.
*References and printable resume available upon request*
Certifications and Degrees
Currently working on a M.S in Animal Molecular & Cellular Biology
Post-Graduate Professional 6-12 Virginia State Teaching License in Biology (June 2011)
Masters in the Arts, Secondary Science Education (Spring 2011)
Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences (Spring 2010)
Bachelor of Science, Animal and Poultry Sciences (Fall 2009)
Selected Biology course work:
Graduate: Molecular Genetics, Eukaryote Molecular Biology, Genomics & Bioinformatics, Advanced Cell Biology, Statistics I, Statistics II, Animal Nutrition, Animal Reproductive Physiology, Molecular Biology, Endocrinology, Lactation Physiology...
Undergraduate: Conservation Biology, Veterinary and Medical Entomology, Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Zoology, Evolutionary Biology, Sociology of Animal Behavior, Care of Companion Animals, Biological Statistics, Swine Production, Physiology of Reproduction, Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Animal Breeding and Genetics, Animal Feeding and Nutrition...
GPA Graduate: 4.0 in major; 3.88 overall
GPA Undergraduate: last 60 credits 3.6
Teaching Experience
Reproductive Physiology and Endorcinology Lab, University of Florida
January 2013 - currently
· I teach my own lab with 20 students and am in charge of grading, preparation, clean-up, and teaching
· 70% of these sophomores and juniors are hoping to be admitted to vet school
· Reviews
Spring Student Teaching at Salem High School in Salem City, 10th Grade Biology
January 2011 - April 2011
· Cooperating teacher evaluation (PDF)
· VT supervisor evaluation (PDF)
· Student survey results (PDF)
· Supervisor evaluation 1 (PDF) evaluation 2 (PDF), teacher observation (PDF)
· hours total, 124 students, 10 IEP students, 4 ELL students
Fall Internship at Dalton Middle School in Radford City, 7th Grade Life Sciences
September 2010 - December 2010
· Cooperating teacher evaluation (PDF)
· Supervisor evaluation 1 (PDF) and evaluation 2 (PDF)
· 120 hours total, 104 students, 14 IEP students, 3 ELL students
Principles of Biology Lab Instructor, paid GTA Biology Department, Virginia Tech (Fall 2010)
Objective: To instruct 3 biology labs in a way that maximizes constructive, comprehensive, and effective learning for the freshman students
· One out of two candidates chosen from out of department to fill this position
· Student evaluation survey results extremely positive
· Received a number of emails from students complimenting my instruction
· Granted full instructor responsiblities for 3, two hour labs (total of 72 students), which included writing of the syllabus, grading policies, homework assignments, holding office hours, writing study guides and designing midterms and finals
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Genetics, Dr. Seyler at Virginia Tech
Objective: To instruct the discipline of Genetics to students in a way that maximizes constructive, comprehensive, and effective learning
January 2010 – May 2010, 80 students
· Organize and teach review sessions for the exams
· Assist in writing of exams, organizing group discussions and grading
· Teach students individually and help them comprehend material
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Cell & Molecular Biology, Dr. Seyler at VT
Objective: To understand and instruct the discipline of Cell and Molecular Biology to students in a way that maximizes constructive, comprehensive, and effective learning
August 2009 – December 2009
·Same as above
Academic & Science Experience
MS in Animal Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Florida
May 2012 - present
· I received a competitive Alumni Fellowship to pursue a MS in the Animal Molecular & Cellular Biology Program
· My responsibilities are multifaceted and include research, teaching, giving seminars, attending conferences, taking classes, and writing papers.
· My main project focuses on looking at the gene expression of late gestation pregnancy through microarray analysis
Internship, Endocrinology lab at the Smithsonian’s Conservation Research Center (PPT)
Front Royal, VA
Reproductive Endocrinology
May 2009 – August 2009
Objective: To employ endocrinology as a means to increase our understanding of reproductive processes in an endangered species that can ultimately be used to better breeding programs in captivity and increase our efforts for species conservation
· Involved in Dr. JoGayle Howard’s project in comparing artificial insemination to natural breeding in
female clouded leopards in the effort to optimize a captive reproductive program.
· Involved in project in determining how spayed female domestic cats differ in cyclicity from non-spayed
cats when certain reproductive hormones are introduced orally
· Trained in fecal extraction of hormones and working with radioactive materials
· Went to genetics lab at the National Zoo weekly to learn standard genetic techniques including RNA
extraction, nano drop use, immunihistochemistry, gel electrophoresis and PCR
Undergraduate Research, Biological Sciences, Dr. Ignacio Moore at Virginia Tech
Avian Behavioral and Reproductive Endocrinology
January 2009 – May 2010
Objective: To research behavioral endocrinology, physiology and ecology of tropical birds to determine how stressful conditions affect endocrine control of reproduction
· Determine the effect of testosterone level on immune function and behavior in the house sparrow,
specifically the rate of extra-pair paternity, mate guarding, and parental care
· Observe bird behavior and lab test to determine social vs. genetic monogamy
· Trained in catching, handling and taking basic measurements on live birds
· Co-author of the research study
Undergraduate Research, Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech, Dr. Ron Lewis
Toxicogenomics
September 2007 - December 2008
Objective: Analyze environmental challenges as reflected by the gene expression and enzyme activity levels of poultry hepatic cells
· Weekly involvement in preparing feed, weighing the birds and upkeep of poultry cages
· Trained in collecting blood samples from brachial wing for enzyme analyses
· Terminated the birds and collected liver samples for further genetic analysis
· Obtain data for gene expression through RNA extraction and PCR
· Evaluated and interpreted results from computed data as it related to our experiment
Internship, Virginia Safari Park, Natural Bridge, VA
Exotic Animal Husbandry
March 2007 - August 2007
· Cared for animals of all sizes including giraffes, lemurs, bison, and camels
· Monitored animal behavior and resolved guest misbehavior
· Maintained and enriched park for animal welfare and appearance
· Led interactive school education programs
Internship, J-Bit Ranch, Berryville, VA
Equine Husbandry and Riding
January 2005 – August 2005
· Received riding lessons at the beginner, intermediate, and some advanced levels
· Helped organize and lead special events and trail rides for the public
· Groomed horses, picked feet, and equipped horses before and after riding
· Cleaned tack, stalls and involved in general upkeep of stables and pastures
Non-Academic Experience
Heart Strings Pet Lodging; dog daycare, boarding, grooming, training
November 2009 - June 2010
Belly dance Instructor, McComas Hall at Virginia Tech
May 2007-May 2011
Colonial Farm Nursery and Landscaping, Martinsburg, WV
February 2003-August 2009 intermediate depending on school schedule
Selected Activities, Awards, and Volunteer Experience
· Recipient of the AMCB Alumni fellowship at the University of Florida
· Recipient of $2000 in scholarships for summer and fall 2010 (Alice W. Johnson Scholarship)
· Praxis II Biology Content Top 15% recognition certificate and letter
· Received $1400 internship stipend from the Smithsonian Institution's Woman's Council
· Project Wild certified (2010), CPR, blood-borne pathogen, ECC, AED, laboratory safety, first-aid certified
· Belly Dance volunteer for Christiansburg’s 2010 culture night and carnival
· President of the Belly Dancing Club
· Club tennis member
· Model United Nations member (2006 only)
· Developed, organized, and raised over $600 for Lyme disease awareness at the “Belly Dance Lyme
Disease Benefit at VT’s” and "Belly Dance Raqs" benefit (2009-2010)
· Hurricane Katrina relief volunteer in Past Christian, Mississippi (120 hours)
· Four time Virginia Tech Relay For Life dance performer and volunteer
· Three time Blue Ridge Education Center Benefit dance performer and volunteer
· Animal Welfare and Foster Program volunteer (10 hours, 2006-2010)
· Dog Walk for Cancer volunteer (4 hours, 2007)
· Nursing Home Dog Therapy volunteer (50 hours)
· Miss Clarke County Winchester Apple Blossom Princess 2005
Certifications and Degrees
Currently working on a M.S in Animal Molecular & Cellular Biology
Post-Graduate Professional 6-12 Virginia State Teaching License in Biology (June 2011)
Masters in the Arts, Secondary Science Education (Spring 2011)
Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences (Spring 2010)
Bachelor of Science, Animal and Poultry Sciences (Fall 2009)
Selected Biology course work:
Graduate: Molecular Genetics, Eukaryote Molecular Biology, Genomics & Bioinformatics, Advanced Cell Biology, Statistics I, Statistics II, Animal Nutrition, Animal Reproductive Physiology, Molecular Biology, Endocrinology, Lactation Physiology...
Undergraduate: Conservation Biology, Veterinary and Medical Entomology, Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Zoology, Evolutionary Biology, Sociology of Animal Behavior, Care of Companion Animals, Biological Statistics, Swine Production, Physiology of Reproduction, Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Animal Breeding and Genetics, Animal Feeding and Nutrition...
GPA Graduate: 4.0 in major; 3.88 overall
GPA Undergraduate: last 60 credits 3.6
Teaching Experience
Reproductive Physiology and Endorcinology Lab, University of Florida
January 2013 - currently
· I teach my own lab with 20 students and am in charge of grading, preparation, clean-up, and teaching
· 70% of these sophomores and juniors are hoping to be admitted to vet school
· Reviews
Spring Student Teaching at Salem High School in Salem City, 10th Grade Biology
January 2011 - April 2011
· Cooperating teacher evaluation (PDF)
· VT supervisor evaluation (PDF)
· Student survey results (PDF)
· Supervisor evaluation 1 (PDF) evaluation 2 (PDF), teacher observation (PDF)
· hours total, 124 students, 10 IEP students, 4 ELL students
Fall Internship at Dalton Middle School in Radford City, 7th Grade Life Sciences
September 2010 - December 2010
· Cooperating teacher evaluation (PDF)
· Supervisor evaluation 1 (PDF) and evaluation 2 (PDF)
· 120 hours total, 104 students, 14 IEP students, 3 ELL students
Principles of Biology Lab Instructor, paid GTA Biology Department, Virginia Tech (Fall 2010)
Objective: To instruct 3 biology labs in a way that maximizes constructive, comprehensive, and effective learning for the freshman students
· One out of two candidates chosen from out of department to fill this position
· Student evaluation survey results extremely positive
· Received a number of emails from students complimenting my instruction
· Granted full instructor responsiblities for 3, two hour labs (total of 72 students), which included writing of the syllabus, grading policies, homework assignments, holding office hours, writing study guides and designing midterms and finals
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Genetics, Dr. Seyler at Virginia Tech
Objective: To instruct the discipline of Genetics to students in a way that maximizes constructive, comprehensive, and effective learning
January 2010 – May 2010, 80 students
· Organize and teach review sessions for the exams
· Assist in writing of exams, organizing group discussions and grading
· Teach students individually and help them comprehend material
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Cell & Molecular Biology, Dr. Seyler at VT
Objective: To understand and instruct the discipline of Cell and Molecular Biology to students in a way that maximizes constructive, comprehensive, and effective learning
August 2009 – December 2009
·Same as above
Academic & Science Experience
MS in Animal Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Florida
May 2012 - present
· I received a competitive Alumni Fellowship to pursue a MS in the Animal Molecular & Cellular Biology Program
· My responsibilities are multifaceted and include research, teaching, giving seminars, attending conferences, taking classes, and writing papers.
· My main project focuses on looking at the gene expression of late gestation pregnancy through microarray analysis
Internship, Endocrinology lab at the Smithsonian’s Conservation Research Center (PPT)
Front Royal, VA
Reproductive Endocrinology
May 2009 – August 2009
Objective: To employ endocrinology as a means to increase our understanding of reproductive processes in an endangered species that can ultimately be used to better breeding programs in captivity and increase our efforts for species conservation
· Involved in Dr. JoGayle Howard’s project in comparing artificial insemination to natural breeding in
female clouded leopards in the effort to optimize a captive reproductive program.
· Involved in project in determining how spayed female domestic cats differ in cyclicity from non-spayed
cats when certain reproductive hormones are introduced orally
· Trained in fecal extraction of hormones and working with radioactive materials
· Went to genetics lab at the National Zoo weekly to learn standard genetic techniques including RNA
extraction, nano drop use, immunihistochemistry, gel electrophoresis and PCR
Undergraduate Research, Biological Sciences, Dr. Ignacio Moore at Virginia Tech
Avian Behavioral and Reproductive Endocrinology
January 2009 – May 2010
Objective: To research behavioral endocrinology, physiology and ecology of tropical birds to determine how stressful conditions affect endocrine control of reproduction
· Determine the effect of testosterone level on immune function and behavior in the house sparrow,
specifically the rate of extra-pair paternity, mate guarding, and parental care
· Observe bird behavior and lab test to determine social vs. genetic monogamy
· Trained in catching, handling and taking basic measurements on live birds
· Co-author of the research study
Undergraduate Research, Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech, Dr. Ron Lewis
Toxicogenomics
September 2007 - December 2008
Objective: Analyze environmental challenges as reflected by the gene expression and enzyme activity levels of poultry hepatic cells
· Weekly involvement in preparing feed, weighing the birds and upkeep of poultry cages
· Trained in collecting blood samples from brachial wing for enzyme analyses
· Terminated the birds and collected liver samples for further genetic analysis
· Obtain data for gene expression through RNA extraction and PCR
· Evaluated and interpreted results from computed data as it related to our experiment
Internship, Virginia Safari Park, Natural Bridge, VA
Exotic Animal Husbandry
March 2007 - August 2007
· Cared for animals of all sizes including giraffes, lemurs, bison, and camels
· Monitored animal behavior and resolved guest misbehavior
· Maintained and enriched park for animal welfare and appearance
· Led interactive school education programs
Internship, J-Bit Ranch, Berryville, VA
Equine Husbandry and Riding
January 2005 – August 2005
· Received riding lessons at the beginner, intermediate, and some advanced levels
· Helped organize and lead special events and trail rides for the public
· Groomed horses, picked feet, and equipped horses before and after riding
· Cleaned tack, stalls and involved in general upkeep of stables and pastures
Non-Academic Experience
Heart Strings Pet Lodging; dog daycare, boarding, grooming, training
November 2009 - June 2010
Belly dance Instructor, McComas Hall at Virginia Tech
May 2007-May 2011
Colonial Farm Nursery and Landscaping, Martinsburg, WV
February 2003-August 2009 intermediate depending on school schedule
Selected Activities, Awards, and Volunteer Experience
· Recipient of the AMCB Alumni fellowship at the University of Florida
· Recipient of $2000 in scholarships for summer and fall 2010 (Alice W. Johnson Scholarship)
· Praxis II Biology Content Top 15% recognition certificate and letter
· Received $1400 internship stipend from the Smithsonian Institution's Woman's Council
· Project Wild certified (2010), CPR, blood-borne pathogen, ECC, AED, laboratory safety, first-aid certified
· Belly Dance volunteer for Christiansburg’s 2010 culture night and carnival
· President of the Belly Dancing Club
· Club tennis member
· Model United Nations member (2006 only)
· Developed, organized, and raised over $600 for Lyme disease awareness at the “Belly Dance Lyme
Disease Benefit at VT’s” and "Belly Dance Raqs" benefit (2009-2010)
· Hurricane Katrina relief volunteer in Past Christian, Mississippi (120 hours)
· Four time Virginia Tech Relay For Life dance performer and volunteer
· Three time Blue Ridge Education Center Benefit dance performer and volunteer
· Animal Welfare and Foster Program volunteer (10 hours, 2006-2010)
· Dog Walk for Cancer volunteer (4 hours, 2007)
· Nursing Home Dog Therapy volunteer (50 hours)
· Miss Clarke County Winchester Apple Blossom Princess 2005