Sofia Roitman, Phd Email & Phone Number

Ipswich, Massachusetts, United States

• Managing large NGS datasets and implementing a wide range of bioinformatics tools and programming languages, including Bash, Python, and R, for analysis and interpretation of sequencing results.
• Optimizing and implementing NGS protocols for characterizing DNA, both for the development of new diagnostic assays and for microbiome research.
• Analyzing metagenomic NGS data to discover novel biomarkers as part of a collaborative project spanning multiple international organizations.
• Leading an amplicon-based sequencing and statistical analysis project to profile the tick microbiome, assess host-microbe-pathogen interactions, and identify novel tick-borne pathogens.
• Performing sample collection, DNA extraction, and library preparation for next-generation sequencing, using commercially available NGS workflows.

State College, Pennsylvania, United States

• Used NGS and bioinformatics tools and languages including R, Bash, and Python to study host-microbe interactions in reef-building coral species.
• Maintained laboratory servers as system administrator and managed the laboratory sample collection, including thorough record-keeping, organization, and regular freezer maintenance.
• Oversaw and managed multiple collaborative projects, including sampling logistics, expedition planning, on-site DNA extraction, project and sequencing budgeting, and manuscript publication.
• Experience using RNA-Seq and ATAC-Seq data to identify differential gene expression patterns in human stem cells. Assessed gene expression and chromatin accessibility patterns for cells involved in hematopoiesis.
• Conducted multi-gene amplicon sequencing along with computational and statistical analyses to assess the relationship between coral host health and microbiome composition.
• Designed and conducted a metagenomic study on environmental samples from a contaminated reef to find patterns of changes in bacterial community genetic composition in relation to poor water quality.

State College, Pennsylvania, United States

Designed and taught assorted workshops on DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and NGS data analysis for visiting Master’s students and undergraduates as part of the NSF-INCLUDES Bridge to PhD Program.

State College, Pennsylvania, United States

Led a NGS data analysis workshop for graduate students and faculty along with three other group leaders. The research conducted as part of this workshop is featured in a peer-reviewed manuscript published in Restoration Ecology.

Williams College, Williamstown, MA

Assisted with behavioral genetics research using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism.

Tufts University, Medford, MA

Assessed impacts of invasive herbivores on ectomycorrhizal root colonization in eastern hemlock and presented the research at the university's summer symposium. Also assisted with an ongoing project by identifying amino acids using Gas Chromatography (GC) and employing sample derivatization techniques for amino acid assays.

Williams College, Williamstown, MA

Prepared water samples and identified elements using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), identified anions in water samples using Ionic Chromatography (IC), and identified ions in water samples using an AutoAnalyzer for a long-term monitoring project.

Greater Boston Area

Designed and conducted a research project on insect zonation in a New England salt marsh and presented the research at the university's summer research poster session, as well as writing a research paper that was published as part of the program's research journal.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biology, General

Activities and Societies: President of the SACNAS Chapter at Penn State, January 2018 - April 2019 Co-Chair of the Science++ Committee for.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Environmental Science And English