Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Accomplishments
Grants
Timeline
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Claudia Colligan

East Lansing,MI

Summary

Motivated and detail-oriented researcher with extensive experience in plant developmental genetics, molecular biology, and data-driven analysis. Skilled in experimental design, molecular benchwork, and statistical programming. Dedicated to advancing knowledge in plant science through collaborative, innovative, and rigorous research.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Laboratory Manager

Josephs Lab, MSU
05.2025 - Current
  • Oversaw daily laboratory operations for 4 graduate researchers and 2 undergraduate assistants, including growth chamber and greenhouse management, supply procurement, and compliance with EHS safety standards.
  • Contributed to research on a variety of subjects, including floral morphology, subgenome dominance, and circadian rhythm, gaining expertise in flower dissection, microscopy, and RNA sequencing.
  • Assisted in experimental design of a subgenome dominance project, inducing acute drought stress in a Boechera hybrid line to compare RNA expression across developmental stages.
  • Developed a protocol for growing the species Cardamine Hirsuta.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Josephs Lab, MSU
05.2023 - 05.2025
  • Conducted a common garden experiment to analyze leaf shape variation in Capsella bursa-pastoris. I gained proficiency in benchwork skills including DNA extraction, RNA extraction, PCR, PCR purification, and gel electrophoresis. Phenotypic data was recorded via Microsoft Teams and Excel and analyzed via R and python.
  • I completed an urban quantification project, in which I analyzed data from 40,000 GBIF occurrences of two different weedy species using R Studio.
  • I presented my research at university events and conferences, winning a 1st place award for my urban quantification research poster.

Team Lead

Global Career Accelerator
05.2024 - 07.2024
  • Using mastery in SQL and python, I led students in live, online problem-solving sessions.
  • Conducted 1-on-1 office hours, mentoring students in data analysis and intercultural skill-building.
  • Developed expertise in providing constructive feedback, student engagement, and time management.

Research Experiences in Biology (LB 348)

Michigan State Universtiy
  • Designed and performed a qualitative research project analyzing STEM ULA perceptions of disability and accessibility.
  • Worked collaboratively with a team, building skills such as communication, time management, and confidence in science communication
  • The outcome was a research poster presentation highlighting results of a semester long research project at the University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF)

Support Service Technician

Corewell Health
05.2022 - 08.2022
  • I worked in a fast-paced environment, requiring flexibility between job sites and work being done.
  • I worked closely with different staff members to ensure patient care, including fast meal deliveries and cleanliness of community spaces.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Michigan State University
05.2025

High School Diploma - undefined

Forest Hills Northern High School
05.2021

Accomplishments

2023 Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences (MidSURE)

  • Presented poster: “Analysis of Capsella bursa-pastoris Leaf Shape Variation”

2023 Mid-west Population Genetics Conference

  • Presented poster: “Analysis of Capsella bursa-pastoris Leaf Shape Variation”

2025 University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF)

  • Presented poster: "BIG CITY PLANTS: INVESTIGATING THE URBAN-RURAL GRADIENT OF A COMMON WEED SPECIES"
  • Received 1st Place award in Plant Science category
  • Presented Poster: "Undergraduate Learning Assistant Views on Disabilities in STEM Classrooms: Breaking Down the Landscape of Classroom Support"

Grants

2025 PLANTS Travel Grant, Botanical Society of America Not Received

Timeline

Laboratory Manager

Josephs Lab, MSU
05.2025 - Current

Team Lead

Global Career Accelerator
05.2024 - 07.2024

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Josephs Lab, MSU
05.2023 - 05.2025

Support Service Technician

Corewell Health
05.2022 - 08.2022

High School Diploma - undefined

Forest Hills Northern High School

Research Experiences in Biology (LB 348)

Michigan State Universtiy

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Michigan State University

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Claudia Colligan