John Harris
Provo,UT
Summary
Detail-oriented pre-medical undergraduate researcher with hands-on experience in molecular biology, microbiology, and protein biochemistry. Proficient in experimental techniques including DNA isolation, PCR, bacterial transformation, protein purification, and immunoassays. Experienced in supporting laboratory instruction and collaborative research environments, with strong analytical skills and a commitment to scientific rigor, reproducibility, and translational relevance to human health.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher's Assistant
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT
09.2025 - Current
- Assisted 22 students in performing molecular biology and biochemistry experiments, including DNA isolation and quantification, PCR amplification, restriction digestion, ligation, and gel electrophoresis
- Guided bacterial transformation procedures and plasmid mini-preps, emphasizing sterile technique and experimental accuracy
- Supported protein expression, purification, and analysis, including HIC/GFP chromatography, protein quantification, Western blotting, and ELISA assays
- Graded assignments and gave written feedback
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Phage Hunters
Provo, Ut
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Processed environmental samples by centrifugation and direct plating onto agar seeded with Mycobacterium smegmatis mc² to isolate bacteriophages
- Picked and purified individual plaques through three successive rounds of serial dilution
- Generated high-titer lysates and prepared samples for DNA extraction and whole-genome sequencing using an Illumina platform
- Assembled and manually annotated 6 bacteriophage genomes using DNAMaster, HHpred, NCBI BLAST, PECAAN, Phamerator, and Starterator
Research Assistant
Mizrachi Lab
Provo, Ut
01.2025 - 04.2025
- Did wet lab work, including western blots, bacterial transformation, immunoprecipitation, and other general lab procedures
- Worked with a grad student to culture eukaryotic cells.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT12.2026
Skills
- Research Skills: Literature review, data analysis, academic writing, citation management
- Molecular cloning and analysis (DNA isolation and quantification, PCR, restriction digestion, ligation, plasmid mini-prep, gel electrophoresis)
- Bacterial culture and transformation
- Protein expression, purification, and analysis (HIC/GFP chromatography, protein quantification, Western blotting, ELISA)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Cancer biology and translational cancer research, with particular interest in tumor–nerve interactions and cancer-associated pain. Interested in chronic pain research focused on peripheral and central nervous system pathways, neural signaling, and nerve sensitization, as well as infectious disease research examining host–pathogen interactions and infection-related inflammation or neuropathy.
Languages
Romanian
Professional Working
Certification
- Licensed EMT- April 2025 - Current
PRESENTATIONS / PUBLICATIONS
- Presented Decoding Diversity: Lysin A Variability in B1 Mycobacteriophages, American Society of Microbiology, annual meeting, 2025
- Working on publishing seven peer reviewed papers involving publication of annotated genome of bacteriophages from.
Timeline
Teacher's Assistant
Brigham Young University
09.2025 - Current
Research Assistant
Mizrachi Lab
01.2025 - 04.2025
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Phage Hunters
09.2024 - 06.2025
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Brigham Young University