Experience

University of Utah

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Postdoctoral Fellow

  • Aug 2021 - Present

  I am using developmental genetics approaches to understand rare disease pathology and symptoms. My current focus is on several patients with mutations in a specific gene causing associated neurodevelopmental disorders. I am focused on discovering the cell-specific pathways and mechanisms causative for primary microcephaly with the ultimate goal of targeting therapeutics for microcephaly-associated epilepsy.

• Postdoctoral Researcher

  • Sep 2019 - Aug 2021

  I take genetic and neurobiological approaches to investigate the developmental basis of female receptivity behavior and to characterize novel circuitry involved in mate choice. My work utilizes genetic crosses combined with targeted gene knockdown and optogenetics.



The University of Kansas

• Lawrence, Kansas, United States

• GTA/GRA

  • Aug 2013 - May 2019

  My PhD dissertation focused on the evolution of secondary sexual characteristics in fruit flies. I utilized whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics integrated with behavioral assays to identify signatures of selection in the context of sensory driven mate choice. My PhD dissertation focused on the evolution of secondary sexual characteristics in fruit flies. I utilized whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics integrated with behavioral assays to identify signatures of selection in the context of sensory driven mate choice.



University of Utah

• Salt Lake City, Utah

• Lab Technician

  • Dec 2012 - Aug 2013

  The Bonknowsky laboratory investigates neurobiology using zebrafish as a model organism. My primary duties were to perform microinjections to create transgenic organisms, perform PCR and gel analysis, DNA isolation and transformation, and screen my injected lines to identify transgenic phenotypes. The Bonknowsky laboratory investigates neurobiology using zebrafish as a model organism. My primary duties were to perform microinjections to create transgenic organisms, perform PCR and gel analysis, DNA isolation and transformation, and screen my injected lines to identify transgenic phenotypes.



University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

• Lab Technician/Fish Facility Manager

  • Sep 2009 - Nov 2012

  My primary responsibilities were to perform molecular biology techniques to investigate skeletal development in zebrafish. Primarily, I managed a forward genetic screen project for my laboratory. I also developed standard protocols for, and managed the staff of, our fish facility housing approximately 2,000 tanks of zebrafish. My primary responsibilities were to perform molecular biology techniques to investigate skeletal development in zebrafish. Primarily, I managed a forward genetic screen project for my laboratory. I also developed standard protocols for, and managed the staff of, our fish facility housing approximately 2,000 tanks of zebrafish.



Saint Joseph's University

• Animal Care Coordinator; Biodiversity Lab

  • Aug 2007 - Aug 2009

  I managed graduate and undergraduate students and oversaw the care of all organisms, including frogs, turtles, fish, chameleons, and iguanas. I also provided research support (teaching and poster presentations) on assurance colonies for endangered turtle species. I managed graduate and undergraduate students and oversaw the care of all organisms, including frogs, turtles, fish, chameleons, and iguanas. I also provided research support (teaching and poster presentations) on assurance colonies for endangered turtle species.



Marine Biological Laboratory

• Woods Hole, MA

• Research Intern; Loligo project

  • Apr 2006 - Aug 2006

  I performed behavioral assays to analyze the molecular basis of aggressive mating behavior in male long-fin squid. I performed behavioral assays to analyze the molecular basis of aggressive mating behavior in male long-fin squid.



Millersville University

• Animal Caretaker; Cephalopod Lab

  • Jan 2005 - Aug 2006

  Animal husbandry and water quality monitoring, animal training, behavioral assays Animal husbandry and water quality monitoring, animal training, behavioral assays