Stephanie Beret Harris

**** – **th Avenue NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55421

651-***-****, acz8jo@r.postjobfree.com

EXPERIENCE

Postdoctoral Scientist, September, 2016-present

Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN

Develop and conduct testable procedures for the synthesis, characterization, degradation and mechanical testing of novel biobased, biodegradable polymers containing lignin

Manage and train laboratory assistants

Present research findings

Graduate Research Assistant, 2010-2016

Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN

Designed and conducted research studies for synthesis including design of methods and techniques for characterization, degradation and gas vapor transmission testing of sustainable bio-based, compostable polymers in an effort to improve hydrophobicity and flexibility of polylactide

Collaborated with other scientists, chemists, engineers, researchers and technicians

Performed chemical techniques and lab procedures (wet chemistry, dilutions, extractions, separations) to break down complex biomass, modify properties of materials and synthesize polymers for varied purposes

Characterized synthesized materials through sample preparation and analysis by HPLC, GC, GC-MS, UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR, RBS, elemental analysis, tensile testing, DSC, TGA, DMA, DMS, DLS, twin-screw injection molding, hydrolytic degradation, WVTR

Utilized TA Analysis, ChemStation, BioChem Draw, TopSpin, ACD/NMR, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Minitab and other analysis software

Managed and train laboratory assistants in research lab

Maintained equipment, responsible for troubleshooting and repairs as needed

Analyzed and interpreted data to present reports to meet deadlines and also to present at local meetings and national conferences

Awarded two-year fellowship

Instructor – Graduate Teaching Assistant, Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering BBE 2201: Renewable Energy and the Environment, 2014-2016

Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN

Developed and improved innovative curriculum

Analyzed and assessed student work

Managed online learning

Directed Research Study, 2005-2006

Department of Pharmacokinetics

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN

Conducted experiments in research lab working toward a cure for a sickle-cell anemia

Extracted and replicated RNA through PCR

Detected fluorescing markers in extracted RNA

Characterized RNA through electrophoresis and UV spectrometry

Chemistry Teacher, 2016-present

Develop innovative curriculum to include differentiated instruction, using constructive inquiry-based learning strategies - with a touch of humor

Design and teach lab-based classes teach lessons

Strive for self-improvement while motivating students toward self-improvement

Chemistry and Forensic Science Teacher, 2013-2016

Developed innovative curriculum areas including differentiated instruction, constructive learning, hands-on learning, and varied strategies

Designed lessons, activities and investigations while instructing lab and lecture-based classes for innovative inquiry-based hands-on learning

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, 2016

University of Minnesota, College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sci, Twin Cities, MN

Dissertation: Synthesis of novel biobased, compostable copolymers of lactide and lignin

Advisor: Ulrike Tschirner, PhD

M.Ed., Chemistry Education, 2006

University of Minnesota, College of Education and Human Development, Twin Cities, MN

Directed study in pharmacokinetics: extraction and replication of RNA related to sickle-cell anemia

Advisor: Cheryl Zimmerman, PhD

Thesis: Envisioning particulate matter in grades 9-12

Advisor: Leslie Flynn, EdD

Bachelor of Arts, History, 2003

University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities, MN

SELECT PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Peer-Reviewed

Harris SB, Tschirner UW, Gillespie A, Seeger MJ. (under review) The characteristic properties of novel organosolv lignin/polylactide/delta-valerolactone terpolymers. Journal of Renewable Materials.

Harris SB, Tschirner UW, Lemke N, Van Lierop JL (2017) Characteristic properties of novel Organosolv lignin/polylactide copolymers. Journal of Wood Chemistry and Technology, 37(3), 211-224.

Harris SB. PhD Dissertation: Synthesis and Physiochemical Characterization of Biobased, Compostable Polymers Containing Lignin. University of Minnesota Press, September, 2016.

Harris SB (2016) Characteristic properties of novel organosolv lignin/polylactide copolymers. Presentation. ACS National Meeting, San Diego, CA.

Harris SB (2015) Synthesis of a Lignin-co-Lactide Polymer and Effects on the Characteristic Moisture Barrier Profile of Polylactide. Poster. International Bioenergy and Bioproducts Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Harris SB (2007) What Do Middle School Students Understand About the Particulate Nature of Matter? Presentation. National Science Teachers Association, National Conference, St. Louis, MO.

Other Publications and Presentations

Harris SB, Tschirner UW, Gillespie, AK, Seeger, MJ. (October 27, 2016) Physiochemical Properties of PLLA-DVL-OSL Terpolymers. Poster, Bioproducts and Renewable Energy Research Poster Session, Saint Paul, MN.

Harris SB (June 16, 2016) “Characteristic properties of plant-based, compostable plastics containing lignin,” Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) meeting, Minneapolis, MN.

Harris SB (April 15, 2016) Functional and Sustainable Polymers. Presentation. “Functional and Sustainable Polymers,” Institute on the Environment Sustainability Symposium, Saint Paul, MN.

Harris SB, Tschirner UW, Lemke N, Van Lierop JL (October 29, 2015) Characteristic properties of biobased organosolv lignin and polylactide copolymers. Poster, TAPPI IBBC Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Tschirner UW, Ai J, Harris SB (October 28, 2010) Poster. “Conversion of Waste Lignin to Liquid Fuels and Other High Value Products, E3 Conference.

HONORS & AWARDS

Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Grant, 2016

Graduate Women in Science (GWIS), Mary Haga Award, 2016

Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Grant, 2015

Fridley Schools Foundation Classroom Grant Award, 2014

Hugo J. and Hellen K. Pawek Fellowship, 2011-2013; two-year fellowship from the College of Food, Agriculture and Nutrition Science at the University of Minnesota

FIRST Robotics Coordinator, Team 2232; Industrial Design Award, 2009 & 2010

Anoka Hennepin School District Service Award, 2009

Bruce F. Vento Science Educator Scholarship, 2005-2006

Sumasil Foundation grant, 2004 and 2005

Office for University Women, Carol McPherson Scholarship, 2003-2004

CERTIFICATIONS

FTIR – Characterization Facility, University of Minnesota

NMR through MNMR – Minnesota Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Center

DSC and twin-screw injection molding – Polymer Characterization Facility certified

Minnesota Teaching licensure Chemistry: 9-12, Earth and Space Science, 9-12

LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE

Student Council Coordinator, Coon Rapids High School, 2016-2017

Graduate Women in Science, Grant writing subcommittee member, 2015-2016

Natural Resources Association of Graduate Students, Officer, 2012-2013

Chemistry Curriculum Writing Committee; Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11, 2008-2010

FIRST Robotics Team 2232 Coordinator, Anoka High School – This very successful team brought home the Industrial Design Award twice during this time period, 2006-2010

Microscopy Camp, Co-instructor, University of Minnesota Department of Chemistry, 2005

Contact this candidate