.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Extensive knowledge of biology, physiology, chemistry, math, and
anatomy acquired via Ph.D. class work and research
- Experience interacting and fostering relationships with
physicians and medical personnel
- Effectively communicate technical information by verbal and
written means
- Extensive research investigating pathogenic bacterial response
to antimicrobial drugs
- Motivated, persistent, out-going individual able to quickly
comprehend and apply new information
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE:
- Ph.D.
research demonstrated an 80% increase in antibiotic effectiveness in
biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria on artificial device surfaces exposed to
magnetic fields. Presented
at American Society for Artificial and Internal Organs (ASAIO), Record of
Invention.
- Improved
3M microbial gelling system resulting in enhanced colony count verification,
specimen viewing, and organism containment.
Record of Invention
- Organized
and executed a clinical evaluation of a Doppler stethoscope. Coordinated with private
and hospital staff physicians.
- Evaluated
in vitro and in vivo response of artificial vascular grafts and stents to
Pseudomonas aerginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus
infected blood for SciMed, Bard, Medtronic, and Becton Dickenson Vascular
Access.
- Planned
and executed clinical panels evaluating long and short term dermal response to
adhesives utilized in electrodes and surgical tapes. Worked closely with a team
of physicians.
- Evaluated
adhesives for transdermal drug delivery systems. Work presented at the International Drug Delivery
Symposium.
- Researched
microbial uptake of antibiotics on device surface using radiolabeled drugs and
markers.
- Analyzed
light sensitive cavity prevention sealant for durability and strength.
- Evaluated
light initiated expanding polymers for suitability as possible cavity filling
materials.
- Taught
classes on hard implant materials, soft implant materials, and
biocompatibility.
- Private
tutor specializing in math, chemistry, biology, physiology, and anatomy.
- Alternative
Funding Coordinator for the Sonoran Science Academy PTF.
- Coordinator
for the Pima County Charter School Walk-A-Thon raising over $5,000 for the Red
Cross and World Care
Dianna Benson - Page 2
WORK
HISTORY:
2004 – Present Private Tutor – Math, Science and
1989 - 1996 Research Assistant, Artificial Heart Laboratory,
1991 – 1994 Teaching Assistant, Bioengineering Department,
1989 – 1985 3M Company, Bioengineer
- Health
Care Specialties
- Assessment
and Therapy
- Orthopedic
Products
- Dental
Products
- Microbiology
EDUCATION:
Doctoral
Degree - Biomedical Engineering,
GPA
- 3.9/4.0
Baccalaureate
Degree - Biomedical Engineering,
GPA
- 4.4/5.0
SELECTED
POSITIONS, HONORS & AWARDS:
1994 ASAIO
Travel Fellowship Award
1993 Record
of Invention -
Magnetic Field Effects on Antibiotic Effectiveness
1993 Center
for Biopolymers at Interfaces Biotechnology Training Grant
1991 Presented
the Utah State Science Foundation's - Expanding Your Horizons - program for the
recruitment of young women to pursuits in science.
1988 Outstanding
College Students of
1987
1986 Record
of Invention - microbial gelling system
PUBLICATIONS:
1. DE
Benson, et. al., Effects of Plasma on Adhesion of
Biofilm Forming Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis to Fibrin
Substrate. ASAIO J. 1996 Sep-Oct: 42(5):
M655-60. Presented at May 1996 ASAIO Meeting.
2. DE
Benson, et. al., Magnetic Field Enhancement of
Antibiotic Activity in Biofilm-Forming Pseudomonas aerginosa. ASAIO J. 1994 Jul-Sep; 40(3): M371-376. Presented at April 1994 ASAIO meeting.
3. D.
Benson, et. al., Magnetic Field Enhancement of
Antimicrobial Activity in Biofilm-Forming Pathogenic Bacteria. Center For
Biopolymers at Interfaces Spring 1993 Meeting,
4. D.
Benson, et. al., Magnetic Field Enhancement of
Antimicrobial Activity in Biofilm-Forming Pathogenic Bacteria. Center For
Biopolymers at Interfaces Fall 1993 Meeting,
5. D.
Benson, et. al., Magnetic Field Enhancement of
Antimicrobial Activity in Biofilm-Forming Pathogenic Bacteria. Center For
Biopolymers at Interfaces Fall 1992 Meeting,
6. S.
Grosh, et. al., Influence of Material Weave and
Adhesive on Transdermal Drug Delivery. International Drug Delivery Symposium. June 1988.