Projects and Research

Spring 2017 -- Designed an introductory level bioinformatics course for college freshmen or AP high school students. Topics covered basic applied bioinformatics skills and common tools such as navigating NCBI and UniProt databases and using and interpreting BLAST.

Spring 2015 -- I worked with a professor as a student research assistant in a study aimed at estimating the population of two variants of the peppered moth: the white and black variant and the black variant. The study wished to assess the effects the local distilleries manufacturing processes had on the surrounding forests. During this time, I placed and retrieved moth traps and assisted in determining captured specimens’ species.

Designed an experiment to determine the effects of various wavelengths of light on Alaskan snow pea plant growth. Peas were imbibed under dark conditions and grown under specified light conditions. Measurements included plant length, leaf number, and leaf color.

Fall 2014 -- I assisted in conducting an ecological survey of Bear Grass Creek Greenway in Louisville, KY. The study focused on developing an estimate of the various species of trees present in the greenway, with information on their sizes and estimations of their ages. Additional information was gathered on the various animal species residing in the greenway, although far less extensive than the information gathered about the trees. I also conducted a water quality test quantifying the presence of E. coli.

Spring 2013 -- Successfully recombined the plasmid PBR322 within Escherichia coli with the pGFPuv gene while enrolled in a genetics course at Indiana University Southeast. The project involved analyzing the DNA sequence of PBR322 in order to insert pGFPuv gene into areas of antibiotic resistance within the PBR322 plasmid. The recombined plasmid was then cloned within a colony of E. coli. After having been cloned, the recombination was tested for success by swabbing colonies onto petri dishes infused with antibiotics. Out of 10 satellite sites swabbed and transferred, 9 were successful.

Professional Experience

Spring 2017 -- Plant Physiology Supplemental Instructor, Indiana University Southeast

Reinforces topics covered by the teaching professor for a Plant Physiology course. Works closely with the teaching professor to address student needs.

Winter 2016 – Summer 2017 -- DNA Sequencing Technician, Eurofins Genomics, Louisville, KY

Processed incoming shipments per laboratory protocol. Entered necessary information into order tracking system. Maped and built 96-well plates for DNA sequencing. Prepared stock reaction mixtures.

Spring 2016 -- Student Teacher, New Albany High School

Completed 10 weeks of student teaching in a high school classroom where I was assigned to teach biology, chemistry, and physics to high school students. Work primarily consisted of planning lessons, units, designing coursework, writing quizzes and tests, and grading papers.

Spring 2015 – Fall 2015  -- Molecular Biology Supplemental Instructor, Indiana University Southeast

Reinforced topics covered by the teaching professor for a Molecular Biology course. Presented information in a variety of ways to students, gathering information from personal experience with the course as well as outside sources.