Crystal M. Esau
Phone: 613-***-****
Email: *******@*****.***
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this letter to express my interest in applying for a position within your
company. Successfully graduating with a HBSc. from Lakehead University and a MSc. in
Molecular Biology (Developmental Neurobiology) from the University of Ottawa, I am
confident that my experiences and unique skills set will enable me to be a successful
candidate within your organization.
In completing 6 years of university alongside 3 years as a laboratory technician I have
strengthened my critical thinking, problem solving and molecular biology techniques. I
have considerable experience working independently and with a multidisciplinary team
of scientists both academically and professionally. My main responsibility as a research
technician involved collecting and generating high volumes of scientific data within a
short timeframe and with a strong sense of urgency. During my Master’s degree I gained
significant experience working with live animals (mice and zebrafish) as well as various
molecular biology techniques. While completing my degrees I have written countless
progress reports, communicated oral presentations and completed complex theses which
together have strengthened both my verbal and written skills. I also possess a high
proficiency in using Windows Applications such as MS Office, PowerPoint as well as,
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
I would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to review my enclosed
resume.
Sincerely,
Crystal Esau
Crystal M. Esau
124 Potts Pvt
Ottawa, ON K4A 0N7
Phone Number: 613-***-**** Email: *******@*****.***
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
• HBSc. Applied Biomolecular Science and Msc. Molecular Biology (Developmental
Neurobiology).
• Performed comprehensive and intensive review and analysis of scientific data through bi-
weekly reports and presentations during a 3 year employment term as a scientific
research assistant.
• Strong communication and team-building skills were heightened during a 2 year teaching
assistantship position.
• Exceptional ability to research and organize high-volume data to generate written
abstracts, scientific papers, research proposals and thesis documents.
• I have considerable experience working independently and with a multidisciplinary team
of scientists both academically and professionally.
• Experience in Microsoft Office, Excel, Powerpoint, Adobe illustrator, Photoshop,
Gaussian 03’ and Spartan 06’.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills provided me with the ability to
successfully collect, analyze and interpret high volumes of data under tight time
constraints while employed as a research technician.
• Being results-driven and having a strong ability to make on the spot decisions using
available resources was enhanced during graduate school where troubleshooting
protocols were essential for successful data collection.
EDUCATION
Master of Science, Molecular Biology (Developmental Neurobiology), Ottawa Carleton
Institute of Biology (OCIB), Ottawa ON, 2011-2013
• Thesis Research: Functional characterization of Dlx intergenic enhancers in the
developing mouse.
• Characterization of Dlx forebrain enhancer’s that play major roles during early forebrain
development. Through “knock-out” mice, the phenotypic changes that occur in the
developing forebrain was evaluated though qPCR, in-situ hybridaztion,
immunohistochemistry and behavioral testing. I also took part in generating a transgenic
zebrafish line that lacked the I12b Dlx forebrain enhancer.
• Awarded the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Deans Scholarship.
Honours Bachelor of Science, Applied Biomolecular Science, Lakehead University, Thunder
Bay ON, 2006-2010
• Honors Research: Carbon source regulation of transcriptional factors (Xyr 1, Ace I, and Cre I) in
the fungi Hypocrea jecorina.
• The goal of this project was to increase the production of the enzyme cellulase in fungi to
increase the efficiency of cellulose decomposition into fermentable sugars, ultimately
producing biofuels into usable forms of energy.
• Graduated with First Class Standings (4.0 Grade Point Average). Awarded a $6,000 entrance
scholarship.
SPECIAL COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
September 2012 The Experimental Fish Online Training Program
University of Prince Edward Island – Charlottetown (PEI)
November 2012 National Institute for Animal User Care (NIAUT) Training
Program University of Ottawa’s Animal Care Ethics Committee –
Ottawa (ON)
PRESENTATIONS
Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology Symposium, 10th annual meeting, May 2013.
Society for Developmental Biology, 71st annual meeting, July 2012.
EMPLOYMENT
Research Technician I, Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ottawa 2014-Present
• I provide technical molecular biology support for laboratory members while working on
an independent research project. I also maintain and purchase laboratory equipment and
reagents.
Undergraduate Student Mentorship, Tanya Plaoude, Undergraduate Student 2012
• I would design, compile and interpret scientific protocols to an undergraduate student
who generates daily research data in which I draw together and generate cause-and-
effect reports.
Biology Teaching Assistant University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON 2011-2013
• I have been employed as a teaching assistant for a variety of biology courses including Cellular
Biology, Microbiology, Plant Physiology and The Human Animal. I have demonstrated first year
biological techniques to students, led discussion groups to enhance student learning and
evaluated scientific reports.
Biorefinery Research Assistant, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON 2009
• As a biorefinery technician I was responsible for screening, organizing and collecting hundreds
of fungi species for the presence of cellulase that could efficiently decompose cellulose into
usable forms of energy (i.e. biofuels). I would proactively analyze and document relevant
information to consolidate an effective report. Experiments were time sensitive and required me
to work under strict deadlines while preparing written correspondence for my supervisor.
Chemistry Research Assistant, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON 2006-2008
• As a chemistry technician I was concentrating largely on computational quantum chemistry
(CQC). I worked with two compounds Tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and
Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and characterized their monomers and existence of dimers
using Gaussian 03’, Spartan 06’ and Molekel computational programs.
WORK-RELATED EXPERIENCE
Co-Chair, 10th Annual Ottawa Carleton Institute of Biology (OCIB) Conference 2013
• Quickly analyzed logistics to divide operations among group members.
• Conceptualized and arranged for high profile guest speakers from around the world.
• Managed a budget, ensuring all necessities were met and exceeded standards.
• Negotiated with high impact biologists around North America to present their research in
Ottawa.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
CAGIS (Canadian Association for Girls in Science) 2014-
Present
• As a member of CAGIS we introduce young females to the world of science with the
goal of providing positive role models and exposure to numerous science-related career
possibilities available to them.
Let’s Talk Science! University of Ottawa 2012-2013
• Effectively communicated interactive science presentations and activities to youth groups
to generate interest in science and answer questions about what it’s like to be a scientist!
Thunder Bay Big Brothers and Sisters 2008-2009
• Provided youth who are facing adversity with a motivating, strong, one-to-one
relationship that will help them achieve greater confidence, educational success and life
excellence.
REFERENCES
• Available upon request.