PI: Gilles Basset-Led research projects, including the conceptualization of experiments, method development, data generation, statistical analysis, writing, and presentation of results.-Wrote numerous standard operating procedures (SOP) and published peer-reviewed journal articles, including one awarded Editor’s Pick in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.-Excellent development and trouble shooting skills demonstrated by the optimization of existing protocols and… Show more PI: Gilles Basset-Led research projects, including the conceptualization of experiments, method development, data generation, statistical analysis, writing, and presentation of results.-Wrote numerous standard operating procedures (SOP) and published peer-reviewed journal articles, including one awarded Editor’s Pick in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.-Excellent development and trouble shooting skills demonstrated by the optimization of existing protocols and establishment of new techniques in lab, directly resulting in UF Innovation of the Year 2023 award.-Responsible for EHS compliance, safety regulations, hazardous waste management, lab inventory, and instrument maintenance.Main Projects in the Gilles Basset Lab:Understand the biosynthesis and function of quinones: ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q), plastoquinone, phylloquinone (vitamin K1) menaquinone (vitamin K2) along with tocopherols (vitamin E).1) Discovered a new-to-nature herbicide candidate via evolutionary pressure of a plastoquinone biosynthetic gene.2) Elucidated and characterized enzyme responsible for missing step in plant biosynthesis of Coenzyme Q.3) Developed HPLC protocols for the quantification of quinones and related metabolites in multiple organisms and different plant tissues. Disciplines:Biochemistry • molecular biology • microbiology • synthetic biology • analytical chemistryUtilized techniques:-DNA/RNA extraction • PCR • qPCR • qRT-PCR • molecular cloning • DNA sequencing analysis-Transformation and sterile culture of plants, bacteria, and fungi • creation of transgenic overexpression, knock-down, and inducible-expression lines • In vivo gene complementation • bacterial genome editing • directed evolution-Production and purification of recombinant protein • metabolite extractions • sample preparation • UV/Vis spectroscopy • HPLC and LCMS analysis • chemical rescue • heavy isotope labeling • subcellular localization • in vitro enzyme characterization assays Show less

PI: Gilles Basset-Led research projects, including the conceptualization of experiments, method development, data generation, statistical analysis, writing of manuscripts, and presentation of results.-Demonstrated reliability and productivity by generating data on schedule for both independent projects and collaborative projects in teams.-Mastered new techniques for multidisciplinary research projects. Used adaptability, agility, and multitasking, resulting in the… Show more PI: Gilles Basset-Led research projects, including the conceptualization of experiments, method development, data generation, statistical analysis, writing of manuscripts, and presentation of results.-Demonstrated reliability and productivity by generating data on schedule for both independent projects and collaborative projects in teams.-Mastered new techniques for multidisciplinary research projects. Used adaptability, agility, and multitasking, resulting in the completion of my PhD and multiple peer-reviewed journal articles.-Showcased excellent communication skills by frequently presenting my research in oral and poster presentations. I was awarded 1st place in student presentations at the UF PMCB Program Retreat.The Basset lab focuses on understanding the biosynthesis and function of include the quinones ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q), plastoquinone, phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2), and related metabolites such as flavonols and tocopherols (vitamin E).1) Discovered a hidden connection between ubiquinone and flavonol biosynthesis, showing specialized metabolism feeding into primary metabolism, establishing a paradigm shift in the current understanding of metabolism.2) Elucidated and characterized enzyme involved in the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids in plants, which has direct downstream applications in the nutritional quality of field crops.Disciplines:Biochemistry • molecular biology • microbiology • analytical chemistryUtilized techniques:-DNA/RNA extraction • PCR • qPCR • genotyping • molecular cloning-Transformation and sterile culture of plants, bacteria, and fungi • creation of transgenic overexpression expression lines • In vivo gene complementation-Production and purification of recombinant protein • metabolite extractions • sample preparation • UV/Vis spectroscopy • HPLC and LCMS analysis • chemical rescue • heavy isotope labeling • subcellular localization • in vitro enzyme characterization assays Show less

PI: Gilles BassetIn August 2013 I started my graduate program in the Biochemistry department with Dr. Gilles Basset. In August of 2015 the lab moved to the University of Florida wherein I transferred to the Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology program at UF.-I used critical thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting in the project planning, method development, and data analysis, resulting in a peer-reviewed publication in The Plant Cell.-Taught lab courses in… Show more PI: Gilles BassetIn August 2013 I started my graduate program in the Biochemistry department with Dr. Gilles Basset. In August of 2015 the lab moved to the University of Florida wherein I transferred to the Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology program at UF.-I used critical thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting in the project planning, method development, and data analysis, resulting in a peer-reviewed publication in The Plant Cell.-Taught lab courses in Elements of Biochemistry Lab (Spring and Fall 2014), requiring science communication and instructional skills.Main Projects in the Basset Lab:The Basset Lab focuses on the biosynthesis and function of terpenoid quinones, and my work during this time primarily focused on one such quinone – phylloquinone, or vitamin K1.1) Discovered a hidden reaction in the biosynthesis of vitamin K1. This finding demonstrated that the vitamin K1 intermediate needs to be in its reduced form in order for the quinone-methyltransferase enzymatic reaction to occur.2) Wrote a review of the biosynthesis, occurrence, and function of phylloquinone in plants and its role in human health.Disciplines:Biochemistry • molecular biology • microbiology • analytical chemistryUtilized techniques:-DNA/RNA extraction • PCR • qPCR • genotyping • molecular cloning • DNA sequencing analysis-Transformation and sterile culture of plants and bacteria • creation of transgenic overexpression expression lines • In vivo gene complementation-Production and purification of recombinant protein • metabolite extractions • sample preparation • UV/Vis spectroscopy • HPLC and LCMS analysis • subcellular localization • in vitro enzyme characterization assays Show less

Farmed on 1500-acre family farm consisting of corn and soybean in Aurora NESummers (2008 – 2010) Seasonal (May 2011 – August 2013)-Handled day-to-day farm tasks-Responsible for irrigation both via pivot and gravity and assisted with planting, harvesting, and processing of crops-Maintained, repaired, and operated farm equipment and machinery -Used organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills to solve on-site problems and complete tasks… Show more Farmed on 1500-acre family farm consisting of corn and soybean in Aurora NESummers (2008 – 2010) Seasonal (May 2011 – August 2013)-Handled day-to-day farm tasks-Responsible for irrigation both via pivot and gravity and assisted with planting, harvesting, and processing of crops-Maintained, repaired, and operated farm equipment and machinery -Used organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills to solve on-site problems and complete tasks to keep on schedule for a productive growing season. Show less