Diana Christian Beard, Phd Email & Phone Number

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Greater St. Louis Area

• Characterized neuronal DNA methylation during development, and the effect of heterozygous loss or mutation of DNA methyltransferase 3a on behavior, morphology, transcription, and the neuronal epigenome• Generated and analyzed next generation sequencing datasets using ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, and whole genome bisulfite sequencing methods. Performed in-depth data analysis using command line, bedtools, python, and R to identify genome regulatory processes and potential mechanisms driving phenotypes.• Used in vitro and in vivo tools to understand mutation diversity within disease genes, revealing fundamental biological processes that may drive the spectrum of clinical phenotypes. Demonstrated proficiency with cloning and modeling disease mutations in vitro, as well as identifying disease-relevant phenotypes and molecular mechanisms in vivo using mouse models. • Coordinated and managed diverse collaborations to extend our findings to other biological systems with patient relevance, such as investigations of bone structure and development, animal behavior, pain sensitivity, obesity, and leukemia. • Managed training and mentoring of students from diverse backgrounds and experience-levels, across multiple fields, departments, and institutions

Greater St. Louis Area

Introduction to Neurogenomics (Spring 2022)• Designed and implemented graduate-level course focused on introducing students to the key concepts in neurogenomics. Topics ranged from DNA methylation, histone remodeling and modification, chromatin topography, cell-type specific gene transcription, and single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. • Created course syllabus, lecture recordings, discussion prompts to maximize student learning of high-level concepts. Genes, Brains, Behavior (Fall 2017)• Lead discussions with students based upon the primarily literature, and explained advanced how genetic, epigenetic, and neuronal factors change behavior. Contributed to writing and grading exams.

Houston, Texas Area

• Worked individually and with others to behaviorally measure wellness, motivation, fatigue, depression, and cognition in mice, and biochemically measure protein and RNA expression to relate behavior to inflammation• Managed and cared for mouse colony of over 800 mice from more than twelve different transgenic strains(Mentors: Dr. Robert Dantzer, Dr. Elisabeth Vichaya)

Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

Introduction to Neurophysiology (Fall 2014)Modeling Dynamics of Biological Systems (Spring 2015)• Interacted with students in a flipped classroom, gauging their understanding with in depth and thought provoking questions, gave clear explanations of complex concepts, and quickly and carefully graded assignments. Created helpful and instructional videos (https://www.youtube.com/user/CaseNeuroWiki/feed , 56,000 views) to guide students (and non-students) through understanding difficult problems and concepts.Development and Physiology (Spring 2015)• Interacted with students in a flipped classroom environment, answering questions and guiding discussions about physiology.Elementary Differential Equations (Spring 2013)• Worked independently to ensure student assignments were graded fairly and promptly while identifying plagiarism issues

Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

• Formed and tested computational hypotheses of stochastic variance in neuronal models by designing and implementing MATLAB programs (Mentor: Dr. Roberto Galán)• Built electrodes and performed mouse survival surgery to investigate how focused electrical stimulation changes behavior and assisted in analysis of extracellular electrophysiology data from awake behaving animals (Mentor: Dr. Daniel Wesson)• Investigated physiological changes in a mouse model of Rett Syndrome and efficacy of potential therapeutics by quantifying differences in protein expression pathways and changes in neuronal activity (Mentor: Dr. David Katz)

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Neuroscience

Activities and Societies: Young Scientist Program, BP-ENDURE Mentor, Graduate Curriculum Task Force Member, Future Educators Public.

Bachelor'S Of Science, Biology, General, Gpa: 3.6

Activities and Societies: Alpha Chi Sigma: Professional Chemistry FraternityMinor: Mathematics