Daniel S McConnell, PhD

During the period from 1977-1985, I acquired experience in many phases of clinical laboratory work, including Microbiology, Chemistry, Radioimmunochemistry and Immunochemistry, both as a technologist and as a supervisor. My doctorate in medicinal chemistry involved conducting many radioiodinations (I-125, I-123) utilizing a variety of methods, and the synthesis of a variety of organic compounds, many incorporating H-3 and C-14. As a Research Fellow in the Reproductive Sciences Program for two years, my primary research included the development of novel, non-radiometric assays for progesterone, the development of non-radiometric assays for inhibin, ovine-LH, and follistatin as well as the development of automated urinary assays for hCG, hLH and hFSH. My role as Director of the CLASS Laboratory is to offer guidance, advice and assistance and otherwise solve problems arising in the Laboratory (including iodinations, service assays and assay performance); to advise clinical sites with respect to the feasibility of implementing or developing needed assays; oversee development of Information Technology improvements, Design and coordinate sample collection kit designs, to manage all daily activities of the Laboratory in the Manager's absence; to participate in meetings of the Laboratory staff; and to participate in required meetings. I am ultimately responsible for the overall operation of the Laboratory. The CLASS Laboratory has overseen the collection and storage of samples, as well as measurement of reproductive hormones for numerous epidemiologic studies including the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). The CLASS Laboratory and CLASS BioRepository are both CAP inspected, CLIA certified facilities.