Luke Schaffer Email & Phone Number

Boulder, Co, Us

Leveraging multivariate genomic methods to elucidate the genetic etiology of psychiatric and behavioral traits

Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) fellow in the NIMH Section on Developmental Neurogenomics (PI: Armin Raznahan, MD, PhD).Utilizing deep phenotypic behavioral data, spearheaded comparative analyses exploring the shared and unique effects of supernumerary X vs. Y chromosome dosage on psychopathology.Clinically, conducted cognitive and neuropsychological assessments on children, adolescents, and young adults with rare genetic and neurodevelopmental syndromes.

Greater Pittsburgh Area

Senior undergraduate research staff in the University of Pittsburgh Behavioral Immunology Laboratory (PI: Anna Marsland, PhD, RN).Assisted in research coordination for an NIH-funded clinical trial examining mitochondrial responses to acute psychosocial stress. Led participant screening, recruitment, and retention across two study visits.Processed biological samples (blood, hair, urine, saliva) for 5+ research protocols exploring immune and endocrine correlates of psychosocial factors. Trained and oversaw a team of six undergraduates in wet-lab protocols. Outside of the wet lab, performed extensive literature review and quality control for a meta-analysis assessing the temporal stability of immune markers commonly implicated in human stress pathways.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Undergraduate research assistant in the University of Pittsburgh Behavioral Medicine Research Group (PI: Thomas Kamarck, PhD).Ran study participants through the initial visit of an ecological momentary assessment study examining the role of social and behavioral factors on cardiovascular disease risk.Reliably obtained patient vitals and medical history. Trained participants on at-home study protocols and in the operation of an ambulatory blood pressure monitor.

Greater Pittsburgh Area

Served as an undergraduate teaching assistant (UTA) in the departments of Biological Sciences and Psychology. Held 5 UTA appointments over the course of 4 academic semesters.UTA duties involved hosting review sessions, developing worksheets and other review materials, facilitating small group discussions, tutoring students on an individual basis, grading assignments, assisting with in-class questions, and proctoring exams.Classes included Foundations of Biology 1 (two semesters), Psychology of Personality (two semesters), and Biochemistry (one semester).

Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania