I support researchers in Science and Engineering with all aspects of the funding cycle, from identifying opportunities, to preparing grant applications, to post-award administration.

My research at the U of S was focused on understanding the mechanisms of assembly of the type 2 secretion system in Gram negative pathogens. This position required the genetics and molecular biology skills that I obtained as a graduate student, and also provided an opportunity for me to acquire new skills in protein purification and biochemistry. Additional responsibilities include supervising junior students, project development and management, and scientific communication in the form of writing manuscripts, and giving conference presentations. This position was funded by a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.

I worked on several projects aimed at understanding genetic determinants in R. leguminosarum that influence rhizosphere colonization and competitive nodulation of peas and lentils. Designed experiments and supervised two undergraduate students.

My thesis research project was to identify and characterize novel genes encoding cell envelope components that are required for survival of the legume symbiont, Rhizobium leguminosarum in the soil rhizosphere and during symbiosis with legumes. As a graduate student I acquired expertise in genetic, molecular biology, and microbiology techniques, such as cloning, mutagenesis, gene expression assays, phenotype analysis, and nodulation assays. I was responsible for designing experiments, analyzing results, and preparing manuscripts for publication. In addition to technical and research skills I developed strong written and oral presentation skills by sharing my research at conferences, giving presentations, and teaching undergraduate students in labs and lectures.As a graduate student I was also responsible for training and mentoring ten undergraduate and 2 junior Master's students. I also contributed to the administration of the university by serving as the graduate student representative for the Biology Department and the Faculty of Science safety committee. As a graduate student I was supported by two competitive national scholarships from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

I developed and validated a real-time PCR assay to detect a plant pathogen (phytoplasmas). The assay was used for a national survey program of grapevines from across Canada. I was responsible for both the initial proof of concept experiments and the technology transfer of the method to the diagnostics section. I worked under a strict timeline to complete the assay development in time for the survey.

I worked on assay development to screen small molecule libraries for promising pharmaceutical candidates. I used experimental design, data analysis, and project management skills to balance responsibilities for basic research and performing routine screening assays. Gained experience in an industrial research lab environment.