Kara Zimolzak
Marquette University
Milwaukee,WI
3
years of professional experience
Biomedical sciences student with experience in physics instruction and research support. Skilled in communication, teamwork, attention to detail, and organization, with a strong ability to explain concepts, manage data, and keep lab work on track.
Work History
Physics Teacher's Assistant
2 Months- Demonstrated physics lab procedures and equipment use, reinforcing concepts through clear, step-by-step instruction.
- Prepared laboratory setups and verified materials before class to maintain smooth experiment execution.
- Supported students during office hours by explaining problem-solving methods and clarifying course material.
- Graded assignments and lab reports, ensuring accurate feedback aligned with instructor expectations.
Research Assistant
2 Years 11 Months- Collected research data using surveys, interviews, and laboratory procedures.
- Analyzed findings to support project conclusions and refine research questions.
- Documented observations, source materials, and results with consistent accuracy.
- Maintained organized records, databases, and research files for team access.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences
- Dean's List Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Fall 2026
- Honoree of Marquette's Core Honors Program
- Honoree of The College of Health Sciences Disciplinary Honors Program
- 3.71 GPA
- Alpha Epsilon Delta Member
- Biological Undergraduate Member
- Biomedical Sciences Research Association Member
Skills
Teaching
Demonstration techniques
Data analysis
Attention to detail
Problem-solving
Organizational skills
Multitasking
Effective communication
Collaboration
Teamwork
Decision-making
Conflict resolution
Accomplishments
- Presented research on chronic stress and behavioral applications at the WISER Conference.
- Delivered a poster presentation on everyday wealth disparities at the Community Empowerment & Justice Symposium in 2025.
- Author of “Nucleus Accumbens DRD2 Receptor Agonism Attenuates Escape Behavior,” published in Frontiers in Neuroscience in 2026.
- Acknowledged in "Aversion-Induced Dopamine Reductions Predict Drug-Taking and Escape Behaviors," published in Nature-Neuropsychopharmacology in 2025
Timeline
Physics Teacher's Assistant
Marquette University
08.2026 - CurrentRead More
Research Assistant
Marquette University
11.2023 - CurrentRead More
Marquette University
Bachelor of Science from Biomedical Sciences
Read More
publications
- Investigated Neural Circuit Mechanisms of Aversion: Evaluated the functional role of dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core during aversion-driven negative reinforcement learning.
- Executed In Vivo Surgical & Pharmacological Procedures: Performed stereotaxic intracranial cannula implantations and localized bilateral microinfusions of the DRD2 agonist quinpirole into the NAc core of Sprague Dawley rats.
- Designed Operant Behavioral Paradigms: Implemented a 90-minute operant negative reinforcement paradigm using an aversive 90 dB white noise stimulus to evaluate active escape acquisition, response latencies, and non-goal-directed control behaviors.
- Analyzed Complex Behavioral Datasets: Applied mixed-factorial ANOVAs and planned comparisons across baseline, treatment, and washout phases, establishing that DRD2 activation significantly reduced escape attempts and increased escape latency without causing motor deficits.
- Elucidated Neurobiological Principles: Demonstrated that aversion-induced reductions in NAc dopamine and decreased DRD2 receptor signaling are necessary to drive adaptive escape behavior, challenging traditional two-pathway striatal valence models