Janice Schmidt Email & Phone Number

Saskatoon

Data Analysis: Dimension Reduction Analysis (PCA and tSNE) in Octave and in R, including writing scripts and functions from equations. Utilization of fastQC (java,GUI), trimmomatic (java), STAR(C++ ), Integrative Genomics Viewer (java and CSS,GUI), StringTie(C++), htseq-count (python) and DESeq2 (R) packages for RNA-seq, in a combination of linux and windows command line platforms. I have also utilized neo4j and CYPHER for graph database development, Apollo for annotation, Genome Studio for the Illumina Infinium 90K array, cleanup and circular graphs in R, MapDisto and BioMercator to generate maps, and STRUCTURE/TASSEL for population analysis. I have experience with visual basic, and manipulating large data files in Excel. I also gave tutorials to train people across Canada on use of a Chemical Inventory database.

Saskatoon

Used marker analysis to contribute to introgression of traits into germplasm via re-synthesis. Following NRC OSS Guidelines and using free internet resources, independently learned and applied Perl and BioPerl. Learned and executed standalone BLAST+ utilities from the Command Line.

Saskatoon

Identified candidate genes for the saponin biosynthetic pathway, and demonstrated an increase in saponin production through RNAi with one of them. Successful development and publication of a highly efficient Saponaria vaccaria/Agrobacterium rhizogenes transformation system, suitable for RNAi testing of candidate EST effect(s) on saponin production. Protocol was selected by the Research Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Giessen, Germany, to initiate a practical course for Agrobiotechnology students. Senior Lab Technician.Optimized protocol to purify working amounts of Artemisia annua trichome specific Monoterpene Alcohol Dehydrogenase expressed in E.coli, and made significant progress in assay development and determination of enzyme kinetics. Worked on characterization of potential Phosphatidic Acid Phosphatase genes. Provided technical expertise and laboratory coordination. Researched new equipment, send material for equipment testing, and wrote specifications for capital purchase ex. bench top NMR. Expression of S. pombe Wee 1 kinase from SF9 (insect) cells using the Bac-to-Bac Baculovirus Expression system.

Saskatoon

Management of a Molecular Marker program for 3 years. My team doubled annual output and number of offered markers for the Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) program. I set up an in-house Quality Assurance program (within guidelines). This was all done without capital expenditures, while managing staff and while meeting deadlines of 4 simultaneous breeding programs. To more efficiently process doubled haploids, I coordinated and scheduled program priorities, and had project resources in place to complete Quality Assurance testing and reporting deadlines for 4 different subprograms successfully in the 3 weeks between arrival of seed from winter nurseries and spring planting.

Saskatoon

Isolation and characterization of genes for improvement of canola lines.

Saskatoon

Sanger sequencing for External and Internal Clients, including contract development and direct contact with clients.

Saskatoon

Progress toward reduction of glucosinolate levels in Brassica species through plant transformation with DNA encoding an scFv capable of inactivating glucosyltransferase. Progress toward development of an efficient method to transform Brassica juncea.

Des Moines, Iowa

Development of alfalfa transformation using the Particle Gun. Industry part of a Co-op Masters Program.

Guelph

Development of a nucleic acid hybridization assay to distinguish and quantify Verticillium infection of alfalfa

Saskatoon

During summer months and on weekends. Production of cell lines secreting monoclonal antibodies to progesterone, prolactin and pregnant mare’s serum gonadotropin. Maintenance of graduate student’s hybridoma lines.