Nicholas Testa Email & Phone Number

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Greater Atlanta Area

Applied experimental design, data manipulation, and advanced data analysis and visualization skills to conduct research in evolutionary developmental biology and quantitative genetics. Carried out laboratory and modeling research.Applied skills in working with big data sets (Genome Wide Association), hyperdimensional data (Geometric Morphometrics), survivorship analysis, data manipulation, and data analysis with genomics data using Python, R, and UNIX to better understand the evolution of variable mechanisms associated with static traits across species (Developmental System Drift). Specific statistical approaches used include working with big data sets, linear and logistic regression, clustering, dimensionality reduction, model selection, comparative approaches, Bayesian approaches, etc...Learned and applied skills in programming (C++; Arduino IDE), electronic circuit design, and heat transfer to engineer and build a novel device necessary for ideal execution of experimental design (the result of a collaboration). Other duties included grant writing, authoring publications, producing scientific graphics.Skills:• Computing: R programming language, Unix, Python, C++ (Arduino IDE), Tableau• Statistics: Experience with large datasets, hyperdimensional datasets (shape data), multiple regression models, survival analysis, Bayesian statistical framework, Genome Wide Association, molecular evolution, etc...

Zoology, Eebb

Gained extensive experience in grant writing, research design and methodology, data analysis, statistics, data synthesis and presentation, leadership in education programs, and educational assessment. Lead and managed multiple research projects on understanding the developmental and genetic regulation of sexual size and shape dimorphism in fruit flies. Responsible for all parts of research from conceptualization, literature review, data collection, data analysis, and publication. In collaboration with major advisors, Dr. Alex Shingleton and Dr. Ian Dworkin Effectively communicate research results through peer-reviewed journal articles and oral presentations at national conferences and invited international workshopsWorked independently and collaboratively with parties at MSU and other American and international universities. Published results from independent graduate student collaboration. Managed graduate student peers and undergraduate research assistantsAfter two years of teaching (comparative anatomy), I was promoted to lab manager. I successfully managed a team of eight TAs for four years, and worked closely with three lecture professors to integrate lab and lecture material. Skills:• Computing: R programming language, Unix• Statistics: Experience with large datasets, hyperdimensional datasets (shape data), multiple regression models, survival analysis, Bayesian statistical framework, etc...News coverage of research: • Press release about co-first authored paper, Loss of Species’ Sex Signals May Lead to Extinction. http://research.msu.edu/loss-of-species-sex-signals-may-lead-to-extinction/• My blog article on Understanding how males and females grow apart in BEACON news. http://beacon-center.org/blog/2014/06/09/beacon-researchers-at-work-understanding-how-males-and-females-grow-apart/

East Lansing, Michigan Area

Managed and coordinated a group of eight other teaching assistants associated with the Comparative Anatomy laboratory course at MSU. Responsible for updating course material annually and synching lab and lecture materials (as lecture professors changed). Other duties included managing supplies, arbitrating grading issues, creating exams and assignments, delegating tasks, and fostering a collaborative group environment.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Integrative Biology / Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, And Behavior

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Physical And Biological Anthropology, 3.8