Project Manager Plant

Alisha “Michele” Edenfield

*** ******** ***** ******, ** 30606 803-***-**** *******.*********@*****.***

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Research Assistant

• Award winning proposal and grant writer with excellent presentation, teaching, and leadership skills

• Skilled laboratory researcher with eight years practical experience in scientific research at government

and academic levels including training of international visiting scientists

• Familiar with Department of Homeland Security BioWatch and Laboratory Response Network

• Established in poultry research, plant disease diagnostics, microbial screening, serological/molecular and

genetic research, experimental design and troubleshooting, and personnel training/education

• Proficient in MS Office applications, BLAST, sequence analysis software (LaserGene/Sequencher) and

equipment (ABI 3730xl DNA Analyzer), and literature search engines/databases

Research Experience

• •

Select Agent Clearance Avian Influenza Vaccine Development

• •

PCR (RT-PCR & qRT-PCR; ABI 7500) RNA/DNA Extraction/Purification

• •

Genetic Sequencing (ABI 3730xl) Cloning/Transformations (bacterial/fungal)

• •

Culture/Maxiprep/Miniprep Southern blot, Hybridization (DIG)

• •

Fungal and plant research, field applications Experimental design and troubleshooting

• •

BIOLOG/ELISA/Centrifugal Floatation Restriction Digest and Gel Purification

• •

Genome Walker, Primer design Streak plating, bacterial staining & detection

• •

In planta assays (corn, cotton) Microarray construction and analysis

• •

Toxicology assays (GC/MS) Read, comprehend, review primary literature

• •

Poultry Research Virus isolation, inactivation, safety testing

• •

Hemagglutination/Hemagglutination Inhibition Egg and poultry inoculation

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND WORK HISTORY

US DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE, Agriculture Research Service 2011 - Present

Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Disease Research Unit, Athens, GA

Biological Science Laboratory Technician – Dr. Erica Spackman, USDA-ARS 706-***-****

Using Antigenic Cartography of H9 Avian Influenza isolates from around the world to observe its applications

to vaccine development and selection. Participated in analysis of Mexican H7 influenza outbreak of 2012.

1 Alisha Michele Edenfield *******.*********@*****.*** 803-***-****

Prepare and distribute proficiency panels to qualified AI laboratories to accurately test all subtypes of AI.

Organize data and prepare report based on results. Select Agent and Public Trust Clearance.

Sequencing Facility Operator – Dr. Erica Spackman & Dr. David Suarez, USDA-ARS

Responsible for processing sequencing submissions as well as equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

Implemented a preventative maintenance strategy. Trained others on processing and analyzing sequences.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, Department of Plant Pathology, Athens, GA 2009 - 2011

USDA-ARS, Russell Research Center, Athens, GA

Graduate Research Assistant – Dr. Anthony Glenn, USDA-ARS 706-***-****

Identifying and characterizing genes associated with pathogenicity, toxicity, and dispersal of the fungus

Fusarium verticillioides. Modifying protocols, reviewing literature, formulating hypotheses, and organizing

experiments to answer challenging questions about the survival of the fungus.

Teaching Assistant to Dr. James Noe - “Introductory Plant Pathology Laboratory”

Engaged 48 students in an interactive laboratory course aiming to educate them in Plant Pathology while

stimulating their imaginations. Developed PowerPoint presentations to demonstrate the task for the day.

Encouraged students to problem-solve on their own and work together to find a solution. Designed 5 quizzes, 2

tests, and daily laboratory log notebooks.

Plant Disease Diagnostic Center Volunteer

1.5 years identifying pathogenic microorganisms (agricultural crops and ornamentals) – fungi, bacteria, viruses,

nematodes. Process samples of diseased plants and plant products. Interpret and report diagnoses to county

agents, nursery owners, growers, etc.

SPRINGS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, Lancaster, South Carolina 2007 – 2009

Phlebotomist – Deborah Mullis 803-***-****

Entrusted with collecting blood samples from patients (approx. 150/day), promptly sending samples to the

laboratory, and accurately reporting the results to the doctor, nurse, and/or patient. Certified in CPR.

Participated in monthly continuing education in field. Highly trained in bedside etiquette and complex

customer service.

COKER COLLEGE, Department of Science and Mathematics, Hartsville, SC 2005 – 2009

2 Alisha Michele Edenfield *******.*********@*****.*** 803-***-****

Laboratory Research Assistant & Project Manager – Dr. Joseph Flaherty, Department Chair 843-***-****

Conducted a 3-year study investigating the population dynamics of Fusarium fungal species in corn and cotton

fields in collaboration with Monsanto and Coker Pedigree Farm. Utilized techniques such as qPCR to determine

presence of fungal species in soil samples. Educated and trained 6 new students on general laboratory

techniques, GLP, and SOPs.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS, Department of Plant Pathology, Fayetteville, AR Summer 2008

Roy C. Adair Scholar – Summer Intern – Dr. Burt Bluhm, Associate Professor & USDA-ARS 479-***-****

Discovered a blue-light photoreceptor present in the fungus Cercospora kikuchii, thought to play a part in the

biological rhythms of the fungus. Generated a field study using genetically modified corn plants to test

pathogenicity. Transplanted Teosinte, grew/maintained Arabidopsis plants, and mastered protoplasting using

various organisms.

ABITIBI – BOWATER COMPANY, Catawba, South Carolina 2006 – 2007

Training Associate – Summer Worker – Ritchie Montieth 1-800-***-****

Designed and repaired WebPages, updated MSDS sheets, revised and developed training manuals, and prepared

training documents for auditing. Assisted in generating electronic MSDS sheets/files, a program worth >$1

million. Directed and taught 3 internet/intranet training program classes per week within the paper mill (approx.

10 workers/class). Trained new employees on paper production from start to finish.

EDUCATION & HONORS

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, Athens, GA

Master of Science, 2011 Major: Plant Pathology (Fungal Genetics/Mycotoxicology emphasis) GPA: 3.4/4.0

~ Memberships & Positions Served: Society of Aspiring Plant Pathologists (SAPPs) – Social Chair, UGA

Graduate Student Association (GSA) - Department of Plant Pathology Graduate Student Representative,

UGA Fungal Group – Student Member and frequent presenter, American Phytopathological Society (APS),

UGA Department of Plant Pathology Graduate Student Recruitment team – Student Representative

~ Awards & Honors: Sigma Xi Grants In Aid of Research Award – Sigma Xi, Dennis H. Hall & Donald E.

Munnecke APS Student Travel Awards – APS, Graduate Student Research Assistantship Award – UGA

Department of Plant Pathology

COKER COLLEGE, Hartsville, SC

Bachelor of the Arts, 2009 Major: Biology (Molecular/Cell emphasis) GPA: 3.19/4.0

3 Alisha Michele Edenfield *******.*********@*****.*** 803-***-****

~ Memberships & Positions Served: Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, Coker College

Ambassadors, International Student Organization –President, Coker Dance Team – Co-Captain, Coker

College Study Abroad Program, Undergraduate Student and Biology Professor Recruitment team – Student

Representative

~ Awards & Honors: Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, Mary P. Staat Ambassador of

the Year, Excellence in Leadership Awards, South Carolina Independent College Student Representative –

South Carolina State Capitol in Columbia, SC, Susan Coker Watson Study Abroad Scholarship, South

Carolina LIFE Scholarship, Coker College Presidential Scholarship, Roy C. Adair Scholarship – University

of Arkansas

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, South Eastern Poultry Research Laboratory Athens, GA

~ Superior performance evaluation for fiscal year 2011-2012. Monetary bonus received.

VOLUNTEER/SERVICE WORK

ATHENS CANINE RESCUE – Certified Volunteer Foster Parent

Approved to serve as a foster parent for dogs. Responsible for training and housebreaking the dogs, attending

veterinarian visits and updating shots/vaccinations, socializing the dogs and introducing them to multiple

situations to make them more desirable and adoptable. Dogs come from the Athens Clarke County Animal

Control Shelter – most are days (or hours) from euthanasia when I take them home.

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER - Volunteer

Volunteer every Sunday at the dog shelter. I help exercise the dogs by walking them on a leash and playing

with them in the interaction pens. I bathe them when needed and help find them forever homes.

AMERICAN RED CROSS - Athens-Clarke County Disaster Services Team Member

Assist in local disaster response. Assure victims are sheltered, fed, and properly cared for. Serve as a resource

for disaster victims to help them get their lives back to normal.

AMERICAN PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL SOCIETY - Selection Review Panel, 2011 APS Travel Grants

Selected to review 15 applications and proposals for APS Student Travel Grants for the 2011 Annual Meeting.

OCONEE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Judge, Science Fair 2011, 2012, 2013

Invited to judge the school-wide and regional Science Fair for grades 1-5.

4 Alisha Michele Edenfield *******.*********@*****.*** 803-***-****

EXTRA SPECIAL PEOPLE, INC – 2013 Big Hearts Pageant, Classic Center, Athens, GA

Collected money for donations and purchases with Athens First Credit Union.

CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAININGS

USDA ARS - Southeast Poultry Research Lab

Select Agent Clearance – BSL 2, 2E, 3, & 3E; ABSL 2, 2E, 3, & 3E; PAPR certified; IACUC training;

Biosecurity training; BioBubble training; Domestic and International isolate handling; BMBL 5th edition;

Biohazardous Waste Disposal; CITI Biosecurity online training; temporarily assisted the Biosafety Officer

with the organization of confidential Select Agent documentation.

AMERICAN RED CROSS - East Georgia Chapter

Disaster Assessment, Client Casework.

PUBLICATION

Bluhm, B.H., A.M. Burnham, and L.D. Dunkle. 2010. A circadian rhythm regulating hyphal melanization

in Cercospora kikuchii. Mycologia 102(6): 1221-1228.

ACTIVITIES AND PERSONAL STRENGTHS

I am a thrill-seeker enjoying the outdoors - mostly camping and kayaking; also enjoy volleyball, traveling, and

event planning. I am an independent worker, extremely goal-oriented, generate detailed records and documents,

positive personality, strong work ethic, work well with a team to meet a common goal, great time and money

management skills. I managed 3 student organization budgets of >$8000 in college. I have been extensively

involved in program recruiting for prospective students and professors at educational institutions (undergraduate

and graduate), entrusted with confidential personal information. I assisted and negotiated with Applied

Biosystems service personnel to save USDA, Southeastern Poultry Research Laboratory, $2560.00 on service

visit.

5 Alisha Michele Edenfield *******.*********@*****.*** 803-***-****

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