Senior Research Scientist

• Jun 2021 - Present

Graduate Research Assistant

• Jan 2015 - Dec 2020

PI: Kostas Konstantinidis, Enveomics Lab • Received the highly competitive and prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, which awarded more than $200,000 to fund my Ph.D. research. • Applied "meta-omic" techniques and developed bioinformatic methodologies for improved microbial source tracking using large NGS datasets. • Designed and implemented laboratory mesocosm experiments to track the fate of host-specific gut microbiome gene signatures. • Investigated the impact of cattle ranching on sediment microbial communities as reservoirs of pathogenic E. coli using metagenomics. • Mentored several undergrad and graduate students. Show less

Research Specialist

• Jan 2014 - Dec 2014

• Performed maintenance and training for all molecular analysis equipment (Plate Reader, 3730 ABI DNA sequencer, Applied Biosystems qPCR machine, Agilent Bioanalyzer) • Advised other researchers on various projects using molecular analyses and applications. • Established Oxford Nanopore DNA sequencing platform for a client. • Performed RT-qPCR to examine biomarkers from areas of concern around the Great Lakes. • Performed maintenance and training for all molecular analysis equipment (Plate Reader, 3730 ABI DNA sequencer, Applied Biosystems qPCR machine, Agilent Bioanalyzer) • Advised other researchers on various projects using molecular analyses and applications. • Established Oxford Nanopore DNA sequencing platform for a client. • Performed RT-qPCR to examine biomarkers from areas of concern around the Great Lakes.

Laboratory Technician in Molecular Ecology

• Jun 2013 - May 2014

• Developed protocols for DNA extraction from contemporary and historical bluegill scales. Optimized PCR amplification of microsatellite regions.• Analyzed fish genotypes with GeneMarker v1.95 to determine the effect of fishing practices on size reduction in bluegill populations.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

• Jul 2009 - May 2013

Worked on 2 projects and awarded 4 grants to support undergraduate research activities:2nd Project (2012-2013) : Characterization of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci in mule deer using next-generation 454 DNA sequencing• Designed and optimized protocols for PCR and 454 DNA amplicon sequencing to investigate latitudinal variation in mule deer MHC loci 1st Project (2009-2012): Transgenic Zebrafish model for neurodegeration.• Characterized expression patterns of the endogenous zebrafish tau protein using western blot and electrochemilluminescence.• Introduced mutant and wild-type human tau gene into the zebrafish genome via microinjection of recombinant bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) DNA into single-cell embryos and screened offspring for transgene expression. Show less

Field Assistant in Forest Ecology

• Jun 2012 - Aug 2012

Participated in a NSF-funded study quantifying varying levels of competition between lianas and trees in a tropical forest.• Measured lianas and trees using calipers and diameter tape• Assembled and installed dendrometer bands• Spatial navigation using maps, compass, and GPS• Worked in an international, bilingual team

Chemistry Teaching Assistant

• Sep 2011 - Dec 2011

Led weekly discussion and lab sessions for 40+ undergraduate students in General Chemistry 102.

Math and Chemistry tutor

• Sep 2010 - Dec 2010

• Led weekly group tutoring sessions in 2 algebra and 3 chemistry courses for 25+ undergraduate students. • Prepared and recorded presentations for online tutoring sessions.