Caitlin Ford, Ph.D.
New York,NY
Summary
Developmental biologist with expertise in stem cell biology, cardiac and cartilage development, cardiovascular disease, genetics, and developmental biology. Scientific and technical writing expert on embryonic development and tissue regeneration. Independent and enthusiastic professional who thrives in a team-oriented environment which provides new skills and knowledge development. Creative thinker who enjoys writing poetry and exploring New York City in spare time.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Researcher
Columbia University
08.2016 - 12.2023
- Scientific and technical communicator, particularly in areas of stem cell biology, genetics, and developmental biology, evidenced by 17 oral and poster presentations and 2 fellowship awards.
- Extensive experience in micromanipulation of Zebrafish embryos, including in vitro fertilization and tissue dissection.
- Project management experience in leading a molecular biology project, leading to discovery of a novel function for Nkx genes in muscle and cartilage development, pending publication in Nature Communications.
- Designs cardiac regeneration assessments, including surgical excision of cardiac tissue, to evaluate muscle response to myocardial infarction to better understand pathways towards effective therapies.
- Ability to delegate tasks and communicate relevant research, evidenced by mentoring 8 junior professionals who collectively presented 12 times in academic settings.
- Proficient in crafting clear and concise instruction materials, evidenced by establishing nine new methodologies and written protocols for research lab.
Research Assistant
University of Maryland, County
06.2015 - 06.2016
- Project management expertise in designing pipeline for identifying novel CRISPR mutations of 3 different genes and their functions in neural crest migration during early embryonic neurogenesis.
- Skilled presenter in scientific communication, evidenced by early career presentations in regional scientific meetings, including 1 poster at Undergraduate Research Symposium, Baltimore, MD, 2016.
Teaching Assistant
University Of Maryland, Baltimore County, UMBC
09.2014 - 12.2015
- Responsible for instruction of 67 students, covering subject material for two 300 level classes (Genetics and Developmental Biology Lab) for three semesters.
- Creates lesson plans and quizzes to assess adequate instruction of material and student’s learning.
- For Developmental Biology Lab, guides and assists in development of students independent projects while providing experimental troubleshooting and collaboration when necessary.
- In Developmental Biology Lab, trains students in module experiment on Sea Urchin in vitro fertilization.
Education
Ph.D. - Genetics And Development
Columbia University in The City of New York
New York, NY2023
MA - Genetics & Development
Columbia University
New York, NY2019
BS - Biochemistry
University of Maryland
Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD2016
Skills
- Embryonic Injections
- Micromanipulation Skills
- Tissue Cryopreservation
- Routine Laboratory Operations
- Results Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Record Keeping
- Creative Problem Solver
- Interpersonal Skills
- Technical Writing
- Microsoft Office Software
- Presentation Skills
Timeline
Graduate Researcher
Columbia University
08.2016 - 12.2023
Research Assistant
University of Maryland, County
06.2015 - 06.2016
Teaching Assistant
University Of Maryland, Baltimore County, UMBC
09.2014 - 12.2015
Ph.D. - Genetics And Development
Columbia University in The City of New York
MA - Genetics & Development
Columbia University
BS - Biochemistry
University of Maryland