Kelly Walter Email & Phone Number

Fargo, North Dakota, United States

𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛I'm currently pursuing a second Master's, focused on microbiology and molecular biology, and managing a state-wide research project to investigate the impact of saline soils on both the soil and root microbiome of plants.Since taking on this research, the project has expanded to 3 parts, and I'm working towards answering the following questions:🧫 How well can crops restore their soil microbiome after high salinity exposure?I analyze soil microbiome compositions taken from 4 different North Dakota cornfields. These samples were grown under 2 different sets of reaction conditions, including those with and without cover crops and saline and nonsaline soil.🧫 What potential taxa help plants grow at extreme saline levels?I evaluate the physical properties and microbiome composition of spring wheat plants grown in a greenhouse experiment under 3 different soil saline levels, 3 dS/m, 6 dS/m, and 10 dS/m.🧫 What compounds are exudated from the plants at varying stress levels?I created a viable method for identifying root exudate compounds from harvested wheat plants using mass spectrometry. By pairing this knowledge with the first 2 components, we hope to identify and start selectively adding helpful taxa to support plant microbiomes grown under stressed or extreme conditions.𝗞𝗘𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦🧫 Thought LeadershipMy research leadership has led to findings, which I'm currently writing and preparing to submit for publication as a first author.I also delivered a poster presentation at the annual North Central branch of the American Society for Microbiology meeting in November 2021.🧫 Technical TrainingI help train undergraduate research students on plant harvesting and data collection techniques. Additionally, I served as a Teaching Assistant for introductory chemistry courses during the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters.

Albany, New York, United States

𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛While pursuing my Master's in biochemistry, I learned various organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry synthesis, analytical characterization, purification, and separation techniques while simultaneously acquiring lab research experience.My project focused on optimizing the reaction mechanism and conditions for synthesizing a metallopolymer of intrinsic microporosity (MPIM) with the required porosity and solubility properties to form a thin-layer film.𝗞𝗘𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦🧪 Method DevelopmentI helped create a method for synthesizing the desired polymer by modifying various reaction conditions, including temperature, evaporation rate, and dry heating times. This approach improved the polymer synthesis, enhancing its porosity and solubility and enabling its formation into a conductive thin-layer film.I co-authored and published a scientific manuscript detailing this new method in the Journal of Chemical Communications.🧪 Laboratory OperationsIn addition to my research project, I was charged with a few lab management responsibilities, including staying on top of the chemical inventory and managing the lab ordering of raw materials and other equipment.🧪 Lab TrainingI supervised undergraduate researchers on how to operate lab equipment, set up experiments, and troubleshoot reaction problems.

Master Of Science - Ms, Biochemistry

Coursework included: organic, analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry Skills acquired: synthesizing products, separating products.

Master'S Degree, Microbiology

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Chemistry, Dean'S List

studied foundational techniques in chemical and biochemical labs