Bioanalytical Scientist

I aim to be a leader in STEM who prioritizes translational research to address human health issues caused by the off-target effects of chemicals while advocating for impacted communities. My research is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria enter our food supply and is assessing the risk they present. Specifically, I am determining if fungicide exposure is causing plant-surface bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance and how acquiring resistance genes impacts the overall fitness of these bacteria. I have developed a diverse range of skills due to my experience in both commercial and academic lab settings. During my undergraduate degree I worked in a commercial lab analyzing the physical properties of corn syrup as it moved through an ethanol plant. While working here I assisted in a pilot project at an ethanol plant, developed customer specific test methods, implemented a new oil determination method, trained interns, and completed an undergraduate thesis. At my undergraduate institution I conducted computational research with Dr. Jim Cohen to identify plant-growth promoting bacteria. After graduating I became a Bioanalytical Scientist at Eurofins where I managed and processed patient samples for a client company. In my role, I helped qualify an extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method to measure symmetric dimethylarginine concentration in cat and dog serum and plasma. This method became a service used by vets to determine patient kidney health. Vets would send serum and plasma to the client company’s spoke labs, I would then coordinate delivery, test the samples, and report results. I received a superlative service award for going beyond expectations in supporting our client. The planning, communication, and technical skills I have gained from these experiences have created a strong foundation for my doctoral training. I started my graduate career in the fall of 2021 and joined a collaborative project co-advised by Dr. Paul Koch and Dr. Jeri Barak. I am characterizing the role of fungicides as a driver of antibiotic resistant bacteria and determining the threat posed by these resistant bacteria on the surface of plants. This project will further develop my technical skills and provide an opportunity for me to engage in risk communication with scientists, government officials, and the public.