Jennifer C. Orona
Auburn
Summary
Purpose-driven and hands-on lab professional with over three years of experience in academic research, diagnostic testing, and molecular lab work. I've contributed to studies in entomology, plant pathology, pest management, and livestock research, developing a strong appreciation for the impact of precise and reliable lab practices. I’m confident in techniques like PCR, qPCR, ELISA, and nucleic acid extraction, and I enjoy refining protocols to improve efficiency. I also value mentoring students, and fostering a collaborative research environment. Whether troubleshooting an assay or helping students get their footing in the lab. I bring adaptability, a fast learning curve, and genuine curiosity to every challenge. I'm excited to bring that mindset to UMMC and contribute meaningful research in molecular biology.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lab Technician III
AU Plant Diagnostic Lab
Auburn
08.2022 - Current
Areas of Expertise: Provides Identification, science-based management options, and education services for AL citizens and growers. Services offered include plant disease diagnosis, insect identification, nematode analysis, and plant/weed identification.
- Provides plant health diagnostics and tailored science-based recommendations to more than 100 growers across Alabama.
- Performs PCR and qPCR testing on a variety of plants Insect-borne diseases, and soil samples to identify potential pathogens and environmental contaminants.
- Develops and assist in the development of complex research project proposals, plans, and protocols leading to a 20% improvement in test reliability and turnaround time.
- Trained and mentored over 2 student workers and 3 lab technicians in molecular biology techniques, including PCR/qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, and the use and maintenance of specialized lab equipment.
- Provides instruction on protocol development, implementation of both standard and modified procedures, and best practices in laboratory operations and safety.
Lead Field Research Assistant
Auburn University
Auburn
03.2024 - 05.2024
Research: Corteva Grant: Involved an insect biodiversity study comparing canola and fallow plots using standardized trapping methods during flowering, with weekly arthropod sampling and coordination of over 100 subsamples for lab identification.
- Assisted and performed an insect biodiversity study comparing canola and fallow field environments using standardized sampling techniques (bee bowls, pitfall traps, sticky cards, and sweep-netting)
- Ensured adherence to experimental design, maintained trap accuracy, and adapted sampling strategies based on weather and crop phenology
Research Assistant
Auburn University - Entomology and Plant Pathology Lab
Auburn University
05.2021 - 08.2022
Research: Applied entomological IPM solutions in grains, pastures, and hemp
- Executed pest management trials targeting pests in hemp, corn, and grain crops in over 10+ AL counties responsible for yield loss.
- Streamlined various managerial duties in an effort to provide an easier and more efficient workflow environment for peers and colleagues in the lab.
- Collaborated with entomologists and extension agents to promote sustainable pest control strategies.
- Managed and assisted in research projects resulting in four papers, four presentations, and two posters accepted to academic journals and conferences, many by first-time investigators or graduate students.
Research Assistant
Auburn University - Animal Science and Beef Cattle Forages Lab
Auburn
08.2021 - 12.2021
Research: Alfalfa forage system management strategies and social concepts for expanding the integration of alfalfa into Southern forage-livestock operations.
- Conducted forage sample collection and nutritional analysis for beef cattle grazing systems
- Assisted 2 graduate students, and 1 post-doc researcher on experiments addressing environmental impact and productivity on beef cattle nutrition, management strategies, and environmental impacts.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Science, Animal Sciences
Auburn University
Auburn, AL08.2022
Skills
- Plant specimen analysis
- Molecular diagnostics
- PCR techniques
- Data collection
- Laboratory procedures
- Research project management
- Diagnostic tests
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
Current Position
Lab, Tech III, AU Plant Diagnostic Lab, ACES
Publications & Research Contributions
- Contributor: Carr, Jeremy & Adkins, Zayne & Clifton, CJ & Ekelem, Christiana & Hill, Jarrett & Hughes, Graysn & Meadows, Andrew & Orona, Jennifer & Parker, Brooks & Pham, Annie & Richardson, Ali & Shivers, Corbin & Taunton, Ethan & Trapp, Jayde & Woods, Campbell & Wurtz, Michael. (2020). Coronavirus Conundrum: Which Cleaners to Use? https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341827849_Coronavirus_Conundrum_Which_Cleaners_to_Use
- Acknowledged in MS Thesis: (I. Thweatt, A. Chavez) and ESA conference presentations
Research Interests
- Cell Biology and Evolution
- Microbiology, Virology & Immunology
- Recombinant DNA in Agriculture
- Developmental Biology
- Insect Pathology/Disease Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- One Health Approach
- Population ecology in Wildlife
- Habitat modeling
- Habitat management
Research Acknowledgements
- MS Thesis/Dissertation, Exploring IPM Strategies in Southeastern Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.), Thweatt, Ivy, Auburn University, United States, Alabama, 2023, https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/exploring-ipm-strategies-southeastern-hemp/docview/2890692748/se-2
- MS Thesis/Dissertation, Identifying Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Corn Earworm, Helicoverpa Zea, in Hemp, Chavez, Alejandra V., Auburn University, United States, Alabama, 2023, https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/identifying-integrated-pest-management-strategies/docview/2890693052/se-2
- Conference, Management Strategies for Corn Earworm, Helicoverpa zea, in Alabama, Velez, A., Thweatt, I., Kesheimer, K.A.
- Conference, Evaluating Nitrogen Rates on Plant Growth and Cannabinoid Content in Outdoor Hemp in Alabama, Thweatt, I., Velez, A., Kesheimer, K.A.
- Poster/Showcase, Evaluating nitrogen rates on plant growth and cannabinoid content in outdoor hemp in Alabama, Thweatt, IN, A Velez, KA Kesheimer, Auburn University College of Agriculture Graduate Student Poster Showcase, https://auburn.app.box.com/s/lz6y2aylijv0bhuf1w9yu03c627lprfo/file/878223056916
Public Outreach And Service - Educational Outreach
- Youth Entomology Field Day, 08/21
- ALFA Trip: Issues in Animal Agriculture, 04/21
- Hoops for Trees, 03/21
Affiliations
- Member, Auburn Student Veterans Association (ASVA) (2018–Present)
- Vice President, Military Veterans Auburn Club, Auburn Alumni Association (2021-2023)
- Secretary/Internal HR Consultant, Auburn Student Veterans Association (ASVA) (2020–2021)
- Member, Office of Inclusion and Diversity, Auburn University (2019–2021)
- Chapter Member, Student Veterans of America (SVA) (2019–2021)
- Member, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) (2017–2021)
Certification
- AU Lab Safety & Compliance, 2022 - 2025
- Working with Dogs in Research Settings, CITI Program, 2021 - 2026
- Working with the IACUC, CITI Program, 2021 - 2026
- Dog Exercise, CITI Program, 2021 - 2026
- Post-Approval Monitoring (PAM), CITI Program, 2021 - 2026
Professional Development
- Virtual Stakeholders Summit – Animal Ag Alliance, 05/21, Attendee
- Auburn Alumni Association’s Inaugural Women’s Summit – ‘Auburn Veterans: Igniting the Spirit of Empowerment’, 03/21, Co-Organizer
- Student Veterans of America (SVA) Regional Summit, 10/20, Chapter Member
- Virtual, 2nd Annual Science of Hemp Conference: Production and Pest Management, 11/21, Attendee
- 3rd Annual Science of Hemp Conference: Production and Pest Management, 11/22, Attendee, Lexington, KY
- 4th Annual Science of Hemp Conference: Production and Pest Management, 11/23, Attendee, Auburn, AL
Accomplishments
- Nominee, Be the Creed, 2021
Media Contributions
Podcast
Guest, Ben in The Fight, Feb 2020 - A student veteran hosted a podcast that highlights individual veterans on campus and the community discussing the road from the military and transition to Auburn., https://lnns.co/bABgEHzhQO4
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lead Field Research Assistant
Auburn University
03.2024 - 05.2024
Lab Technician III
AU Plant Diagnostic Lab
08.2022 - Current
Research Assistant
Auburn University - Animal Science and Beef Cattle Forages Lab
08.2021 - 12.2021
Research Assistant
Auburn University - Entomology and Plant Pathology Lab
05.2021 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Science, Animal Sciences
Auburn University
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