OBJECTIVE:

I am a biology student, concentrating in genetics, seeking to further my knowledge at the graduate level and practice lab techniques while conducting research. I have had hands on experience in a lab environment in multiple projects, including population genetics, that are through the ODU Tick Team led by Dr. Holly Gaff. While participating in the BIOL 380/381 at ODU I was selected to begin an undergraduate research project based on possible heteroplasmy. These projects are still ongoing, and we are expecting to be published once it is completed.

Along with working in the lab, I have participated in the ODU Women’s Rugby Club and worked part-time as a PASS leader for General Biology; all while placing on the Dean’s List every semester since I started my college career. I have been a part of the Fellowship of Women in Science, Phi Eta Sigma, ODU Honors College, and other notable organizations. As an ODU undergraduate, I designed my curriculum to be a well-rounded biologist by taking courses that range from Ecology to Pathophysiology.

EDUCATION
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Bachelor of Science, May 2019
Major: Biology with concentration in Molecular Biology
Overall GPA: 3.82

WORK EXPERIENCE*

Volunteer – Bee Pathogen Research Program – Old Dominion University

  • January 2018 – May 2018
  • Prepared agarose gels for electrophoresis

Research – Tick Pathogen Lab – Old Dominion University

  • August 2018 – May 2019
  • Investigated the population genetics of Amblyomma americanum and Amblyomma maculatum to identify the cause of increased incidents of Rickettsia parkeri and the reason for changes in geographical regions
  • Extracted and purified tick DNA
  • Composed graphs using Excel
  • Amplified DNA using PCR
  • Sequenced DNA using the Sanger dideoxy method
  • Reviewed DNA sequence with Geneious program

Research – ODU Tick Research Team – Old Dominion University

  • December 2018 – Present
  • Investigated the presence of heteroplasmy in Amblyomma americanum samples by sequencing entire mitochondrial genome.
  • Extracted and purified tick DNA
  • Amplified DNA using LongAmp PCR
  • Sequenced DNA using Illumina sequencing
  • Prepared agarose gels
  • Ran gel electrophoresis
  • Reviewed DNA sequence with Geneious program
  • Preformed bioinformatics using Turing/The Cluster

EMPLOYMENT* 

PASS Leader – Old Dominion University

  • August 2016 – May 2019
  • Presented to groups of students on relevant and difficult topics for the General Biology course
  • Promoted to Mentor for new PASS leaders
  • Prepared planning sheets using Microsoft Word for study sessions
  • Reviewed planning sheets for mentees to ensure their completion
  • Marketed PASS sessions to the course. Including sending emails and making announcements to the class

Teaching Assistant for General Biology Labs — Old Dominion University

  • August 2019 – Present
  • Prepares labs for the General Biology course
  • Prepares presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint on related lecture topics and other biology material
  • Teaches proper lab protocols and biological concepts to students

LABORATORY SKILLS

  • Isolation and purification of DNA
  • PCR
  • Sanger dideoxy sequencing
  • Preparation of agarose gels
  • Gel electrophoresis
  • Pipetting
  • LongAmp PCR
  • Illumina Sequencing
  • Bioinformatics using Turing/The Cluster

LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE

  • Phi Eta Sigma, 2015-2019
  • Sigma Alpha Lambada, 2016-Present
  • Fellowship of Women in Science, 2015-Present
  • Honors College, 2015-2019
  • Volunteer, INOVA Blood Drive, Fairfax, VA, July 2018
  • Dean’s List, 2015-2019

*Please use contact form to request supervisor information.