Assistant High School
Resume:
OLENA (HELEN) SHEVCHUK
PHONE 778-***-**** or 604-***-**** EMAIL abqe67@r.postjobfree.com
**** ******* ****., ******** ** V7C 2M3
EDUCATION
**** - **** ********** ** ******* Columbia: Bachelor of Science, Major in Microbiology and
Immunology
- 2008 NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award recipient
2003 2005 Richmond High (International Baccalaureate Program), Richmond, BC; Diploma
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Scholarship Award recipient
- Grade Twelve Provincial Scholarship Award recipient
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Research Asst/Tech 1 in Dr. Steven Hallam s Lab, UBC
06/2009 current
see Hallam Lab website: http://www.cmde.science.ubc.ca/hallam/peoplehelen.php
Oversee routine field operations focusing on the chemical, physical and genetic properties of coastal and
open ocean marine ecosystems off British Columbia. Concurrently, researching microbial community
diversity in coastal upwellings using biochemical and bioinformatic analysis.
- Chief scientist on board of John Strickland; responsible for collection of all Saanich inlet research data
- Cleaned and prepared reagents and sampling equipment for ocean-going research
- Directly participated in sampling trips to various marine locations in and around British Columbia; mainly
to Saanich Inlet and Sakinaw lake
- Responsible for routine operation of sampling equipment in the field and basic analytic instrumentation in the
laboratory
- Participated in the collection and analysis of water samples for trace gas, nutrient and genetic analysis
- Assisted graduate students with experiments: DNA extractions and quantification, cell counts, chemistry
analysis: sulfide, nitrate and ammonium measurements
- Recorded all experimental details and maintained common database of all sampling data
- Organized and completed assignments without ongoing direction.
- Experience operating flow cytometers, spectrophotometers and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer
- Working knowledge of arb, sequencher, phyml, Xcel, Adobe illustrator, MS Office
- Good practical laboratory skills
- Trained new staff both in the field and in the laboratory
Reference: Steven Hallam, Assistant Professor; University of British Columbia
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Life Sciences Centre
2552-2350 Health Sciences Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z3
T: 604-***-**** F: 604-***-****
abqe67@r.postjobfree.com
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Directed studies student in Dr. Steven Hallam s Lab, UBC
09/2008 04/2009
Directed studies project: Phylogenetic study of the microbial community diversity found in La Perouse, a
coastal Pacific upwelling regime, which contributes to a distinctive chemical signature of the region.
Environmental DNA extraction
o
DNA quantification
o
Experience building 16 SSU rRNA libraries using TOPO Blunt End cloning kit
o
Clone library construction and screening
o
Molecular techniques: PCR, cloning (ligation/transformation), restriction enzyme digestion
Phylogenetic analysis/tree-building
o
o ARB and PhyML software
Integrated statistical and bioinformatical analysis of data sets
o
o Sequencher
o BLAST
o NAST/SILVA
o Bellerophon
o DOTUR and SONS (community analysis, bioinformatics tools)
DNA fingerprinting (RISA) for basal community diversity studies
o
Creation of 16S-ITS clone libraries
o
Undergraduate summer research student in Dr. Steven Hallam s Lab
05/2008 08/2008
I received a 2008 NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award to work under the direction of Dr. Steven Hallam,
an assistant professor in the department of Microbiology & Immunology at the University of British Columbia. His lab
focuses on the comparative community genome analysis of the subarctic Pacific Ocean. Together with a graduate
student, I analysed areas of low dissolved oxygen concentration that play a major role in biogeochemical cycling
within world oceans. Microbial mediated biological activity associated with these systems directly impacts ocean
productivity and global climate balance.
- Molecular approaches used to characterize the microbial communities in the samples collected with the
intention of characterizing taxonomic composition of source samples:
o Creation of the 16 SSU rRNA libraries to provide information on bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic
diversity
o DNA fingerprinting (RISA) for basal community diversity studies
o qPCR for quantitative analysis of targeted microbial groups
o Integrated statistical and bioinformatical analysis of data sets
- Fieldwork experience:
o Participated in Line P oceanographic research cruise in August 2008 (3 weeks)
Line P is a 1400km transect running through the North Pacific from Saanich Inlet, BC to Ocean Station Papa (50 N,
145 W)
o prepared sampling equipment
o collected and filtered water samples aboard CCGS John P. Tully
o participated in collection and analysis of water samples for trace gases, salinity and nutrients
o collected and preserved samples for cell counting
Sampling was conducted via multiple hydrocasts using a Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) rosette water
sampler equipped with 24, 12L polyvinyl chloride sample bottles aboard the CCGS John P. Tully. At the 5 major
stations, large volume (20-40L) samples for DNA isolation were collected at four depths, spanning the oxic/anoxic
zones of the water column, pre-filtered through a 3.0 m Whatman glass fiber GFA filter and onto a 0.22 m Sterivex-
GV-filter using a Masterflex peristaltic pump.
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PUBLICATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
Poster presentation at Ocean Sciences 2010 Portland conference
TITLE: Microbial community and trace gas dynamics in coastal surface waters of the Eastern North Pacific
PRESENTATION TYPE: Poster
SECTION: Biological Oceanography (BO)
AUTHORS (FIRST NAME, LAST NAME): Olena Shevchuk1, Jody Wright1, Kendra Mitchell1, David Walsh1,
Philippe D. Tortell2, Steven J Hallam1
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia
2Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences, University of British Columbia
ABSTRACT BODY: The coastal ocean ecosystem is characterized by significant primary production, although it
covers only a modest surface area of the global ocean. The dynamic nature of coastal waters, where large amounts of
matter and energy are exchanged with the open ocean, atmosphere and terrestrial biosphere, affects nutrient transport
and the flux of important trace gases e.g. methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and dimethyl sulfide (DMS). Here we
explore microbial community structure in surface coastal waters of the Eastern North Pacific (ENP) in order to better
constrain biological controls on climate active trace gas production and consumption. Samples were collected between
June 2007 and August 2009 aboard the CCGS John P. Tully and analyzed using small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU
rRNA) gene clone libraries in combination with ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA) profiling and SSU rRNA-
ITS clone libraries to link RISA peaks to cognate bacterial clades. Species richness was highest in February, while in
June and August, blooms of single bacterial species were observed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that overall
bacterial diversity in coastal surface waters was represented by alpha, beta and gamma Proteobacteria, followed by
Cyanobacteria chloroplasts, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. In particular, microbial community structure was
dominated by the SAR11 clade (10% to 50% of total bacterial community). Reductions in surface DMS concentrations
were correlated with SAR11 abundance in RISA profiles and clone library recovery, consistent with direct assimilation
of DMSP. These observations provide a framework for understanding the biogeochemical processes at work in coastal
waters of the ENP and present opportunities to examine microbial community structure with the underlying goal of
determining the contribution of individual bacterial populations to the chemical signature of the region.
TITLE: Temporal changes in bacterial community structure in the ocean s interior
PRESENTATION TYPE: Poster
SECTION: Biological Oceanography (BO)
AUTHORS (FIRST NAME, LAST NAME): Jody J. Wright1, Kendra R. Mitchell1, Olena Shevchuk1, David A. Walsh1,
Philippe D. Tortell2, Steven J. Hallam1
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia
2Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences, University of British Columbia
ABSTRACT BODY: Oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), also known as oceanic dead zones, are widespread
oceanographic features currently expanding due to global warming and coastal eutrophication. Although inhospitable
to metazoan life, OMZs support a thriving but cryptic microbiota whose combined metabolic activity is intimately
connected to nutrient and trace gas cycling within the global ocean. Therefore, OMZ expansion and intensification
represents a global ecological phenomenon with potentially deleterious feedback and forcing effects. In order to
understand, respond to, or mitigate these transitions, studies monitoring and modeling dynamics and systems
metabolism of OMZ microbiota in relation to physical and chemical oceanographic parameters are imperative. To this
end we are using time-resolved molecular approaches to chart microbial community responses to changing levels of
water column hypoxia in the Eastern Subtropical North Pacific ocean (ESTNP). The ESTNP is one of the world s most
extensive OMZs and provides a robust model ecosystem for long-term observational and process oriented studies.
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Other research-related experience:
Microbiology laboratories in 3rd and 4th year of degree introduced following molecular techniques:
- Cultivation of microorganisms
- Protein and enzyme essays
- Western Blotting
- Plasmid isolation
- Tissue culture
- PCR based techniques
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
FNH 330 Winter session TA (3 month course)
01/2010 04/2010
FNH 330 Summer session TA (3 week course)
06/2009 06/2009
Social, economic and health aspects of wine consumption. Principles of viticulture, oenology, and wine microbiology
and chemistry. Marketing, regulation and classification of wines from selected regions of the world.
Instructor: Dr. David McArthur
-Set up and conducted the sensory training labs
-Helped with preparation of the sensory standards for the introductory labs
-Provided instructions and advice to students
-Led and involved students in discussion
-Helped with clean-up
-Marked the quiz and midterm/final exams
-Administered lab final exam
Reference: David McArthur, M.Sc. Ph.D. P. Ag.
Instructor: UBC Wine Science
Research Associate: Plant Physiology, Mycorrhizae and Horticulture
Fruit Crop Specialist
133 - 2357 Main Mall, UBC, 604-***-****
David McArthur
VOLUNTEERING
12/2008 present Volunteer at Richmond Crisis Line (CHIMO) (over 200hr)
- 60 hours of core training
- offer emotional support and referrals/resources to people in crisis
- management of short-term stress
Reference: Janet Woo
Coordinator, Crisis Line
Phone: 604-***-****
e-mail: abqe67@r.postjobfree.com
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01/06/2010 present Group Leader and Coach at CHIMO
Mentor new volunteers
Group Leaders support and work with trainees in the classroom training sessions to practice the skills they have
learned.
Coaches provide further orientation to the Crisis Line Program and support to trainees when they take their first
Crisis Line calls.
Reference: Janet Woo
01/06/09 - 08/06/09 Volunteer at Richmond Art Center (~50 hours)
- Richmond Arts Center Teachers Assistant Spring 2009: Supported the Art Centre instructors and assisted with classes
- Richmond Arts Centre Special Events & Art Trucks: Supported events in the community
Reference: Carly Swift, volunteer coordinator
abqe67@r.postjobfree.com
01/06/09 present Study buddy with Big Sisters of BC (~50 hours)
The Study Buddy Program nurtures the self-esteem of girls by matching them with caring volunteers who offer them
educational support and academic assistance. This program is for girls, ages 7 to 17, who demonstrate a need for
academic support and are from either a single parent family or a dual parent family who cannot access one-to-one
tutoring due to financial constraints.
- Meet for one hour once a week for tutoring sessions and work to set appropriate educational goals for the
Little Sister Study Buddy.
- Help to improve education performance and meet academic goals, which contributes to the overall self-
esteem.
Reference: Ivy Chiang, study buddy caseworker
abqe67@r.postjobfree.com
June 2009 Dragon boat festival volunteer
- Loading dock volunteer
- Environmental crew
2006 - present Volunteer at the Richmond Hospital: Emergency, Diagnostic Imaging, Ambulatory Care and
Oncology Departments (over 300 hours)
Diagnostic imaging:
- clerical duties
- patient support: phoned patients to remind them of their appointments
- directed/accompanied patients and visitors to their destinations
Emergency:
- patient support
- way-finder
- provided companionship or assistance during mealtimes
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Oncology:
- patient support: lending emotional support to patients during treatments
- set up chemotherapy treatment room
- filed charts
- replenished medical equipment
- filed out lunch menus for patients
- run errands for staff
- general clerical duties
Ambulatory care:
- patient support
- worked with excel program organizing charts
- provided companionship and assistance during mealtimes
Reference: Tanya Fitzpatrick, coordinator of volunteer resources
abqe67@r.postjobfree.com
2003 present Volunteer at the Rosewood Manor (Richmond, BC) (~125 hours)
Assisted wheelchair users
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Outreach resident shopper: helped with grocery shopping in the nearby supermarket; purchased items
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ordered by residents
One - to - one visitor: visited with assigned resident once a week, in order to provide social support (went for
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walks, assisted with letters, kept company during games and other activities, assisted with tasks in their
rooms)
Recreational activities volunteer: reminded and ported residents to the program; assisted residents to play
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games of their choice (shuffleboard, carpet bowling, darts, volleyball, golfing, etc).
Feeding and meals assistant: assisted residents with their meals (cutting meat, opening packages, etc); was
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permitted to feed residents that required extra help
Communicated with residents with Dementia
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Escorted residents to the doctor s appointments in the community: helped with the transportation
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arrangements, wheeled residents to their appointments
Massage and manicure assistant: assisted recreational staff with manicures; set-up and take-down of the
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program area
Reference: Megan Kinghorn, recreation and volunteer manager
abqe67@r.postjobfree.com
604-***-**** (122)
01/2007 - 03/2007 Let's Talk Science Mentorship Program at UBC
- facilitated science education in the inner- city Britannia High School (Vancouver area)
- mentored a group of Grade 8/9 students in their preparation for the school science fair
- was the judge at the Britannia high school science fair
02/05/2006 15/05/2006 Volunteer at the Ternopil Charitable Foundation Caritas, Ukraine
Provided guidance and assistance (social support) to children and youth from poor families
Taught English to the children and teens involved in the project, as a part of the cultural enrichment program
Helped with ongoing activities in the Ukrainian/Greek-catholic church
Helped with the set up of the summer camp
Helped with preparations for the event Children-our future
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2006 Volunteer at the Alcan Dragon-boat Festival 2006 (dock crew assistant)
Assisted teams to load and unload boats safely
Ensured safety rules were followed
General dock crew assistance
2006 Volunteer at Nibbles and Bites Carnival at Thompson Community Center (Richmond, BC)
Cashier at the ticket booth
Assisted at the Children s festival area
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