Plant Project

ADREINNE D. SMITH

***** ********* **** ********, ** 27505 910-***-**** *************@*****.***

EDUCATION

North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, NC

Ph.D. degree in Plant Pathology, May 2014

Dissertation Title: Analysis of Root-Knot Nematode Parasitism Genes

Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC

Masters of Science in Biology, December 2006

Thesis Title: Investigating the Role of Arylsulfatase in Magnaporthe grisea’s Appressorium Development

by Targeted Gene Disruption

Bachelors of Science in Zoology, December 2003

Relevant coursework: Principles of Zoology, Topics in Zoology (independent study), Organic Chemistry,

Quantitative Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Genetics, Introduction to Microbiology, and

Medical Microbiology.

SKILLS

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), DNA

sequencing and analysis, Ribonucleic Acid Interference (RNAi), DNA extraction, RNA extraction, fungal

transformation, molecular cloning and plant transformation, agarose gel electrophoresis, oral and

written interpersonal and scientific communication.

EXPERIENCE

DOCTORAL RESEARCH AUGUST 2006 -2013

Advisor: Dr. Eric Davis: William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor, Plant Pathology, North Carolina

State University

Focus of this research was to investigate the role of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne

incognita, parasitism genes using the model system, Arabidopsis thaliana;

Objective was to observe and analyze host response(s) to specific root-knot nematode

parasitism genes. Overexpression analysis and ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) was used to

enhance understanding of the role these genes play in parasitism and host-pathogen

interactions;

Overall goal was to use the tools mentioned above as a novel means of disease management

against root knot nematode.

Graduate Mentor for undergraduate research, Dept. of Plant Pathology, 2008 – 2010

Mentor to an undergraduate student for 24 months on the principles of plant pathology, biology

of root-knot nematodes, scientific methodologies and techniques;

Train mentee on thesis project course work;

Conducted weekly meetings to review literature and information related to scientific research

and project management;

Completed recommendation for mentee to receive course work credit to fulfill senior project

fulfillment.

Teaching Assistant, Plant Disease, Diagnosis and Methods, Spring 2008

Provide demonstrative lesson of lab techniques such as PCR, RNAi, Koch's Postulates-to help

identify diseases, ELISA, nematode identification, DNA extraction, DNA fingerprinting;

Co-taught 20 students the basic principles and methods used to diagnose and manage plant

diseases caused by the four major plant pathogens; bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and viruses;

Set up necessary laboratory tools for each class and aided students in molecular and extension

methodologies commonly used in the field of plant pathology.

Teaching Assistant, Phytonematology, Fall 2008

Lead 6 graduate students in open discussions on current topics in the field of nematology.

Taught students the basic morphology, growth, reproduction, and basic host cell modifications

induced by plant parasitic nematodes.

Masters Research August 2003 – December 2006

Advisor: Sherrice Allen, Biology, Fayetteville State University

Research focus was to characterize the Ceramide biosynthetic pathway in infection structure

formation in the plant pathogenic fungus, Magnaporthe grisea, the causative agent of rice blast

disease.

Objective of this research utilized targeted gene disruption constructs and fungal transformation

techniques to create knock-out mutants.

Mutants were analyzed for their ability to form infection structures or appressoria on barely

plants and hydrophobic surfaces.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Poster Presentations 2006-2012

Poster Presentation at the American Phytopathological Society Providence Rhode Island

(2012).

Poster Presentation at the American Phytopathological Society Centennial Meeting

Minneapolis Minnesota (2008);

How to Create an Effective Poster Presentation, NCSU (2006);

AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Secreted Proteins in Tylenchida Meeting (SPIT) University of Georgia (2008, 2010 and 2012);

Diversity Enhancement Grant, a graduate assistance grant to promote diversity at the graduate

level at NCSU (2009-2010).

Vice President of Plant Pathology Graduate Student Association, NCSU (2009);

The A.C & Hedwig H. Triantaphyllou Endowment, for graduate research furthering

knowledge of plant parasitic nematodes and their interactions with their host plant (2006).

BIOSCIENCE RESEARCH INITIATIVE FOR DOCTORAL EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP (2004-2005);

Functional Genomics Workshop Fayetteville State University (2007);

VOLUNTEER WORK

Smith, A. D. BugFest: The bug bus - plant pathogens hitch a ride. North Carolina Museum of Natural

Sciences, September 2009, Raleigh, NC

Biotechnology Day: Biotechnology in Our Daily Life! North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, June

2012, Raleigh NC

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