Research Assistant
Atlanta, Ga
Dept. of Applied and Environmental Microbiology Principal Investigator: Dr. Sidney Crow• Contributed to laboratory research involving the fungus A. flavus and its production of the carcinogenic toxin aflatoxin by performing essential biological research procedures such as polymerase chain reactions, DNA and RNA extractions, and other related tasks in a university laboratory environment.• Assisted in the determination of encystment rates of Acantamoeba castellanii.• Utilized equipment such as industrial autoclaves, cytometers, rotary evaporators, et al. and standard laboratory chemical substances in a controlled and informed manner while taking all necessary safety precautions. Dept. of Molecular Genetics, Pathogenesis, and ImmunologyPrincipal Investigator: Dr. Zehava Eichenbaum• Conducted laboratory research on the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes and the role of heme toxicity and iron sequestration in its virulence• Conducted research on a project involving the characterizing the chemical properties of S. pyogenes’ lactate oxidase gene, which is responsible for the bacteria’s hydrogen peroxide production in glucose-exhausted environments. • Operated machinery such as centrifuges and spectrophotometers and perform activities such as culture inoculation, chromosomal preparation, heme reconstitution, protein expression and induction, and chemical and physical assays in a controlled and safe laboratory environment.