Ashley S. Gaines
Raleigh,NC
Summary
Laboratory-trained biology student building expertise across molecular, cellular, and translational research. Core strengths include cell culture, microscopy, PCR, Western blotting, R programming, ERG analysis, and careful data organization, supported by collaboration with faculty, independent experimentation, and guidance of undergraduate peers in laboratory practice.
Overview
1
1
Certification
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
08.2026 - Current
- Conducted independent research on aging mechanisms in RPE-19 cells to advance understanding of cellular aging.
- Assisted in developing and implementing experimental protocols to facilitate research objectives.
- Applied scientific method to assist colleagues and supervisors with experiments.
- Collaborated with professors and fellow research assistants on research projects.
- Supported laboratory maintenance and inventory tracking to ensure efficient operation of research activities.
- Mentored undergraduate students at Winston-Salem State University on laboratory etiquette.
- Instructed students in cell culture techniques and laboratory methods. in cell culture techniques and basic laboratory methods.
Student Intern
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
06.2024 - 07.2024
- Performed molecular biology experiments to study mutations linked to small cell lung cancer brain metastasis.
- Ran PCR assays independently to measure gene expression tied to tumor progression.
- Completed Western blot analysis to identify protein expression in cancer cell lines.
- Processed, analyzed, and interpreted experimental data using R programming.
- Supported research activities in basic and translational laboratory settings.
- Assisted with laboratory animal handling while following institutional animal care and ethical standards.
- Presented research findings at annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Scientists (ABRCMS).
- Systematically compiled research data for easy access and analysis. using spreadsheets and shared research folders.
- Carried out experiments under supervision, developing skills and techniques to operate independently.
- Collaborated with other interns to ensure efficient completion of research tasks.
Undergraduate Student Research Assistant
Winston Salem State University
08.2024 - 04.2025
- Analyzed scientific literature to explore relationship between adipose tissue and cessation of physical activity
- Utilized specialized terminology to articulate study findings effectively, decrease, reduce, cessation, sedentary, detraining to highlight specific types of studies that were related to the correlation between adipose tissue and cessation activity
- Organized findings into tables (animal and human) to illustrate trends across studies
- Presented findings at Winston Salem State University annual Scholarship Day Poster Presentation event
Student Research Intern
University of California Irvine
Irvine, California
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Conducted vision research using genetically modified mouse models.
- Measured retinal responses using electroretinography (ERG).
- Analyzed dark adaptation of rods and cones in homozygous methionine (M/M) and leucine (L/L) variant of RPE65 retinoid to enhance understanding of retinal functions.
- Supported Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Optomotor Response (OMR) testing by preparing equipment and collecting data.
- Executed experimental procedures independently for a fasting project by following established protocols and guidelines.
- Collected data independently and monitored fasting project progression by maintaining accurate records and observations.
- Documented experimental observations and organized research data to facilitate analysis and support conclusions in ongoing studies.
- Independently maintained daily animal husbandry, including feeding, cage maintenance, and health monitoring.
Undergraduate Student Research Assistant
Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine
Winston Salem, NC
01.2026 - 05.2026
- Independently maintained mammalian liver spheroid cultures under sterile laboratory conditions.
- Collected, analyzed, and interpreted experimental data evaluating hepatic spheroid viability.
- Monitored cellular growth and morphology using fluorescence and light microscopy.
- Performed routine cell culture maintenance using aseptic techniques.
- Documented laboratory procedures and results in detail to enhance reproducibility and uphold data integrity.
- Partnered with principal investigators to assess research findings and refine experimental protocols.
- Ensured functionality of cell culture areas and laboratory equipment to support ongoing experiments.
- Attended weekly team meetings to review project progress and contribute to strategy discussions.
- Presented research findings at Winston Salem State University annual Scholarship Day Poster Presentation
Student Subject Peer Tutor
WSSU
08.2024 - 05.2026
- Provided one-on-one and small group tutoring to enhance student understanding and academic performance
- Assisted students by reinforcing concepts, terminology, and exam preparation strategies
- Assisted students in creating structured study schedules to optimize study time and improve learning outcomes
- Conduct targeted review sessions and quiz students to assess understanding and reinforce learning during their appointments
- Supported academic success through one-on-one tutoring sessions.
- Developed client reports for each student to track performance and update professors on progress
- Coordinated tutoring schedules with WSSU staff to ensure effective student support.
- As a subject tutor, I have the responsibility of tutoring students in College Algebra, General Biology 1313/1314, General Chemistry 1 & 2, Anatomy and Physiology 1&2, Elementary Statistics, and Physics 1.
Secretary
TriBeta Biological Honor Society
08.2025 - 05.2026
- Coordinated executive board communication to enhance collaboration among officers, faculty advisors, and general members
- Managed meeting agendas, minutes, and documentation to ensure accurate records and smooth society operations
- Led organization and planning for chapter events, including service projects, academic workshops, and member initiatives
- Supported recruitment and induction processes, helping to increase chapter membership and improve visibility
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Winston Salem State University
Winston Salem, NC05-2026
High School Diploma -
Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School
Raleigh, NC05-2022
Skills
- Cell culture techniques
- Aseptic technique
- Microscopy methods
- Microscopy techniques
- Western blotting
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
- Electroretinography data analysis
- Data analysis and visualization
- R programming
Awards & Honors
- Watts Chapel scholarship recipient
- Burts Bees Scholarship Recipient for academic excellence
- 8X Deans List
- Phi ETA Sigma National Honors Society
- WSSU Alumni Chapter Scholarship recipient
- TriBeta Biological Science Honors Society
- WSSU M.A.P.S (Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students)
- Presenter at Annual Biomedical Research Conference (ABRCMS) for the Mutational Analysis of Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Brain Metastasis
Certification
- CITI certification; Basic Introduction to Biosafety, RCR Basic Course, RCR Class Projects
Timeline
Research Assistant
Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center
08.2026 - Current
Undergraduate Student Research Assistant
Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine
01.2026 - 05.2026
Secretary
TriBeta Biological Honor Society
08.2025 - 05.2026
Student Research Intern
University of California Irvine
06.2025 - 08.2025
Undergraduate Student Research Assistant
Winston Salem State University
08.2024 - 04.2025
Student Subject Peer Tutor
WSSU
08.2024 - 05.2026
Student Intern
Wake Forest University
06.2024 - 07.2024
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Winston Salem State University
High School Diploma -
Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School