DONOVAN MIERLAK
Berkeley,CA
Summary
Efficient, passionate, and motivated environmental biology student. Eager to join the climate science and carbon capture industry and committed to helping make difference in our planet's future. Experience working in fast-paced start-up and academic environments.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Apprentice
Niyogi Lab
09.2021 - 09.2022
- Creation, use, and optimization of machine-learning based segmentation models to track phototaxis in large Stentor cells
- Used ImageJ tracking software and MATLAB analysis to study how phototaxis is affected by varying conditions such as light wavelength, photosynthetic inhibitors, and circadian rhythm
- Assisted in transformation of fluorescent plasmids into Stentor cells.
Molecular Biology Associate
Singular Genomics
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Worked in the molecular biology division of a next-generation DNA sequencing startup
- Focused on troubleshooting DNA amplification techniques to optimize Singular’s novel sequencing platform
- Responsibilities included preparing lab reagents, bioconjugation/primer development, cluster amplification, general fluorescent microscopy, experimental design and analysis
- Specific projects involved: Investigating the effects of buffers and additives on enzymatic activity
- Assessing pH dependence on DNA polymerase activity
- Analyzing techniques for reducing nonspecific DNA interactions.
Research Apprentice
Animal Flight Laboratory
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Studied the evolutionary flight development of arboreal lizards
- Evaluation of flight performance biomechanics in gliding lizards using MATLAB motion capture software.
Education
Master of Science - Molecular Environmental Biology
University of California, Berkeley
05.2023
Skills
High attention to detail, self-starter, and drive to learn
- Sequencing prep - PCR, oligonucleotide bioconjugation, DNA amplification techniques
- Plant biology - Plasmid DNA construction, algal transformation and isolation
- Lab proficiency - reagent preparation, pipetting, gel electrophoresis
- Data analysis - general fluorescent microscopy, sequence alignment/comparison, image/video processing
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, ImageJ, Google Colab, Python, and Adobe Creative Cloud
Timeline
Research Apprentice
Niyogi Lab
09.2021 - 09.2022
Molecular Biology Associate
Singular Genomics
01.2021 - 06.2021
Research Apprentice
Animal Flight Laboratory
01.2020 - 01.2021
Master of Science - Molecular Environmental Biology
University of California, Berkeley
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