College of Life Sciences - East Falls Campus

Developed a business idea for a bioinformatic and microbial genomics start up together with GFZ colleagues, acquired start-up funding from Helmholtz Enterprise, and founded GreenGate Genomics in 2023.Main responsibilities:- Coordination of wet lab analysis (Sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, sequencing) - Outreach and marketing through social media (LInkedIN, X), our website greengategenomics.com and at conferences and events- Strategic planning and development of company goals- Internal (team) and external (clients) consultation on experimental design

Postdoctoral Researcher in the Geomicrobiology Group - Main research focus are microbial processes and metabolic responses at high CO2. - Special focus on microbial communities and bio-geo interactions in the terrestrial subsurface and in hyperarid desert soils.- Part of the 2019 ICDP Eger Rift subsurface drilling campaign and the on-going sampling efforts- Advanced the use of NGS and particularly Oxford Nanopore Sequencing to conduct metagenomic analysis of low biomass samples from geomicrobiological systemsGrants//Projects:Recipient DFG Grant "Genomic explorations into the subsurface"Helmholtz Innovation Pool "High CO2"

Projects:- Microbial ecology of Bakken Shale produced water microbial communities- Microbial community structure and metabolic potential of CO2 storage reservoirs- Bacterial diversity in coal mine waters Areas: Microbial genomics, DNA sequencing, Metagenomics, Transcriptomics, microbial interactions in geological settings

Worked at NETL Pittsburgh.Investigated the microbial ecology of Marcellus Shale and Bakken Shale hydraulic fracturing produced water samples using functional genomics. Evaluated the microbial abundance, microbial community structure, and metabolic potential in hydraulic fracturing produced water to identify what and how microorganisms may contribute to corrosion, souring, and bio-fouling processes in hydraulic fracturing systems.

Evaluated biocide resistance in microorganisms relevant to hydraulic fracturing produced water, including isolates (Marinobacter, Bacillus) and model organisms (Pseudomonas). Identified active, genetic response mechanisms, which may contribute to biocide resistance, using transcriptomics and differential gene expression analysis.Analyzed the microbial diversity in Marcellus Shale fracking flowback water. I used next generation sequencing and metagenomic tools to collect information on potential microbial metabolic pathways occurring in these extreme environments. Additionally, I utilized absorption spectroscopy, ion chromatography and colorimetry to evaluate physical and chemical properties of my samples.Previously, I have studied E.coli infecting bacteriophages obtained from wastewater samples. I was able to isolate and characterize phages using plaque assays and transmission electron microscopy.Other research projects I was involved in were the culturing of the Cyanobacteria Synechocystis and the growth of Dunaliella Salina in fracking water like environments.Acquired skills:Illumina MiSeqqPCRMetagenomicsTranscriptomicsQiimeCLC GenomicsMetagenomic binning

Taught and assisted engineering microbiology laboratory (Fall 2014, 2015, 2016)- Demonstrated lab exercises and concepts- Prepared experiments- Assisted students with questionsTaught fluid mechanics laboratory (Spring 2015)- Demonstrated lab exercises- Supervised and graded quizzes- Graded lab reportsSupported engineering microbiology class (Fall 2013)- Graded homework and quizzes- Assisted students with questions

Tutored Biology, Chemistry and German.

Studied the genetic diversity of Phragmites australis populations along the Hudson River and the Long Island Sound.Determined heavy metal concentrations in Phragmites australis rhizomes from the Hudson River and the Long Island Sound.Assessed water quality in surrounding lakes as part of a water monitoring program. Assessment included Secchi disk readings, analysis of DO concentration and nutrient concentrations .Performed biological/chemical techniques and assays such as PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, DNA Extractions, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Spectrophotometry and DNA sequencing.Analyzed genomic sequences using bioinformatic tools such as BLAST, Genepop and Poptree.

Competed in Divison One Cross Country and Track and Field (Mile, 1500m). NCAA DI Regional Qualifer 2009 MAAC Indoor Championships Most Outstanding Performer2009 - 2012 MAAC All Academic Team2010 USTAF All Academic Team

Student researcher under the Tibor T. Polgar Fellowship

Assisted customers with purchases and questions.Worked with a wide variety of people.Was involved in inventory control.