Dominic John Balcon

acdiaj@r.postjobfree.com ■ 908-***-**** ■ Hackettstown NJ 07840

Summary

As a passionate and dedicated graduate student at New York University with extensive

background and knowledge in a molecular lab and leadership capabilities, I seek to gain

valuable experience and contribute to the prevention, treatment and cures of global epidemics.

Education

New York University New York, NY

M.S. Molecular/Cellular Biology Expected May 2014

GPA: 3.69 on a 4.0 scale

Appalachian State University Boone, NC

B.S. Molecular/Cellular Biology December 2011

Minor in Chemistry

GPA: 3.34 on 4.0 scale

County College of Morris Randolph NJ

A.S. Biology May 2009

Research Experience

New York University ERCAN LAB Research New York, NY

Research Associate June 2013 – Present

Perform standard techniques in the maintenance of lab worms (C. Elegans):

o Synchronize worm growth using standard bleaching methods.

o Transferring worms by “picking” or “chunking” to fresh NGM plates with food.

o Knowledge in how to maintain temperature sensitive worm strains.

Perform various molecular protocols in an effort to determine project goal:

o The role of Cohesin in Dosage Compensation in C. Elegans.

o Determine if proteins have any effect on Dosage Compensation using male

rescue techniques.

o Perform a series of westerns using cross-linked extracts to perform interaction

tests in an effort to determine potential relationship between cohesin and

condensin dosage compensation.

Protocols include RNA-Seq analysis and ChIP-seq analysis

o Preparatory protocols for next generation sequencing:

Multiple RNAi replicates of Cohesin knockdown required.

RNAi collections include RNA, Westerns, ChIP and DAPI.

RNA-seq and ChIP-seq libraries performed to be sent out for sequencing

o Using RNA-seq to study differential gene expression off the X-chromosome,

with the depletion of Cohesin subunits.

o Using ChIP-seq to study any effects the depletion of cohesin may have on the

binding of Dosage Compensation subunits on the X.

Appalachian State University ROSE LAB Research Boone, NC

Research Associate February 2011 – December 2011

Performed molecular, microbiological and biochemical experiments in an effort to

obtain functionality of an unknown protein in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Determined the protein interactions of unknown “Filament-like protein -2” in

Arabidopsis thaliana via yeast-2-hybrid assay for B.S. thesis.

Assisted graduate students in localization of unknown protein within Arabidopsis

thaliana. Results indicated with the use of transmission electron microscopy.

Skills & Techniques

Trained in various basic and advanced Molecular, Cell and Microbiological protocols

involved in isolation (protein, DNA, RNA), data analysis, worm maintenance (for the use

of in vivo and in vitro experiments), and a variety of protein based protocols. Examples

include:

PCR, Western Blots, immunoprecipitation (IP), Chromatin Immunoprecipitation

(ChIP), qChIP-PCR, gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, transformation, cloning,

restriction digest, Yeast-2-hybrid, RNA-seq libraries, ChIP-seq libraries, DNA

and RNA extract prep, RNA and DNA preps using kits, etc.

Working knowledge and experience in basic/general lab duties and practices:

Preparation of reagents, cleaning and sterilization of lab equipment, plant and

worm maintenance, organization skills, strong documentation skills, etc.

Proficient with the use of online NCBI database, along with analysis programs (e.g.

BLAST) for biological purposes. Also proficient in Microsoft office programs (word,

PowerPoint, excel)

Introduced to a variety of biological instruments used for acquiring data and data analysis

Introduced to bio-informatics python programming.

Efficient and knowledgeable in data analysis of provided results in above protocols.

Conference Presentations, Posters & Talks

Balcon, D.J., Richardson, C., and Rose, A. (2011). Expression and localization divergence in

the evolution of the Filament-like-protein 4 (FLIP4) family in Arabidopsis thaliana. Poster

presentation delivered at International Conference on Arabidopsis Research, Madison, WI.

Balcon, D.J. (2011). Mapping of Functional Activation and Protein Interaction Domains of

Filament-Like Protein 4-2 (FLIP4-2) using Yeast-2-Hybrid Assay. Presentation at

Appalachian State University Capstone Research Presentation, Boone, NC.

Balcon, D.J. and Richardson, C. (2011). Generation of an anti-serum for immune-detection

of Arabidopsis thaliana FLIP4-2. Presentation at Undergraduate Minisymposium, Biology

Seminar Series, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.

Awards and Achievements:

Masters Research Grant NYU Fall 2013

Office of Student Research Grant ASU Fall 2011

National SMART Grant 2011

OLM Church Scholarship 2007 - 2011

County College of Morris Grant 2011

Teaching Experience

New York University Biology Department New York, NY

BioCore II/IV Teaching Assistant January 2014 – Present

In charge of online NYU classes in putting up lectures, collaborating with guest speakers

in putting together exams, administering exams, proctoring exams, and answering

questions for students in respective classes.

New York University Biology Department New York, NY

Proctor/Teaching Assistant September 2013 – December 2013

Assisted professors with administering and proctoring tests to undergraduate Biology

classes.

New York University American Reads New York, NY

Tutor October 2012 – June 2013

Assisted teachers with teaching, grading and supervision in lower privileged schools in

the greater New York City area.

Washington Township Schools Long Valley, NJ

Certified Substitute Teacher March 2012 – September 2012

Taught sciences and mathematics for grades 5 – 8 and special needs classes

Appalachian State University Tutoring Service Boone, NC

Certified Biology Tutor June 2011 – December 2011

Tutored undergraduate majors and non-majors in basic Biology I and II classes.

Other Work Experience

MARS Staff Management Hackettstown, NJ

Packaging & Print Ship Associate June 2009 – August 2010

Staples Office Superstore Mansfield, NJ

Business Machine Sales Associate June 2006 – April 2009

References

Sevinc Ercan

Department of Biology

New York University

New York, NY 10003

Phone: 212-***-****

Email: acdiaj@r.postjobfree.com

Annkatrin Rose

Department of Biology

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC 28607

Phone: 828-***-****

Email: acdiaj@r.postjobfree.com

Nikolai Kirov

Department of Biology

New York University

New York, NY 10003

Phone: 212-***-****

Email: acdiaj@r.postjobfree.com

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