Melissa Wilkinson, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Arlington, Va, Us

Washington Dc-Baltimore Area

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency Research and Development Directorate provides science, technology, and capability development investments that maintain the U.S. military’s technological superiority in countering weapons of mass destruction & emerging threats, mitigate the risks of technical surprise, and respond to the warfighters’ urgent technical requirements.

Washington Dc-Baltimore Area

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF) provide opportunities to scientists to learn first-hand about policymaking while contributing their knowledge and analytical skills to the federal policymaking process.

Postdoctoral researcher in the laboratories of Dr Andrew Gow and Dr Debra Laskin in the Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology working on immunotoxicology and respiratory toxicology

Mentored visiting undergraduate students in the laboratory over the summer semester. Helped them to develop new research skills, formulate scientific questions, and run their own experiment. This program culminates in a final formal research presentation

Elected to serve as the Rutgers Association of Graduate Students President for the 2020-2021 academic year. In this position I acted as a lesion between graduate students and faculty, facilitate the planning of social and career development events, created the Diversity and Inclusion Executive Board Chair, and lead the executive board.

Selected as the 2020-2021 BMS Fellow based on a research grant proposal and graduate student achievements. This fellowship provides funding to support my Ph.D studies for one year and culminates in a research presentation given at BMS

Piscataway, New Jersey

Developed and instructed a 2 week STEM based summer program for high school aged applicants. Taught specific scientific techniques and concepts and helped students prepare an oral presentation based on their work. In 2020, I worked to move the program to an online format

Served as Vice President for the Rutgers Association of Toxicology Students for the 2019-2020 academic year. In this role I helped to plan social and career development events, assisted the other executive board members in fostering an enjoyable graduate experience, and helped in recruitment events

Piscataway, New Jersey

Was responsible for grading, advising students, and helping with course logistics. Helped to transition classes to a virtual format in 2020. Assisted with the following classes: Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Toxicology Student Seminar, Histology, Introduction to Pharmacy Research, Principles of Pharmacy Research, Safety Assessment of Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacology Modules

Maintain and update the Eagleton Scientists in State Politics Database.

The Eagleton Fellowship offers select Rutgers graduate students the opportunity to further their understanding of government, public affairs, and the practice of politics, and to connect the fellowship experience to their chosen fields of study. Here I learned from political experts at in the state and federal governments while connecting with students across several different disciplines. This fellowship culminated in my election as Class Representative, where I spoke on behalf of my class at graduation

Piscataway, New Jersey

Mentored exceptional high school students over a 10 week period in the summer. Helped them to develop their own scientific experiments and ask questions regarding their work. Students learn a variety of laboratory skills and their experience culminates in a formal research presentation

Interned at the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services where I conducted research for policymakers regarding legislation of interest. I developed memorandum and resolution writing skills and honed my scientific communication skills. Research was conducted on a wide variety of policy areas in a bipartisan manner

Was selected as an ASPET Washington Fellow where I learned to conduct meetings with policymakers on Capitol Hill and advocated for science funding and animal research. This fellowship culminated in the publication of my Op. Ed. in the Highland Park Planet Newspaper

Rochester, New York Area

Helped to teach students biology and chemistry. Ensured that they were comprehending the material and would be able to utilize lessons in assignments and exams

Rochester, New York Area

Acted as a representative for Nazareth College during open house events and overnight visits. helped to process student applications and acceptance. Assisted admissions councilors in processing and sending student acceptances

Was selected to participate in the SULI program through the US Department of Energy. I was selected to spend 10 weeks performing research at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Sequim WA where I preformed environmental toxicology research regarding the algicidal effects of eelgrass on harmful algae. This experience culminated in a formal research presentation.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Toxicology

Activities and Societies: Rutgers Association of Toxicology Students President, Eagleton Graduate Fellowship Class Representative.

Biology And Toxicology, Senior

Activities and Societies: Phi Eta Sigma, Class of 2017 Senator, Varsity Student Athlete Taken integrated studies courses to apply my major.