Biobehavioral Scientist in Neurodegeneration Research

Alexandra Volkova

** *********** ******, ** *****

*****************@*****.*** • 914-***-****

DOB: July 20th, 2004

EDUCATION

Northeastern University Boston, MA

Candidate for Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience April 2026 Minor: Biochemistry GPA: 3.8/4.0

Relevant Courses: (*Taken with laboratory)

-Biochemistry*- Neurobiology

-Organic Chemistry 1 and 2* - Biology Project Laboratory

-Cell and Molecular Biology - Behavioral Genetics

SKILLS

Laboratory: Mammalian Cell Culture, Lentiviral Transfection, T-Cell Isolation, Western Blot, Wes, Jess, ELISA, MSD, CETSA, Immunofluorescence, Cell Imaging, Flow Cytometry, DNA Extraction, qPCR, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, Distillation, Organic Synthesis

Computer and Imaging: SPSS, Python, R Linux, BLAST, AutoCad, PRISM, Protein Simple, Opera, Language: Russian (Native)

Certification: MRI Safety Certified, CITI Social and Behavioral Research, MoCA (Cognitive Assessment), SciSchield Regulated Medical Waste, SciShield BioSafety Pt 1, SciShield BioSafety Pt 2: Classroom Training, SciShield Orientation for Labs. WORK EXPERIENCE

AbbVie Cambridge, MA

Tau Pathobiology Co-op July ‘25 – Present

● Carries out plasmid transfections in HEK293 cells to validate gene expression and optimize plasmid constructs.

● Performs ADSP seed dose–response experiments in hTau cellular models to study tau pathology progression.

● Conducts biochemical assays to analyze and quantify protein expression levels of synaptic and pathological markers in tissue.

● Evaluates binding affinity (via ELISAs) of therapeutic antibodies to brain-derived targets supporting gene therapy developments. RESEARCH EXPERIENCES

The Sinclair Laboratory Harvard Medical School, MA Research Assistant July ‘24 – Present

● Maintains several cancer cell lines, ensuring optimal health and confluency through routine splitting, plating, and media changes.

● Executes lentiviral transduction on diverse cancer cell lines for effective introduction of OSK transgenes.

● Proficiently performs Western blots to accurately validate protein presence and analyze protein abundance in various cell lines.

● Conducts complex staining protocols for nuclei, actin and various antibodies followed by detailed cell imaging and analysis. The Brain ImPACT Lab Northeastern Boston, MA

Undergraduate Research Assistant July ‘23 – May ‘24

● Modeled balance and aerobic exercises for study participants for the laboratory’s Traumatic Brain Injury study.

● Monitored research study progress and documented participants’ exertion and heart rate throughout sessions.

● Utilized RedCap and Excel spreadsheets to record and retrieve vital information for interventions.

● Administered MoCA tests that target executive function and working memory during base-line/end point sessions. LEADERSHIP & ACTIVITIES:

Women’s Research Engagement Network Boston, MA

Scholar and Mentor September ‘24 – Present

● Assists mentees in navigating obstacles in their research and helps them refine presentation skills for research showcases.

● Fosters a supportive environment through routine one-on-one meetings, helping mentees develop long-term academic goals.

● Delivers research presentations at the WREN’s bi-annual summit, dedicated to celebrating women in research at Northeastern.

● Networks with scholars and faculty, strengthening the internal community and advancing the visibility of women in academia. Northeastern Science Magazine Boston, MA

Treasurer and Writer January ‘24 – Present

● Writes feature articles on emerging discoveries in genetics, emphasizing accessibility and scientific accuracy for all audiences.

● Integrates current global issues—i.e, effects of microplastics and politics’ effects on science—into research-focused pieces.

● Collaborates with editors to maintain high editorial standards and promote science communication within the NuSci community.

● Conducts in-depth interviews with researchers and experts to enrich articles with original insights and firsthand perspectives. Noreste Ballet Company Boston, MA

Dancer and Choreographer September ‘23 – Present

● Choreographed The Nutcracker for two consecutive seasons, designing original movement sequences and directing rehearsals.

● Performed in three full-length productions — The Nutcracker (2023), Swan Lake (2024), and Alice in Wonderland (2025).

● Fosters collaboration and artistic growth within the company through mentorship and feedback during rehearsal processes.

● Develops innovative choreography and stage concepts that enhance storytelling and audience engagement in each performance. Science Club for Girls Mother Caroline Academy Roxbury, MA Mentor January 2023 – May 2023

● Led hands-on, interactive science and engineering based projects with young girls in underprivileged communities.

● Provided encouraging feedback and insight on projects, fostering an encouraging and engaging creative environment.

● Discussed women's achievements in STEM to expose students and aid in exploring options to begin their academic journeys.

● Aided in presenting students’ cumulated projects to family and school’s faculty at an end of the semester showcase. POSTER PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS

Presenter: @ Women’s Research Engagement Network Annual Summit December ‘24 Poster: Disruption of Cancer Cell Homeostasis through Epigenetic Reprogramming Presenter: @ Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Symposium at Yale University October ‘24 Poster: Disruption of Cancer Cell Homeostasis through Epigenetic Reprogramming Publication: Siwapornchai, N., Volkova, A., & Sinclair, D.A. Epigenetic drugs at the intersection of aging and cancer, in preparation Publication: Sebastian, R.M.; Kupp, R.; Nanavati D.; Parfentev I.; Krzystek T.J.; Romanul N.; Yanamandra K.; Preiss C.N.; Manos J.D.; Wu H.-Y.; Volkova A.; Crescenti S.; Titterton K.; Welker A.M.; Townsend M.; Karran E.; Langlois X.; Wu, J.W. “SynCAR platform for capturing neuronal synaptic proteopathic seeds” iScience, in revision AWARDS & HONORS

Behavioral Neuroscience Travel Award October ‘24

Dean's List recipient, all enrolled semesters Spring ‘23- Present

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