Running targeted metabolomic studies via HPLC-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

For three years I studied axon guidance and neural development as a research intern in the lab of Professor Mary Halloran at the University of Wisconsin Madison. The lab uses the primary sensory neurons of zebrafish embryos as a model for broader neural development. The embryos serve as an excellent in vivo model because they are transparent and thin allowing for live imaging of neurons. Most neural development occurs within 24 hours, and the fish are genetically tractable. The goal the lab's research is to understand the mechanisms that govern cytoskeletal organization, cellular polarity, and axon outgrowth and guidance during development of neural circuits. Details on my research experiences may be found under the “Skills” heading. My role also involved ordering, shipping, and receiving for the lab. In addition to maintaining mutant and transgenic fish lines, I’ve worked hard in upkeep of our fish housing systems.

Near the end of my college career, I worked as a student assistant at the TSB Biobank in the UW Carbone Cancer Center. The Biobanks goals are to collect human specimens for future research and facilitate sample collection for research already in progress, focusing on oncology. I was trained to work within HIPAA, UW Madison IRB requirements, the Biobank’s specific protocol, along with other privacy and ethical research guidelines. Wet lab duties included cryo-sectioning human tissue specimens and staining slides to be read by our pathologist for quality control. I learned the Oncore database used to manage participants, informed consent forms, data, and samples donated. My duties required extracting relevant data from pathology reports and other clinical documents which left me with a desire to learn more about the biology. Occasionally, I worked with nurses, pathology staff, and physicians to coordinate sample collections and paperwork. I looked for every opportunity to explore another unit of the UW hospital and the adjoined facilities, while being productive. I enjoyed learning about the pathology process (especially the surgical grossing room!) and how human specimens collected for research. I gained the confidence working in a lab environment I had lacked and left feeling capable handling precious specimens. The responsibility of maintaining essential freezer systems and protecting patient information became positive motivations for my work.