JAMES-WELCH, S.

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SHAKEERA N. JAMES-WELCH

*** ******** ******, *****, **, 10459

(M) 347-***-**** (E) acwwm5@r.postjobfree.com

EDUCATION

May 2014 - 27 Earned coursework credits, 6 completed research credit hours and 6 thesis credit hours with unsubmitted thesis, Masters of Science, Microbiology; School of Medicine, St. George's University, True Blue, St George's, Grenada; GPA: 3.48 May 2006 - Bachelor of Science, Life Sciences; St. George's University, True Blue, St. George's, Grenada; GPA: 3.30

July 2001 - Associate Degree, Natural Science; T.A Marryshow Community College, Tanteen, St. George’s, Grenada

June 1999 - High School Certificate, General Education; St. Joseph’s Convent, Grenville, St. Andrew’s, Grenada

RESEARCH

May 2014 - Identification of isolate MC-Pa-14 and characterization of potential antifouling and antimicrobial activity (Draft)

This research project sought to satisfy the requirements of a Masters in Microbiology degree. The proposal was submitted and defended; completed lab notebook submitted as well as a draft of the thesis with an incomplete discussion. The research project proposed four objectives. The first was to identify the biochemical and physiological characteristics of a marine bacterial strain, MC-Pa-14, isolated from the tail of the lobster Panulirus argus. This involved the use of biochemical and physiological assays to determine results for Gram Stain, motility, cell shape, temperature requirements, sodium requirements, luminescence, catalase test, oxidase test, nitrogen metabolism, production of 2, 3-butyleneglycol, extracellular enzymes, fermentation of carbohydrates, and utilization of carbon compounds. The second objective was to identify strain MC-Pa-14 further using the16s rDNA sequence analysis and GenBank nucleotide database comparisons. The DNA was extracted using GenElute Bacterial Genomic DNA Kit; Nanodrop 2000c UV-Vis Spectrophotometer was used to determine concentration and purity as well as to prepare the DNA sample in accordance with MWG standards for Simpleseq DNA sequencing. Extracted DNA underwent Polymer Chain Reaction to amplify the 16s rDNA gene and amplicons were sent to Eurofins MWG operons in the United States and sequences analysed using Chromas Lite software (Technelysium, Australia), GENTLE software and the nucleotide database NCBI Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) BLASTn search command. Bootstrap Neighbour Joining phylogenetic trees were drawn using MEGA6 to determine the placement of the isolate MC-Pa-14 as a member of the phylum Proteobacteria and to indicate to its class placement. The third objective was to characterize any antimicrobial activities produced by strain MC-Pa-14. This involved using well diffusion assays to identify production of antimicrobial active compounds from the Cell Free Supernatant of MC-Pa-14 at different growth stages and conditions. The antimicrobial activity of the Cell Free Supernatant was then partially characterized using a modified Kirby Bauer method to identify differences between culture methods (with agitation, without agitation). Temperature sensitivity, pH sensitivity and effects of JAMES-WELCH, S.

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various enzyme treatments and comparison of activity to Ampicillin10 were tested using the well diffusion assay. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of MC-Pa-14 to known antibiotics was performed to determine the organism’s potential as a pathogen or carrier of antibiotic resistant genes for humans.

The fourth objective to characterize antifouling activities associated with strain MC-Pa-14 was not completed.

May 2011 - A Simple Screening Protocol for the Identification of Quorum Signal Antagonists A combination of literature review and lab-based experiments were utilized for this research project presented as a graduate seminar. It involved an introduction to quorum sensing, a review of a simple Bioassay protocol to determine quorum sensing bacteria and the practical application of this bioassay with modifications. The results indicated that Serratia marcescens could be used as an indicator instead of Chromobacterium violacium in the bioassay and showed that the assay was able to indicate a difference between quorum sensing activity and antibiotic/antimicrobial activity. The need for further investigation was made evident. Mar 2011 - Biochemical and Molecular Identification of nine unknown potential Vibrio species Research

This was a collaborative project in the Microbiology department. Participants were Kotelnikova, S., Naraine, R., James, S. and D. Lennon in order as published on the Phi-Xeta Research Day poster. My specific responsibilities were determining and confirming phenotypes of 9 authentic (SGU culture collection) and 3 control strains (ATCC, DSZM) using API 20E and API 20NE (BioMerieux, 2010) as well as tests for beta-galactosidase (ONPG), arginine dihydrolase (ADH), lysine decarboxylase (LDC), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), citrate utilization (CIT), H2S production (H2S), urease (URE), tryptophane deaminose (TDA), indole production (IND), Voges-Proskauer (VP), gelatinase (GEL), glucose (GLU), mannitol (MAN), inositol (INO), sorbitol (SOR), rhamnose (RHA), saccharose (SAC), melibiose (MEL), amygdalin (AMY), arabinose (ARA), and cytochrome oxidase. In addition, the temperature, salinity and PH optima and luminescence were studied to ensure the autheticity of the strains. I also performed the DNA extraction of the aforementioned organisms using (Gene Elute Bacterial Genomic DNA kit (Sigma-Aldrich) and quantified DNA concentration in samples using Nanodrop 2000C prior to amplification utilizing MultiLocus Sequence Analysis or MLSA. I also assisted with analysis of results and editing of final report and poster. Nov 2010 - Physiology of Corynebacterium glutamicum A literature review describing the cell structure and function, growth and metabolism of Corynebacterium glutamicum. The review identifies the characteristics of the organism that makes it a great for industrial production of amino acids but also shows characteristics which would allow C. glutamicum to be a model organism for studying the medically relevant Corynebacteracae and mycobacterium.

Oct 2010 - The evasion of immunity by Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Coccidiodes immitis and possible immunological therapies for treatment A literature review addressing the strategies for evasion of immunity of the three mentioned fungal pathogens and therapies for treatment from an immunological perspective. JAMES-WELCH, S.

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Mar 2010 - The Basics of Myxobacteria: A Discussion of Motility and Morphogenesis in Myxococcus xanthus

A review of literature presented as a graduate seminar. The presentation focused on the ability of the saprophytic Myxobacteria by looking at Myxococcus xanthus and its unique ability to utilize two types of motility mechanisms; two types of signaling and two morphogenic formations. July 2006 - The sensitivity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae against various antibiotics and medicinal plant extracts

This project involved literature review, anthropological methods, environmental and laboratory components. The project aimed to determine and document the activity of four locally used medicinal plants on Neiserria gonorrhoeae and also to determine and document the activity of five antibiotics against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Methodology involved preparation of crude extracts of these plants using methodology used by the locals for preparation and modified Kirby Bauer method for testing.

July 2005 - Apres Tout Water Project

This Research project utilized qualitative research methodology – involving assisted questionnaires, interviews, group chats, and recorded data. Quantitative methods included environmental tests done on fieldtrips as well as laboratory based tests. The project sought to collect water samples and carry out tests to determine the levels of contamination of the drinking water before, during and after the new facilities were installed in the rural village of Apres Tout. Data was collected from the Health Centres, Ministry and villagers to determine the incidence of water-borne and water associated infections/diseases in the village and the villagers were involved in the water improvement process and educated through pamphlets and house-to-house meetings on the need and importance of clean, drinking water. SKILLS

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Annotation of genes using software tools utilized by Joint Genome Institute Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify genes for molecular identification of microorganisms

Use of Agarose gel electrophoresis to separate amino acids, PCR products, DNA extracts, and Restriction endonuclease fragments

Aseptic transfer and inoculation of microbes

Gram staining and microscope preparation and identification Environmental isolation, selective and differential culturing of microbes Kirby-Bauer method

Preparation of serial dilutions and Miles and Misra method Bacterial identification using biochemical tests

Use of absorption spectrometry to determine growth rate Use of spectrometry to determine concentrations of components in mixtures Separation of amino acids using thin layer chromatography Use of Dinitrosalicylic acid and indophenol colorimetric methods in enzymatic assays JAMES-WELCH, S.

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TEACHING EXPERIENCE

2016 – 2016 Volunteer Embedded Tutor (BIO 102, BIO 101) College Now, City Tutors, City College New York, Manhattan, New York, U.S Run study groups before exams

Design (with feedback from students) and evaluate non-graded assignments, and follow up with/monitor students who struggled on assignments Facilitate small in-class groups when the lesson allows Participate during the class to model for students how to think in the discipline Provide data for students to revise upcoming lessons Answer questions during break time, and after class Conduct short term tutoring, and then monitor those students' performance in class 2015 – 2016 Volunteer Embedded Tutor (College Now Human Biology) College Now, City Tutors, City College New York, Manhattan, New York, U.S Run study groups before exams

Design (with feedback from students) and evaluate non-graded assignments, and follow up with/monitor students who struggled on assignments Facilitate small in-class groups when the lesson allows Participate during the class to model for students how to think in the discipline Provide data for students to revise upcoming lessons Answer questions during break time, and after class Conduct short term tutoring, and then monitor those students' performance in class 2010 – 2010 Teaching Assistant (Genetics and Microbiology) St. George’s University, True Blue, St. George’s, Grenada Prepare tutorials and worksheets for students

Assist students with problems and exam preparation for Genetics and Microbiology courses 2007 – 2009 Graduate Teacher (Biology and Chemistry) Westmorland Secondary School, St. George’s, Grenada Manage and teach unisex classes with an average 18 students from forms 2 to 5 (grade 8 to 12) Assistant Class manager of Form 2 (grade 8)

Prepare students for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations Prepare, administer, and mark examinations as consistent with teaching syllabus developed by CSEC

Participate in all school activities and manage the science laboratory 2005 – 2005 Tutor (Department of Educational Services) St. George’s University, True Blue, St. George’s, Grenada Prepare tutorials and worksheets for students; assist students with problems and exam preparation for Public Speaking course

2001 – 2003 Certified II Teacher (Ministry of Education) Mc Donald College, Marli, St. Patrick’s, Grenada

Manage and teach unisex classes with an average 35 students from forms 3 to 5 JAMES-WELCH, S.

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Class manager of a Form 4 class

Prepare students for C.X.C examinations

Prepare, administer, and mark in-house examinations; participate in all school activities PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

2013 – 2014 Quality Assurance/Product Development Officer Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association, Kirani James Blvd, St. George’s, Grenada Development of HACCP/ISO system, setup procedures and practices for exportation of organic nutmegs for GCNA

Documenting processes and procedures related to specification and standards for all existing products, monitoring procedures and marketing standards Management of the renovation of small quality control laboratory facility Develop new products and processes and ensure legal requirements for labeling of products and health and sanitation standards

Coordinate activities of HACCP team, and other personnel involved with Quality Assurance and control

2005 – 2006 Laboratory Technician (Microbiology Environmental Testing Unit) St. George’s University, True Blue, St. George’s, Grenada Collection of water samples from True Blue Campus, Grand Anse Campus, and The University Club Drinking and Recreational water sources.

Quality control water testing utilizing Most Probable Number and Membrane Filter Technique; chemical content testing, and Organism confirmation and storage 2004 – 2005 Teaching Assistant (Library Assistant) St. George’s University, True Blue, St. George’s, Grenada Front-desk receptionist, conducting book loans and returns of circulating and reserved texts study and video room booking; book shelving utilizing Library of Congress and Medical Library Association classifications; photocopying; faxing; general computer and printer troubleshooting 2004 – 2005 Teaching Assistant (Biochemistry Laboratory) St. George’s University, True Blue, St. George’s, Grenada Assist teacher and technician with preparation and conducting of Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 2 laboratory exercises

PUBLICATIONS

2010 Windward Island Research foundation 2010 Annual Report, Molecular identification of marine Vibrio isolated in Grenada, pg 17 -19; Co-Author 2005 Windward Island Research Foundation 2005 Annual Report, Summer 2005: Apres Tout Water Project, pg 20 -22; Co-Author PRESENTATIONS

Jan 2012 - Identification of isolate MC-Pa-14 and characterization of potential antifouling and antimicrobial activity - Proposal defence

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Sept 2011 - Multilocus Sequence Analysis of Marine Vibrio isolated in Grenada – Poster presentation

May 2011 - A Simple Screening Protocol for the Identification of Quorum Signal Antagonists – Graduate seminar

Sept 2010 - Industrial Production of Amino Acids by Corynebacterium glutamicum – Graduate seminar

Mar 2010 - The Basics of Myxobacteria: A Discussion of Motility and Morphogenesis in Myxococcus Xanthus – Graduate seminar

Mar 2006 – Mangroves

Feb 2006 - Apres Tout Water Project – Research day Nov. 2005 - Human Chromosome Y

May 2005 - Acne

April 2004 - What do we really know about mad cow and other related diseases? REFERENCES

Mr. Garri Rivkin

Program Director of Academic Support,

Colin Powell School

160 convent ave, NY 10031

Email: acwwm5@r.postjobfree.com

Phone: 646-***-****

Mr. Marlon Clyne

General Manager,

Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association,

Kirani James Blvd, St. George,

St. George, Grenada, West Indies

E-mail: acwwm5@r.postjobfree.com

Phone: 1-473-***-****

Dr. Felicia A. Ikolo, Ph.D., FIBMS, U.K.

Assistant Professor,

Department of Biochemistry,

School of Medicine, St. George's University,

True Blue, St. George's, Grenada, West Indies.

E-mail: acwwm5@r.postjobfree.com

Tel #: 1-473-***-**** ext. 3425 ; Mobile: 1-473-***-**** Dr. Leroy Joseph

Post-Doctoral Research Scientist

Columbia University Medical Center,

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine,

650W 168th St, Manhattan, NY 10032

Email: acwwm5@r.postjobfree.com

Phone: 212-***-****; Mobile: 718-***-****

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