Jennifer Walker, Ph.D. (She/Her/Hers) Email & Phone Number

Boston, Ma, Us

Boston

Greater Boston Area

Portland, Maine

Chemistry, Astronomy, Environmental Science

University Of Southern Maine, Department Of Applied Medical Sciences, Pelsue Lab

Dissertation: The Ttc7-fsn Mutation Alters Protein Structures, Diminishes Interaction with PI4KIIIa, and skews B Cell Differentiation Toward the Production of Autoreactive Plasma Cells. Research outcomes:* Identified physicochemical & structural differences between wild-type & mutant Ttc7* Identified distinctly different functional responses in Ttc7-fsn B cells * Determined that the interaction between Ttc7 & PI4KIIIa is disrupted in Ttc7-fsn B cells * Generated new insights into the production of autoreactive plasmacytes in Ttc7-fsn mice Research Interests: antibody production, autoimmune disease, immune deficiency, lymphocyte biology, cancer biology, ER stress Teaching/Instructional Experience:* Lab Assistant/Student Mentor (2008-2015) - Familiarize new students w/ lab operations & research protocols, conduct safety training, provide on-going technical training & support* Immunology Lab Instructor (2013-2014) - Co-taught graduate-level immunology labs including affinity chromatography, ELISA, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, SDS-PAGE & immunoblotting* Immunology Lab Assistant (2008-2012) - Designed & taught graduate-level labs in RT-PCR & gel electrophoresis* Chemistry Lab Assistant (2009-2011) - Instructed undergraduate chemistry students in the expression & purification of recombinant proteins using bacterial expression systems. Techniques taught: bacterial transformation & culture, affinity chromatography, SDS-PAGE & Western Blotting.* Internship Supervisor (2010) - trained & supervised a visiting graduate-level intern. Research focus: utilization of a bacterial-2-hybrid screen to assess protein-protein interactions.Educational Outreach:* Community advocate for improving scientific literacy in our schools* Guest speaker at local middle and high schools * Science Fair judge at local schools* Mentor to high school students interested in science careers* Tutor to middle/high school science and math students

Portland, Maine

Completed Master's Degree in Applied Immunology & Molecular Biology under the mentorship of Dr. Stephen Pelsue. Worked as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Applied Medical Sciences. Conducted research and educational outreach while completing degree-related course work.* Research identified a means of mobilizing the Ttc7 protein using anti-Ig and calcium ionophores, and provided insight into potential signaling connections. * Co-author of a Maine Space Grant Consortium/NASA Grant (Co-PI, PI Monroe Duboise, Ph.D.) “Interdisciplinary Explorations of the Nature of Life on Earth and Beyond: An Astrobiology Seminar Series for the University of Southern Maine.” Organized a highly successful series of five lectures by distinguished scientists from across North America. * Traveled each month to rural high schools throughout Maine to provide teachers and students the opportunity to participate in biotechnology-related research projects. Designed and taught inquiry-based labs incorporating microbiological, molecular, and immunological lab techniques.

Wells, Maine

Taught physical science (work, energy & motion, introductory chemistry, astronomy, meteorology, geology), college-prep biology and chemistry. Demonstrated leadership in creating classroom communities in which students had a primary role in the development of academic and social guidelines for behavior and interaction. Success evidenced by positive student relationships and family requests for placement in our classes. Demonstrated success in employing differentiated curricula for heterogeneous classroom populations. Used experience in this arena to develop and conduct week-long professional development workshops for colleagues interested in learning how to design and differentiate curriculum for a diverse student community. Designed and implemented pilot assessments to meet state and local assessment requirements, including post-evaluation of assessment efficacy and revisions. Served as a mentor to new teachers and an advisor to student groups.

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Taught 8th grade science including general physics, geology, astronomy, chemistry, cell biology and genetics. Awarded a one-year Seed Grant to develop and implement an after-school program for students experiencing sub-optimal academic achievement (eighty-five percent of participating students showed improvement in the areas of study skills and information attainment, demonstrated an increased understanding of learning styles, and showed improved perception of themselves as capable learners. Designed and implemented an inter-disciplinary, inquiry-based unit: "The History of Science &Technology" involving math, social studies, language arts and theater classes. Capstone project was a series of theatrical vignettes illustrating the complexities of scientific discovery through the lens of historical and social context written by students and involving every 8th grader.Demonstrated ability to assess, understand and meet divergent student learning needs within a heterogenous student population. Developed and co-facilitated a staff development workshop defining and detailing how to use these approaches to differentiate curriculum in the middle school classroom. Achieved goal of providing enrichment opportunities for students by establishing a science club for LMS students. Student-generated activities focused on science and service learning, including environmental clean-ups, fund-raising to bring in external astronomy presentations, mentoring younger students, individual research projects and participation in the Maine State Science Fair.

Siena Heights University (1994-1997) & University Of Southern Maine (1998-1999)

Designed and taught integrated summer science courses aligned with national and/or state standards. Summer courses were designed to provide enrichment and prepare students for fall course work. Offered courses in algebra, calculus, biology, ecology, chemistry and physics. Designed and facilitated a leadership course titled "Philosophy of Self and Community." Course was deliberately designed to promote experiential learning through student ownership of learning directions and choices, and through service learning activities in the community. Ability to assess, understand and meet divergent student learning needs demonstrated by student success with coursework during the regular school year.Provided academic support and a safe environment in which students could focus on solution-oriented approaches to daily life, goal-setting and academic planning during the regular school year. Actively nurtured positive relationships with students by participating in student activities, service learning, and cultural/educational outings. Ability to connect with students from diverse ethnic, social and economic backgrounds successfully demonstrated by the decades-long relationships developed during those summers.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

Activities and Societies: Graduate Student Senate, Graduate Student Rep for the Leadership Development Board, Graduate Student Rep.

M.S., Cell/Cellular And Molecular Biology

Ma, Secondary Science Education

Activities and Societies: Graduate Research Assistant, Founding Member of SAVE (Siena Against Violent Environments)Graduate Assistant.

Ba, Biology & Anthropology

Activities and Societies: Amnesty International, Student Senate, WFPR radio host