Celina Sharkey Email & Phone Number

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Amherst, MA

• Graduate Research Assistant
• Launched investigation into long-distance signaling of iron status in Arabidopsis thaliana.
• Developed and implemented method for Arabidopsis seedling grafting adoption by lab. Laboratory techniques: Statistical analysis using R, Arabidopsis seedling grafting, cloning using the Gibson reaction, primer design.

Amherst, MA

• Northeast Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (NEAGEP)* Intern
• Studied signaling of plant-rhizobium interaction in Medicago truncatula, utilizing confocal microscopy weekly to observe interactions.
• Earned opportunity to present research at international conference. Laboratory techniques: Confocal microscopy, DNA extractions, agrobacterium root transformation*Sponsored by NSF, the program aims to increase.

Ithaca, New York Area

• Led research into potential role of fungal genes involved in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis within Medicago truncatula.
• Quickly mastered and applied new skills to meet strict time demands.
• Prepared and delivered presentation for faculty, graduate students, and post-doctorate students.
• Techniques used on a weekly basis included: colony PCR, RNA extractions, RNAi constructs, agrobacterium root transformation, staining and visualization of AM fungi within roots, and staining for GUS expression.

Greater Boston Area

• Explored plant adaptation to environmental cues, cultivating plants in greenhouse and field.
• Accurately defined microbiomes of Arabidopsis thaliana and Lactuca (lettuce).
• Performed PCR, DNA/RNA extractions, and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis on a weekly basis.
• Presented 3 poster presentations at national conferences.

Boston Harbor Islands

• Provided visitors with presentations and public tours focused on park activities, recreational opportunities, history, and park geography daily.
• Participated in diverse park programming including youth outreach, Island Ambassadors programs, various volunteer projects, habitat restoration, and marine invasive monitoring.
• Collaborated with Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University to conduct All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory of Boston Harbor Islands national park area.

Cambridge, MA

Volunteered as research intern for ATBI project (http://insects.oeb.harvard.edu/boston_islands/) at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology. Classified, pinned, photographed and digitally cataloged insect specimens collected from the Boston Harbor Islands.

Greater Boston Area

• Island Ambassador Peer Leader is an advocate for the Boston Harbor Islands. Accountable for developing and leading youth programs and public workshops, that focused on raising awareness of outdoor ethics while visiting.
• Co-managed 10 youth volunteers between 15 and 18 years old in developing and delivering programs to teach public groups about islands.
• Recruited potential candidates for position in future.
• Counseled youth on college applications and additional job opportunities within national park system.
• Presented at the 21st Annual National Service-Learning Conference.San Jose, CA. (03/2010).

Master'S Degree, Biology, General

Activities and Societies: NEAGEP, IMSD, GWISM.S. Thesis: “Iron signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana”

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Biology, General

Activities and Societies: IMSD Fellow