Scientist

• May 2021 - Present

Assistant Professor Of Biology

• Jul 2018 - Jul 2021

Graduate Research Assistant

• Aug 2012 - Jul 2018

As a graduate research assistant I use classical genetics, molecular cloning, and CRISPR technology, to assess the role of the AMPK related kinase UNC-82 in the organization and maintenance of striated muscle in the small nematode, C. elegans. As part of my work in the laboratory, I mentor undergraduate students in summer research projects as well as undergraduate students completing their independent research thesis projects. I was awarded The Departmental Creative Research Scholar award for this work in 2018 from WMU. See publications. http://www.genetics.org/content/early/2016/12/29/genetics.116.193029

WMU John Gardner Institute Gateways to completion (G2C) Biology Course Committee Chair

• Dec 2015 - May 2018

Working in partnership with the WMU Student Success Center and the John N. Gardner Institute Gateways to Completion (G2C) initiative, I facilitate conversations on course reform in our Biological Sciences department. Additionally, I help our G2C initiative by implementing action plans directly in my high enrollment gateway course and assist faculty in implementing best practices for active learning in their course. To date, I have been successful in dropping the DEWI* rate in my course to 8% (compared to the ten year average of 31.7%) *DEWI indicates students who were not successful in completing the course by either receiving grades of D, E, incomplete (I), or withdrawing (W) from the course.

Instructor of record - Introductory Biology

• Jan 2014 - May 2018

Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory and inquiry based hands-on approaches I engage a diverse community of 150-260 undergraduate students per semester in discovering their ability to think metacognitively, solve complex real life scientific problems, think critically and find value in contributing to a team, all while also learning biology. My responsibilities include guidance, tutoring, grading, course content creation and mentorship. The All University Graduate Teaching Effectiveness award and the Distinguished Graduate Student Award from WMU were received for my excellence in teaching. I was also the University wide nominee for the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) Excellence in Teaching Award in 2017. Student success (DEWI rates and student retention), student satisfaction, student engagement and student ownership of learning are the metrics through which I based the success of my course.

WMU Signature Leadership Committee, Graduate Student Leader and advisory board member

• Jan 2016 - Sep 2017

As a member of the WMU Signature Leadership committee and advisory board, my roles include meeting with university leadership, communicating with graduate and undergraduate students, and developing /implementing a university wide student Signature program. The Signature program, which began its beta in fall of 2016, enables students to typify their co-curricular activities that go beyond their academic experience. My work on this committee has been instrumental in the creation, the organization, and the ongoing implementation of the strategic plan for the WMU Signature Pilot program, which includes creation of three new paid staff positions.

NSF I-Corps Entrepreneurial Lead

• Apr 2015 - Jul 2015

As an NSF I-CORPS Entrepreneurial Lead (in Collaboration with Dr. Edmund Tsang), I successfully led a team through customer discovery (interviewing over 80 potential customers across the United States). Through this investigation we identified our minimum viable product (MVP), and developed a viable business model for Minds on Technologies.

Molecular Biology Lab Instructor

• Aug 2013 - Dec 2013

Microbiology Lab Instructor

• Jan 2013 - May 2013

Research Laboratory Technician

• Aug 2009 - Jun 2012

Using various Biochemistry approaches I designed and conducted experiments testing the effects of oxidative stress on mammalian motor neurons to investigate glutamate cystine transporter function and trafficking. My responsibilities included lab management, ordering laboratory supplies from vendors, research, presenting at national meetings, mentoring and helping undergraduate students learn biochemical techniques. Publications:Chase, Leah A., Daniel Smith and NaTasha Schiller. "Cell Surface Expression of Xct Is Regulated by the Akt Signaling Pathway." In FASEB Journal, 27, 2013.The following manuscript is complete and was submitted to The Journal of Biological Chemistry January 3, 2017 : Leah A. Chase, Mary VerHeulen Klein, NaTasha Schiller, Abby Goltz King, Guillermo Flores, Sasha Balcazar, Christina Bowles, Sara Lang, Anne Georges Robinson, Jeffrey Rothstein. "Hydrogen peroxide triggers an increase in cell surface expression of system xC- in cultured human glioma cells"

Cashier

• Mar 2008 - Aug 2008

REU intern

• 2005 - 2005

Branch Manager

• Jul 1999 - Nov 2000