Ebony D. Taylor

Experienced and proactive communicator with a proven track record of effectively managing complex projects while maintaining strict adherence to deadlines. Proficient in multitasking and prioritizing tasks to optimize workflow efficiency. Demonstrates exceptional problem-solving abilities, with a knack for thinking creatively and acting decisively to overcome challenges. Committed to bringing a proactive and innovative approach to achieving company objectives and contributing to the continued success of Lynker.

Dear Hiring Manager, I am thrilled to express my keen interest in the Marine Biologist Genetics Technician position at Lynker Corporation. With a solid background in ecology and genetics, I'm eager to join your team and support NOAA's NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center Marine Mammal and Turtle Division. With my diverse background, I offer a unique perspective, driven by a passion for conservation ecology and species preservation, specializing in genetics and genomics to address human disruptions on at-risk species communities. While pursuing my Master's degree at the University of Wisconsin under Dr. Sean Schoville, I research heat-responsive genes in Melanoplus grasshopper species. This involves extensive fieldwork, followed by meticulous laboratory planning and experimentation including thermal water bath experiments, RNA extraction, and Qubit quantification. I proficiently optimize PCR conditions, run RT-qPCR for Differential Gene Expression, and prepare samples to be sent for sequencing. Utilizing tools like R-Studio and Microsoft, I analyze data, and I plan to assess RNA sequencing data in February for comprehensive gene function analysis using Geneious. As a research intern with the Million Orchid Project at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in 2015, I collaborated with Dr. Joanna Weremijewicz, Jason Downing, and 15 other researchers, to protect endangered orchids by assessing genetic diversity and developing microsatellites for breeding. I conducted genomic DNA extraction, created photo vouchers, and assisted in identifying unique motifs for primer development, which enriched orchid genetic diversity, advancing our research efforts. During my undergraduate studies, collaborating with Dr. Paolo Segre, a researcher in both whale and hummingbird biology, we merged biomechanics and ecology, showcasing interdisciplinary connections. This experience enhanced my critical thinking and adaptability, skills I now apply across various domains. Additionally, I gained extensive laboratory experience in many ecology labs, including tasks such as dissecting reproductive organs and observing necropsies of deer. Growing up in South Florida, I developed a deep interest in coastal habitats, particularly in coral reefs, sea turtles, and manatees. Visiting educational turtle sanctuaries and witnessing turtle hatchling releases while learning about species differentiation, biology, and behaviors have been truly inspiring experiences for me. It is an incredible opportunity to work with Lynker, a company committed to environmental conservation and marine research, and directly contribute to these vital efforts. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team and eager to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your organization. There is no "perfect" candidate, but there is a candidate willing to learn and open to growth; I am that candidate. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team. Have a beautiful day, Ebony D. Taylor

• 02/2023, 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Final Competition, It's Getting Hot in Here; Turn on the Genes!, 3rd place, Madison, WI
• 10/2022, 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Semi-Final Competition, It's Getting Hot in Here; Turn on the Genes!, Finalist, Madison, WI
• 08/2018, Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Final Symposium, Maximal load carrying performance of leaf-cutter ants (Atta cephalotes), Heredia Province, Costa Rica
• 09/2016, Miami Dade College 5th Annual STEM Research Symposium, Screening of secreted in xylem (SIX) 10 genes in Fusarium wilt pathogens of palms, Miami, FL
• 07/2016, University of Florida's Fifth Annual South Florida Graduate Research Symposium, Screening of secreted in xylem (SIX) Genes in Fusarium pathogens of palms, Immokalee, FL

• 10/2023, 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, Workshop: You're Researching What? Crafting a 3-Minute Research Talk that Appeals to the Public, As a panelist, I offered 52 participants guidance on effectively communicating science through storytelling, addressed inquiries, and provided additional support to those preparing for the upcoming 3MT competition. Furthermore, I provided individual coaching to 3 participants who went on to advance from the 2023 Semi-Final Competition to the 2024 Final competition., Madison, FL
• 08/2022, 09/2023, Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program, Alumnus, As an Alumnus, I met with 9 underrepresented students and helped them review and edit their graduate schools applications and personal statements., Madison, FL
• 08/2015, 05/2016, Miami Dade College, President - YES! for Environmental Sustainability Club, Organized meetings for club members and faculty, spearheading a campus smoothie business aimed at fundraising for solar panels. Additionally, I actively engaged in events, advocating for awareness of human impacts on diverse environments (Coastal habitat included) and proposing potential solutions and actionable steps., Miami, FL

Key words: Communication, Public speaking, Social media, Oral Presentations, Delegation, Planning, Collaboration

• 08/2022, present, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 40, Master's Student, Department of Entomology, Dr. Sean Schoville, I investigate heat-induced genes and behaviors in various populations of the grasshoppers Melanoplus sanguinipes (economic) and Melanoplus bouldernsis (ecological). My research includes RNA extractions (tissue), RNA quantification (Qubit Fluorometer, Nanodrop, Plate reader), Converting RNA Into Cdna, PCR optimization, RT-QPCR and analysis For Differential Gene Expression, Transcriptome analysis with Geneious (Inprogress), Transferring and storing RNA samples, Reading peer-reviewed papers, Writing manuscript, Mentoring undergraduates and lab technician, Working closely and daily with two other researchers, Writing detailed notes-summary of work-and instructions that can be given to others to easily understand project progression, Writing my introductory lab bio, and Communicating my current research importance in a way that is digestible to broad and diverse audience., Madison, WI, Genomics, Genetics, Climate change, R statistical software, Molecular Biology, Molecular Ecology, RNA Sequencing
• 06/2018, 08/2018, Research Experiences for Undergraduates, 40, Undergraduate Research Intern, Organization for Tropical Studies, Dr. Paolo Segre, I implemented a research study focused on maximal load carrying capacity of leaf-cutter ants (Atta cephalotes) in the lowland/highland rainforest of Costa Rica. I used regression analysis., Heredia Province, Costa Rica
• 05/2017, 05/2018, University of Florida, 16, 30, Undergraduate Researcher, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Dr. Christine Miller, I did dissections, behavioral trials, and used ImageJ. I worked on projects which investigated weapon trade-offs, resource availability, and mate choice influencing Leaf-footed Bugs' (Narnia femorata) sexual behavior and traits. My main project investigated mating systems and female companionship influence on males' testes mass., Gainesville, FL
• 06/2016, 09/2016, University of Florida, 40, Research Intern, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Dr. Monica Elliott, I screened palm plants for Secreted in Xylem (SIX) genes found within Fusarium pathogens. I used Polymerase chain reaction test., Davie, FL
• 06/2015, 08/2015, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 40, Intern, Hsiao Labs, Joanna Weremijewicz, I worked on developing microsatellite markers along with determining the genetic diversity of Encyclia tampensis and Cyrtopodium punctatum orchid species. This work consisted of Collecting leaf specimens while in the field, Extracting genomic DNA, Screening for potential microsatellite repeats, Creating and Submitting specimen photo vouchers, and Co-writing a manuscript then Presenting the results publicly., Coral Gables, FL, Plant science, Plant Pathology, Insect Rearing, Native plants, Reproductive Behaviors, Toxicology, Geographic Coordinates of Species (GIS), Threatened and Endangered Species, Microsoft365 Packages, Adobe Premiere Pro, Species Conservation Science, Field Ecology, Wildlife Studies, Collaborated with Other Researchers, Analyzing Data, Summarizing Data

• 05/2019, Segre, P. S. & Taylor, E. D., Large ants don't carry their fair share: Maximal load carrying performance of leaf-cutter ants (Atta cephalotes), Journal of Experimental Biology, 10.1242/jeb.199240
• 04/2016, Weremijewicz J. et al., Microsatellite primers for two threatened orchids in Florida: Enycyclica tampensis and Cyrtopodium punctatum (Orchidaceae), Applications in Plant Sciences, 4, 4, 10.3732/apps.1500095

• Sean Schoville, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Department of Entomology, 637 Russell Labs, Madison, WI, 53706, Sean.schoville@wisc.edu
• Lauren Cirino, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Biological Sciences, 3209 N. Maryland Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53201, Cirino@uwm.edu
• Paolo S. Segre, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay, WI, 54311, segrep@uwgb.edu
• Christine Miller, University of Florida, Department of Entomology & Nematology, 1881 Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, cwmiller@ufl.edu
• Rachel Mallinger, University of Florida, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Steinmetz Hall, 1881 Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32608, rachel.mallinger@ufl.edu

Bird Watching 

Hosting Painting &/or Poetry nights

Attending The Moth Storytelling events

Kite-flying on the Lake

Insect Finding

Constantly Experiencing New Activities