Research Assistant

Laura C. Smith

**** ****** ******, *******, ** **767 • ************@*****.*** • 508-***-****

Skills Summary

PCR RNAi (C. elegans) Autoclave STATA

Western blotting Protein extraction Centrifuge Public speaking

Southern blotting Basic cell culture PCR primer design Highly organized

Gel Media culture (E. coli) Excel Fast learner

electrophoresis

Mouse necropsy Powerpoint Multitasker

ELISA

Microscope MS Word

Education

M.S., Human Genetics • University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health • Pittsburgh, PA • 12/2013

B.S., Biochemistry • Eastern Nazarene College • Quincy, MA • 05/2012

Certifications

Lab safety certified 2009-2013

Biohazard safety training 2013

Animal handling training (mouse) 2013

Master’s Thesis 12/2013

Analysis of Genetic Mutations Contributing to Congenital Heart Defects in an ENU Induced Mouse Model

• Identified 65 disease-causing genes in the transgenic mouse model

• Constructed a conservation plan for scoring the damaging effects of each recovered mutation across a

set of species

• Identified significant genes and biological pathways that are involved in the formation of heart defects

and ciliopathies

Experience

Graduate Student Researcher

05/2013-12/2013

Children’s Hospital at Pittsburgh • University of Pittsburgh • Lo Lab

• Genotyped transgenic mouse line by PCR

• Analyzed next-generation sequencing data to determine novel genes and their biological pathways

involved in disease

• Maintained mouse embryonic fibroblast cell cultures

• Performed mouse euthanization and fetal mouse necropsy

Research Assistant 02/2013-

05/2013

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh • Rangos Research Center • Ghazi Lab

• Worked with C. elegans to knock out genes essential for aging using RNA interference

• Monitored survival rates in wild type and knock out worms

Research Assistant 10/2012-

01/2013

UPMC Presbyterian Hospital • Department of Neurology • Clemens Lab

• Looked at mouse quadriceps muscles for the expression of the TNF-α receptor in normal, denervated,

and DMD mouse models

• Utilized western blotting, gel electrophoresis and protein extraction techniques

Stockroom Assistant 09/2011-

05/2012

Department of Chemistry • Eastern Nazarene College • Quincy, MA

• Cleaned and maintained chemical storage rooms for Biology and Chemistry departments

• Labeled, organized, and put away chemicals

• Maintained chemical stock through organization and reordering from Sigma Aldrich

• Prepared stock solutions for undergraduate student labs

Laboratory Assistant for Intro to Plants and Animals (‘09-‘10), Genetics (‘11), General Chemistry

(‘10-‘11), and Intro to Nutrition (‘10) Labs

09/2009-05/2011

Departments of Chemistry and Biology • Eastern Nazarene College • Quincy, MA

• Conducted orientation and safety sessions for undergraduate students

• Prepared and maintained laboratories, including controlling inventory of specimens, chemicals,

apparatuses, and supplies

• Graded quizzes, lab reports, homework, and led laboratory lectures

Awards and Honors

Honor Roll 2010-2011

Dean’s List 2008, 2010

Academic Scholarship, Eastern Nazarene College 2008-2012

Leadership and Membership

Beta Phi Mu Biology Club Member 2009-2012

Beta Phi Mu Biology Club, President 2010-2011

Beta Phi Mu Biology Club, Social Life Director 2009

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