Work History   Skills    Publications   

Education  

Bachelor of Science, Microbiology
Colorado State University, May 1998
Associate of Arts
Spokane Falls Commnity College, June 1994

 

Prior to my joining the ZRU, I worked under Rebecca Blanchard at Fox Chase Cancer Center studying the pharmacogenetics of sulfotransferase (SULT) enzymes in relation to cancer risk, incidence, progression, and drug response. We also examined the SULT4A1 enzyme, which was recently identified as a possible candidate gene in the neurological disorder schizophrenia in humans. Before that I worked at the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research at the University of Pennsylvania. There, we studied most of the neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinsons as well as some of the lesser known diseases like Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). My involvement in the center was in sequencing of the mapTAU gene, which has been strongly implicated in familial FTD, as well as utilizing QPCR in an attempt to understand the biology of the mapTAU protein and its isozymes in relation to neurodegeneration.  

My research interests include anything science. There are very few things in the scientific community that do not pique my interest and excite me. But, while science is a major part of my life, my two beautiful boys and the two children that will be making their appearance sometime in late May/early June (I am pregnant with twins) are my world.

Work History and Projects

Associate in Research
Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology
Washington State University Nov 2004 - Present

Gene expression evaluation of thirteen Listeria monocytogenes strains post acid and bile stresses utilizing microarray technology with the aim of identifying transcriptional signatures that differ between environmental and epidemic strains.

Scientific Technician II
Department of Pharmacology
Fox Chase Cancer Center Oct 2003 - Sept 2004

Analysis and description of a novel sulfotransferase, SULT4A1, through the employment of tissue culture, protein expression with subsequent enzymological analysis, and generation of a conditional KO mouse. Pharmacogenetic analysis and subsequent genotype-phenotype correlation of a liver sulfotransferase, SULT1A1.

Research Specialist A
Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Oct 2000 - Sept 2003

Utilization of sequencing, quantitative fluorescent RT-PCR, and other molecular techniques in the elucidation of neurodegenerative tauopathies. Exploring the use of archived tissue in RNA microarray and gene expression studies.

Research Associate
Department of Pediatrics/Infectious Diseases
University of Michigan / MCP Hahneman University May 1999 - Sept 2000

The description and study of clinical and environmental Burkholderia cepacia isolates utilizing a polyphasic analysis.

Research Fellow
Department of Neurology/Pediatrics
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center June 1998 - April 1999

The study of chloride homeostasis in neurons in relation to seizure disorders in children.

Research Technician
Department of Microbiology
Colorado State University Jan 1998 - June 1999

The effect of progesterone on Herpes Simplex Virus latency

Technical Expertise / Skills

Molecular Biology

• Pulsed field gel electrophoresis
• RAPD fingerprinting analysis
• RNA and DNA (genomic, plasmid, and BAC) isolation, purification,
    and quantitation from tissue, cell culture, paraffin embedded tissue (PET),
    and bacteria
• Cloning – directional, TA, and in frame
• Electroporation and chemical transformation
• Genetic engineering of a conditional KO mouse using recombineering
• RFLP design, implementation, and analysis
• Reverse transcription (with and without labeling) and polymerase chain reaction
• Generation of RNA probes for use in in situ hybridization and Northern analyses
• Generation of DNA probes for use in dot blot and Southern analyses
• Numerous RNA techniques: poly-A selection; Northern Analysis; in vitro Transcription; RNA amplification; expression analysis via microarray and qPCR;
• Primer and probe design for both diagnostic, “real-time” PCR, and sequencing
• Sequencing utilizing capillary electrophoresis
• DNA dot blot analysis
• Microarray techniques and data analysis

Tissue Culture

• Mammalian cell culture
• Transfection – stable and transient
• Insect cell culture (Sf9)
• General bacteriology
    aseptic technique
    phenotypic analysis of bacterial isolates

Biochemistry

• Protein expression and purification (Bacterial and Baculoviral expression)
• Radioactive analysis of enzyme preparations
• Coomassie and Western Analysis
• Bradford assay
• Enzyme activity assay development
• Enzyme kinetics

Histochemistry

• Fixing, Embedding and Cutting PET sections
• Slide preparation
• Immunohistochemistry
• Some fluorescent staining

Equipment/Instrumentation

• Applied Precision Array Scanner
• Smart Cycler (Cepheid) operation and optimization
• BioRad iCycler iQ real-time PCR detection system
• Fluorescent, phase contrast, stereo, and light microscope
• Laser Capture Microscope by SL Microtest
• CEQ8000XL DNA Sequencer by Beckman Coulte

Computer/Software Experience

• Quantity One software by BioRad
• Lasergene software: SeqMan, EditSeq, MapDraw (DNASTAR)
• CEQ Sequencing software (all aspects)
• Spotfinder 3.0 (TIGR)
• ArrayWoRx (Applied Precision)
• Sequencher
• BioRad iCycler iQ Softare
• SeqWeb (GCG)
• Smart Cycler Software 2.0
• SAM software
• GeneSpring by Silicon Genetics
• MacVector
• Adobe Photoshop
• Oligo 6
• SpectraMax Software
• Microsoft Office (all aspects)

General Laboratory Management Skills

• Supervising and training of junior lab technicians and summer students
• Ordering of lab supplies
• General lab maintenance including dish washing, solution preparation, and 
     autoclaving

Manuscript Preparation

• Data analysis and compilation for publication
• Protocol composition
• Assistance with first draft