Crystal M. Email & Phone Number

London, On, Ca

London, Ontario, Canada

• Discover and characterize novel pharmaceutical drugs by leading SPR projects to quantify interactions among biomolecules related to ALS and CTE • Deliver impactful research findings to peer-reviewed publications and secure private funding to advance drug development initiatives• Write manuscripts, synthesize results, and conduct advanced statistical analyses, including multilevel modeling, utilizing tools such as Microsoft Excel, R, and GraphPad Prism• Develop figures, visual abstracts, and scientific posters using ImageJ-Fiji, BioRender, and GraphPad Prism to effectively communicate research findings• Uncover survival mechanisms of specific motor neuron types in ALS by evaluating miRNA expression in ALS patient tissue using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)• Visualize experiments using Leica confocal microscopes and quantify expression using ImageJ-Fiji

London, Ontario, Canada

• Co-manage a research team of 15 members dedicated to investigating the mechanisms of ALS and CTE, with a focus on driving the discovery of innovative therapeutic solutions• Provide expert guidance to team members on scientific methodologies, emphasizing experimental design, advanced techniques in confocal microscopy (e.g., tile scanning), and statistical analysis• Educate team members on SOPs for advanced laboratory equipment, including confocal microscopes, to ensure proper usage and uphold the highest standards of equipment maintenance and performance• Engage with health and safety authorities at all levels, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices• Optimize the allocation of research funds by cultivating reliable vendor partnerships, diversifying supplier sourcing, and securing competitive pricing through strategic procurement

London, Ontario, Canada

• Investigated regulatory mechanisms of bacterial transposons in antibiotic resistance by characterizing specific interactions between Hfq and Tn10 transposon RNA using RNA footprinting• Conducted biofilm assays to evaluate the effect of Hfq on Tn10 transposition and S. Typhimurium pathogenicity

London, Ontario, Canada

London, Canada Area

• Sourced and evaluated suppliers, obtained competitive quotes, and managed purchase order requests• Ensured optimal functionality and maintenance of laboratory equipment and workspaces• Adhered to institutional, provincial, and federal occupational health and safety regulations by maintaining compliant laboratory conditions, posting necessary permits and notices, and overseeing the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials• Managed inventory registries, health and safety documentation, equipment records, and laboratory operating procedures with meticulous organization

London, Canada Area

• Mentored undergraduate students through senior thesis projects, guiding them to successful completion• Taught advanced scientific concepts, experimental techniques (e.g., affinity chromatography, PCR for DNA cloning), and safe lab practices, enhancing student independence and productivity• Supported students in scientific writing, including data analysis and interpretation, such as examining how protein mutations impact reaction chemistry and interactions with cofactors/substrates

London, Canada Area

Biological Macromolecules (Biochemistry 3381a)• Instructed over 50 third-year university students on protein and nucleic acid structure, central dogma theory of molecular biology mechanisms, enzymology, and recombinant DNA technology• Designed and delivered engaging lectures and presentations that distilled complex concepts, significantly improving student comprehension and learning outcomes• Crafted comprehensive grading rubrics and conducted fair evaluations of student assignmentsBiochemistry and Molecular Biology (Biochemistry 2280a)• Empowered academic success for over 200 students by effectively clarifying course content in a foundational biochemistry course, leading to improved understanding and performance

London, Canada Area

• Applied biochemical and molecular biology techniques to investigate the in vitro activity of the E. coli transposon, Tn5• Executed tagged protein purification using affinity chromatography (IMPACT™ System, NEB)• Compiled and prepared data for presentations and manuscript submissions to peer-reviewed journals• Prepared media, specimens, reagents, and solutions to support the research group’s experimental needs• Maintained laboratory equipment to ensure optimal functionality and reliability

Master Of Science - Ms, Epidemiology

Credential Of Readiness (Core), With Honors

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biochemistry, With Distinction

Activities and Societies: Biochemistry Graduate Studies Committee, UWO Biochemistry Volunteer Project, Graduate Affairs Committee.

Bachelor Of Medical Sciences (Bmsc), Honors Biochemistry

Activities and Societies: Biochemistry Undergraduate Social CommitteeHonors Thesis: Characterization of strand transfer in Tn5.