Summer Research Student

Posted on: 2011-05-01

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• DNA - extraction, quantitation with micro-volume spectrophotometer (NanoDrop), genotyping, and sequence analysis.  
• PCR (MJ Research PTC2000 Peltier ThermoCycler) including primer design, trouble-shooting, and AFLP-PCR, followed by agarose gel electrophoresis (BioRad Gel Doc 2000) with ethidium bromide staining. 
• Paraffin embedded tissue sectioning (Leica RM 2155 Microtome), immunohistochemical staining, and H&E staining. 
• Microscope photography with Zeiss microscopes and AxioVision. 
• Mouse husbandry, genotyping, and dissection.

 
EDUCATION
Master of Science (Applied) in Biotechnology                                          2010 – current
McGill University, Montreal QC
 
Bachelor of Science in Biology                                                                 2006 – 2010
McGill University, Montreal QC
CGPA 3.60
 
RESEARCH RELATED EXPERIENCE
Summer Research Assistant, Department of Pediatrics & Human Genetics, Dr. Indra Gupta’s Lab                                                                                              Summer 2010
Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal QC

• Analyzed three candidate genes for vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) in mice using PCR and identified two non-synonymous mutations. 
• Sectioned and stained P1 kidneys for claudin-3. 
• Assisted with mouse VUR testing and gathered medical information on recruits for a human VUR study. 
• Organized and managed all purchase orders and receipts. 
• Presented an oral report on Vesicoureteral Reflux Candidate Gene Analysis to three labs.

 
Department of Biology, Dr. Ehab Abouheif’s Lab                                      
McGill University, Montreal QC
Independent Study Project                                                                                                        Winter 2009

• Studied the differences in genetic structure between two populations of Monomorium emersoni ants with AFLP-PCR and predicted that gene flow only occurs through male M. emersoni undergoing long distance migration. 
• Performed queen, worker, and embryo ant dissections. 
• Catalogued and photographed all queen samples that were utilized. 
• Prepared a written report on The Gene Flow Between Two High Altitude Populations of Monomorium emersoni.  

Undergraduate Lab Assistant                                                                                                      2007 – 2009

• Maintained more than 20 ant colonies at a given time.
• Experimented with ant diet to optimize growth/health of colony. 
• Observed for and collected embryos at the proper stages for a graduate student’s experiment. 
• Organized and updated the lab’s collection of MSDS data. 
• Upheld overall lab tidiness (cleaned glassware, stocked tips). 

 
OTHER EXPERIENCE

Exam Invigilator, Office for Students with Disabilities                                     current
McGill University, Montreal QC

• Ensured a safe and calm environment for students writing exams, while preventing any forms of cheating.
• Maintained said environment despite incidents such as a fire alarm and on-going construction.

Campus Tour Guide, Macdonald Campus                                                     2010 – 2011
McGill University, Montreal QC

• Familiarized prospective McGill students and their relatives with the facilities and activities on campus.
• Addressed any questions that were voiced by prospective students.

VP Internal, Korle-Bu Neuroscience Club McGill                                           2008 – 2010
McGill University, Montreal QC

• Conceived and organized awareness & fundraising events to improve the neuroscience resources of Ghana.
• Corresponded with 30 members and 10 executives through emails and newsletters. 
• Cooperated with the university student society (SSMU) to ensure that all events respected university rules.

 
VP Finance, Healthy Minds McGill                                                                 2008 – 2010
McGill University, Montreal QC

• Budgeted and managed all funds for a 35-member club that provides educational activities to the children at the McGill Daycare, SSMU Daycare, and MacKay Rehabilitation Centre. 
• Conceived and implemented fun, educational activities for toddlers to 5-year olds on a weekly basis.

 
Volunteer, Department of TB Research                                                        2008 – 2010
Montreal Chest Institute, Montreal QC

• Compiled patient questionnaires into an ongoing clinical and epidemiological study database in collaboration with Montreal Public Health and Immigration Canada. 
• Audited database information that was collected at the start of the study. 
• Coordinated X-rays with patient information and doctors’ notes from Immigration Canada.

 
Sales Coordinator, Business Development                                                  Summer 2007
Grand & Toy Head Offices, Toronto ON

• Consulted other departments locally and nationally, as well as previous clients, for statements to aid in the completion of business proposals. 
• Updated and maintained the product cross-reference database.  
• Developed a Grand & Toy FAQ database and tool.

 
AWARDS & PUBLICATIONS
Murawski I., Maina R., Ko B., Leung V., Watt C., and Gupta I. (2010 August.) Using complementation analysis to identify new genes that are associated with vesico-ureteric reflux in inbred mice. Poster session presented at the 11th International Workshop on Developmental Nephrology.
 
Grand & Toy’s Bryan Brydges Scholarship ($4000)                                       2006
 
LANGUAGES
Fluent written and spoken English, fluent spoken Cantonese, basic written and spoken French.
 
TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
McGill Module 1 (Handling & Restraint) Mouse Training                                 2010
WHMIS Training                                                                                               2008
Canadian Red Cross First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Certified                          2008
 
REFERENCES
Available upon request.