Undergraduate Research Assistant
San Jose, California, United States
• Utilized bioinformatic approaches (BLAST, etc.) to identify potential lanthanide acquisition genes in Methylorubrum extorquens AM1.• Routinely performed DNA extractions from bacterial samples for Next Gen Sequencing and cloning experiments.• Developed and assessed a series of 9 bacterial mutants through molecular techniques, such as DNA extraction and cloning to assess phenotypic changes in lanthanide acquisition and storage.• Developed an optimized staining method that allowed for the identification of lanthanide acquisition in genetic mutants within an hour.• Created bacterial mutants (gene knockouts/knock-ins) using PCR, PCR primer design, plasmid construction, and cloning.• Evaluated bacterial mutants to assess qualities such as growth rate and lanthanide acquisition rate using various molecular diagnostic assays such as Arsenazo(III) Assay.• Trained 3 new lab members in the best lab practices when using equipment and performing molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and plasmid assembly.