Laboratory of Professor Steven Almo

Worked as part of a small, fast-paced, dynamic team to address challenging scientific,regulatory, and production related issues for novel microbiome therapeutics.Developed flow cytometry and qPCR experiments.Developed a manufacturing process, including optimization and SOP documentation.De novo genome assembly and annotation.Enabled a Series Seed company to start a Phase 1 drug clinical trial.

Worked as part of a 20+ member interdisciplinary team on multiple DOE-funded projects* Algal biofuels; Global warming simulation in peatland; Forest soil nitrogen cycling* Created DNA probes in silico for microarrays for 4 projects* Tested and modified probe software during pipeline development* Optimized culturing techniques and DNA extraction for algal-bacterial co-cultures* Classified bacteria and fungi taxonomy from raw Illumina DNA sequence data (16S and ITS)* Determined significant environment effects on microbial communities using statistical methods(ordinations, indicator species analysis, ANOVA, correlation coefficients)* Sampled soil and gas in field at an experimental forest site in Minnesota* Manuscript in progress with collaborating scientists at Oregon State University (NSF funded)

• Investigated Haloarchaea for applications in biofuel production• Worked in an interdisciplinary team of researchers at U.C. Davis and LLNL• Assessed Haloarchaea strains for resistance to molten salts• Annotated 66 Haloarchaea genomes for enzymes pertaining to plant matter degradation• Independently designed experiments involving microbiological and molecular biology techniques• Discovered trends in growth conditions by conglomerating months worth of growth curve data into R (statistical programming language) and simplifying data into several discrete metrics.

• Developed novel DNA library to transform E. coli to behave as a biosensor for environmental contaminants, using synthetic biology techniques• Developed protocols for phenotype screening• Continued collaborations with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for Haloarchaea research• Helped train two research associates Haloarchaea experiment protocols

Expanded upon project from the previous summer. Novel iminodiacetic acid (IDA) lipids and his-tagged fluorescent proteins were used were used to study the effects of lipid structure on lipid packing in phase separation of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). Extensive imaging work was performed using an inverted epifluorescent microscope and ImageJ to compile quantitative data for analysis. A paper manuscript is in progress. Experiments often required troubleshooting due to novel nature of work. Developed customized experiments and collaborated with laboratory members to produce successful experiment protocols.

Worked independently on research with giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) while under the supervision of a mentoring scientist. Uncovered that a recently synthesized IDA lipid had a wider range of behaviors from a single lipid than had been previously observed. Made buffers, carried out electroformation (process of GUV formation), and used a wide-view, epifluorescent microscope to carry out observational studies. Electroformation required the use of precision micropipetting. The emphasis of the research was looking for the optimal conditions for liquid-ordered phase domain formation. His-tagged fluorescent proteins were sometimes used. Followed research protocol and maintained accurate lab record of data. Safety training was required due to the variety of organic solvents in lab and for use of laser microscopy.

Created extensive EXCEL catalog of specimen slides, facilitating quicker analysis of the quality of the stock slides for lab use and purchasing of new slides. Cleaned laboratory equipment (tools, dish ware) for reagent use, prepared chemical solutions, set up laboratories for other classes, and kept the chemical stock organized (proper and safe placement; refilling of reagent stocks). Helped other lab technicians with their projects in the science lab preparation room as needed. Partook in safety training regarding the stocking and handling of volatile solvents.

I tutored English 1A and 7, Biology (31), Math (Pre-algebra through Multivariable Calculus), and Physics (8A)