Jacqueline Mickelson
Efland
Summary
Experienced research specialist and lab animal coordinator with 25+ years supporting preclinical research in academic and industry settings. Expertise in behavioral and physiological assessment, surgical procedures, telemetry, and study coordination for randomized controlled trials. Skilled in training and supervising personnel, ensuring regulatory compliance (IACUC/GLP), and maintaining precise documentation to support publications, reports, and regulatory submissions. Proven ability to apply rigorous technical skills to complex research environments.
Research professional equipped with solid foundation in research methodologies and analytical techniques. Brings valuable expertise in data collection, analysis, and reporting, consistently contributing to team objectives and project goals. Known for adaptability and collaborative spirit, ensuring seamless cooperation with colleagues to achieve results and drive success.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Specialist / Animal Behavioral Scientist
UNC at Chapel Hill, Department of Anesthesiology
Chapel Hill, NC
02.2021 - Current
- Assess and interpret behavioral and physiological indicators of pain, stress, and recovery in rat preclinical models.
- Conduct and analyze behavioral assays: von Frey testing, voluntary wheel running, ethological observation, and telemetry monitoring.
- Lead telemetry studies: surgical implantation, data acquisition, troubleshooting, and analysis of heart rate, activity, and body temperature.
- Perform survival surgeries, including telemetry device implantation and spared nerve injury (SNI), with sterile technique and post-operative care.
- Conduct necropsies and collect blood/tissue samples for molecular and RNA-based analyses.
- Support and refine pain and stress-related models (SNI, single prolonged stress).
- Monitor animals for subtle nociceptive and distress signals to maintain humane endpoints and data integrity.
- Collaborate with veterinary and research staff to optimize study design, procedures, and welfare protocols.
- Develop enrichment, handling, and housing strategies to reduce stress and improve reproducibility.
- Train and supervise personnel and graduate students in behavioral assessment, surgical techniques, telemetry operation, and post-operative care.
- Ensure strict adherence to IACUC standards and study protocols.
- Support RCT protocols: subject allocation, blinding, treatment tracking, dosing, and documentation.
Research Specialist / Lab Manager
UNC at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine
Chapel Hill, NC
01.2005 - 05.2020
- Assisted in the development of saphenous vein bleeding and dermal wound models in normal and hemophilia mice.
- Conducted pharmacokinetic studies using novel coagulation compounds.
- Performed necropsies, IV/subcutaneous/oral compound administration, and blood/tissue collection for clotting assays.
- Maintained colonies of mice with hemophilia A, hemophilia B, and von Willebrand disease.
- Prepared histologic slides by processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining tissues.
- Supervised and trained personnel and graduate students in rodent handling, technical equipment, and daily lab operations.
- Ensured full compliance with IACUC standards.
Research Technician III / Lab Animal Coordinator
UNC at Chapel Hill, Department of Pharmacy
Chapel Hill, NC
03.2000 - 01.2005
- Performed necropsies, compound administration (IV, oral gavage), and tissue/blood collection for in vivo susceptibility and toxicity studies.
- Evaluated in vivo and in vitro toxicity data to determine dosing for efficacy studies.
- Assessed compound activity against African trypanosomes.
- Supervised and trained personnel and graduate students in technical procedures, rodent handling, and lab operations.
- Maintained strict adherence to IACUC standards.
Lab Technician
Novartis
RTP, NC
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Maintained maize callus lines for biolistic and Agrobacterium transformation experiments.
- Produced herbicide-tolerant plants and prepared media/solutions for molecular biology experiments.
Lab Technician
EnviroScience, Inc
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Collected, sorted, and identified stream and terrestrial biota for ecological and aquatic surveys.
- Performed sample collection via electroshocking, seining, kick samples, and artificial substrates.
- Assisted in sample preservation and calculation of biological indices to assess water quality.
Education
B.S. - Science
Kent State University
Kent, OH01.1994
Skills
- Preclinical Research & Animal Models (Rodents: Rats & Mice)
- Behavioral Assays & Telemetry Monitoring
- Survival Surgeries & Post-Operative Care
- Randomized Controlled Trial Support & Blinding Procedures
- Blood & Tissue Collection, Necropsy, Molecular Sample Prep
- Study Documentation & Regulatory Compliance (IACUC, GLP)
- Laboratory Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting
- Training, Supervision, & Mentorship
- Enrichment & Welfare Protocol Development
Certification
- IACUC Training & Compliance
- Telemetry Device Surgical Certification
Timeline
Research Specialist / Animal Behavioral Scientist
UNC at Chapel Hill, Department of Anesthesiology
02.2021 - Current
Research Specialist / Lab Manager
UNC at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine
01.2005 - 05.2020
Research Technician III / Lab Animal Coordinator
UNC at Chapel Hill, Department of Pharmacy
03.2000 - 01.2005
Lab Technician
Novartis
01.1998 - 01.2000
Lab Technician
EnviroScience, Inc
01.1994 - 01.1996
B.S. - Science
Kent State University
Optional Cover Letter Paragraph
My experience leading technically complex preclinical research translates directly to the precision, compliance, and study coordination required for the MRI Technologist role at UNC. I have extensive experience performing surgical procedures, handling live subjects, collecting and analyzing physiological data, and maintaining strict documentation for regulatory compliance. I have trained and supervised research personnel and supported randomized controlled trial protocols, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and adherence to study requirements. I am confident that my combination of technical skill, research coordination experience, and commitment to procedural rigor will allow me to contribute effectively to the UNC Biomedical Research Imaging Center’s mission.