Zachary Dashner Email & Phone Number

Parlier, California, United States

State College, Pennsylvania Area

• Graduate PhD research investigated the role of the zinc/iron transporters in the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in Theobroma cacao and included genetic engineering approaches to reduce it.
• Plant Tissue Culture and Propagation: Proficient in sterile culture techniques, micropropagation, and somatic embryogenesis of T. cacao. Skilled in the growth and maintenance of plant lines and cultures.
• Plant Transformation: Expertise in A. tumefaciens-mediated transformations of T. cacao and A. thaliana. Developed a robust R. rhizogenes-mediated transformation protocol for T. cacao to functionally characterize.
• Molecular Biology Techniques: Experienced in various techniques, including binary vector design, cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gene expression analysis (RT-PCR), and CRISPR.
• Microbiology Skills: Proficient in plasmid extractions and working with yeast and E. coli cultures for genetic manipulation and expression studies.
• Plant Biology and Nutrition: Conducted multiple experiments to characterize and compare metal uptake in yeast and Arabidopsis. Teacher's assistant for the Plant Nutrition course, gaining hands-on experience in plant.

I was honored to be selected as an inaugural Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) Fellowship recipient (2018-2021), with matching funds generously provided by Mars Wrigley Confectionery. This prestigious fellowship offered invaluable professional development training and facilitated industry and academic mentorships. My participation in the.

Davis, California, United States

• Horticulture and Agronomy Master's Research with an emphasis on Crop Improvement. Conducted in-depth research investigating the role of polygalacturonase inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) in conferring resistance to the.
• Molecular Biology Techniques: Developed and optimized a polygalacturonase activity assay to efficiently screen lima bean varieties.
• Sequencing and Genetic Analysis: Utilized a combination of PCR, Sanger sequencing, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies to detect genetic variation.
• Data Analysis: Performed statistical analysis and data interpretation using R software.
• Phenotyping: Conducted comprehensive field and greenhouse experiments to investigate and evaluate plant-insect interactions, focusing on understanding resistance mechanisms and identifying potential traits associated.
• Strong Communication Skills: Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills, effectively presenting research findings and engaging in scientific discussions to share knowledge and collaborate with.

Davis, CA

• Teacher’s Assistant for the 15’-16’ and 16’-17’ Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) senior capstone courses (ESP 191A/B).
• Project coordination: Collaborated with SA&FS Advisor, Tom Tomich, to plan and execute logistics of senior capstone projects.
• Multidisciplinary team facilitation: Guided undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in addressing sustainability and food system challenges. Provided guidance, facilitated discussions, and.
• Teaching and mentorship: Mentored students throughout capstone projects, offering support and feedback on proposals, methodologies, and presentations.
• Stakeholder engagement: Assisted students in identifying and consulting with clients and stakeholders. Promoted effective communication and collaboration with external partners.
• Evaluation and assessment: Evaluated student work, including deliverables, presentations, and reports.

Parma Area, Italy

• Coordinated the development of the sustainable agriculture portion of the Milan Protocol for the Barilla Food and Nutrition Center.
• Identified and curated research initiatives to support the policy objectives of the Milan Protocol.
• Actively participated in the planning and execution of a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness and generating attention for the protocol's signing event in April 2015, held in Milan.

Davis, CA

• Assisted in the cell culture media manufacturing process and carried out protein expression, purification, and analysis in the Baculovirus system.
• Virology: Performed virus titrations and co-transfections of insect stem cells for optimal protein production.
• Molecular biology: Executed western blot experiments to analyze protein expression.
• Media Formulation and Production: Demonstrated expertise in formulating and producing cell culture media to support protein expression.
• Data Recording and Analysis: Accurately recorded and analyzed experimental data, contributing to the generation of reliable results.
• Inventory Management: Maintained an organized inventory system, ensuring the availability of reagents, consumables, and equipment for manufacturing and analysis.

Davis, CA

• Assisted in the cell culture media manufacturing process.
• Trained in Good manufacturing practice (GMP).
• Media Formulation and Production

Greater San Diego Area

Conducted extensive research and curated a comprehensive list of practices and methods to enhance Sorghum cultivation for farmers in developing nations through text messages. The project was supported by funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Lexington, MA

• Demonstrated a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and contribute to the farm team.
• Field and Greenhouse Production: Gained practical knowledge including planting, cultivating, and harvesting for multiple crops.
• Integrated Pest Management: Familiarized with IPM monitoring and decision-making practices which minimize the use of pesticides and promote environmentally friendly pest control methods.

Lafayette, California

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Horticulture

Master Of Science - Ms, Horticulture And Agronomy, 3.722

Activities and Societies: Graduate student team lead for the lima bean group (Student Collaborative Organic Plant Breeding Education) at.

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Sustainable Agriculture And Food Systems

Activities and Societies: Youth Empowerment Program, Outdoor Adventures, Global Student Embassy, Sigma Nu Fraternity, UC Education Abroad.

Education record