Breeana Baker

• Performed ~100 brain cuttings from Parkinson’s Disease cohort stocks and documented results.
• Assisted laboratory personnel in performing Kingfisher DNA extractions and lab management according to established protocols.
• Utilized fragment analysis, Nanodrop, and Qubit to assess DNA extraction recoveries.
• Performed procedures such hand-shearing and size selection to optimize DNA recovery for future long-read sequencing projects.
• Troubleshooted DNA fragment analysis for peak detection optimization and trained new personnel.
• Oversaw items in inventory and reordered before supplies diminished.
• Calibrated and maintained QC instruments to keep equipment fully operational.
• Interpreted and documented results of tests into spreadsheets and communicated results to personnel.

• Identified and documented detailed business rules and use cases based on requirements analysis.
• Utilized Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking software to receive and accession 100,000+ DNA buccal swabs and blood samples from arrestees, convicted felons, and detainees from federal agencies.
• Compiled and inspected DNA submission forms and generated batch files using document-scanning software and repository system to import data into LIMS software.
• Verified and edited DNA submission forms using optical character recognition (OCR) software.
• Categorized rework/non-rework DNA samples and prepared sample 96-well plate layouts.
• Collaborated with supervisors to revise plan for DNA sample storage and management.
• Assisted in 5-week project of scanning and palletizing 200,000+ confirmed submission forms.
• Assisted in electronically transferring submission forms to FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) for fingerprint verification using Next Generation Identification (NGI) system.
• Assisted in the National Institute of Justice(NIJ) DNA backlog reduction by preparing and accessioning Sexual Assault Kits(SAKs) for further laboratory processing.
• Performed administrative duties, such as faxing DNA rejection letters to agencies, creating weekly rotations for contractors, record-keeping of submission form/DNA sample locations, and reporting detailed updates to lab personnel.
• Troubleshooted issues regarding data flow into databases and documented findings with upper management and IT personnel on software issues and developments.
• Trained new FSA contractors and laboratory personnel employees on job duties and assisted in preparing training documents.
• Upheld security and confidentiality of documents and data within area of responsibility.
• Earned FSA Excellence Bonus Awards for Outstanding Job Performance(2017 and 2022)

Clerical II

• Utilized Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking software to receive, accession, and inventory DNA buccal swabs from arrestees, convicted felons, and detainees from federal agencies.
• Compiled and inspected DNA submission forms and generated batch files using document-scanning software and repository system to import data into LIMS software.

• Assisted laboratory colleagues in exploring the mechanisms of cortical interneurons to understand neurological diseases.
• Ordered laboratory supplies, negotiated with laboratory vendors to reduce supply costs from 1%-25%, and electronically recorded expenditures.
• Performed maintenance, which included breeding for timed and untimed pregnancies, weaning, ear punching, tail clipping, and tattooing.
• Set and oversaw mLIMs database usage for tracking and reporting mice breedings and genotypes.
• Performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based genotyping of mice embryonic tissue and tail biopsies and prepared reagents.
• Developed laboratory operational manual on mice colony maintenance and mLIMS database usage.
• Cleaned and sterilized tools and equipment.
• Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.

• Performed bacterial transformations, DNA amplification and electrophoresis to isolate lipoxygenases on small and large scales.
• Sterilize equipment and performed laboratory maintenance.
• Trained new personnel on new processes.

• Analyzed epidermal enhancer activity in h923 genetic locus of the Epidermal Differential Complex (EDC).
• Generated hypothesis and experimental design to analyze constructs in enhancing luciferase activity using cellular-based assays and DNA amplification.
• Presented research at monthly meetings and national conferences.

• Generated hypothesis and experimental design to use statistical analysis to analyze N-4 STR repeat slippages of low copy number DNA samples using STRboost.
• Utilized STR multiplex DNA amplification and capillary electrophoresis to perform fragment analyis.
• Presented research at monthly meetings and national conferences.
• Sorted, organized and maintained files.

• Assisted forensic analysts with scanning, organizing, and verifying arrestee and convicted felon DNA samples using LIMS-based software.
• Shadowed personnel in the areas of DNA, controlled substances, physical evidence, toxicology, and firearms/toolmarks
• Sorted, organized and maintained files.

• Retrieved and recorded chromatograhic data from titania nanoparticles in sunscreens and paint.
• Sterilized and clean laboratory tools needed.

• Analyzed electrostatic interactions of thiolic surfaces to improve biosensors.
• Utilized ZetaCAD instrument to calculate zeta potentials of the thiolic surfaces at different ionic strengths of sodium chloride.
• Presented research in laboratory meetings and Purdue poster symposium.