LAURA KNITTEL
Oregon Health & Sciences University
Beaverton,OR
1
Certification
25
years of professional experience
Neuroscientist with a strong background in studying biological structure and function, complemented by a proven track record of publications. Demonstrates exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills, making a significant contribution to any research team. Expertise in managing and directing graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research assistants while successfully supporting multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities thrive in collaborative environments, ensuring efficient progress toward research goals.
Work History
Senior Research Assistant
3 Years 5 Months- Skilled in immunohistochemical techniques and confocal microscopy to assist students with immunolabelling, aiding to accelerate data completion.
- Mentor and onboard new laboratory members ranging from graduate students to senior post-doctoral trainees by supporting diverse learning needs and aiding to foster success in fast-paced research environments.
- Effectively complete daily animal husbandry tasks, including health monitoring, breeding, setting up genetic crosses, weaning, genotyping and logging data into colony management software (eg. Soft Mouse and Transnetyx).
- Conduct small animal surgeries (eg. perfusions for harvesting brains) with high precision and attention to detail to support research projects to advance experimental timelines.
- Spearhead daily managerial tasks such as ordering lab supplies, tracking updated chemical inventory, making solutions to streamline daily laboratory operations and improve research efficiency.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
23 Years- Conducted independent research in neuroplasticity and cell migration during embryogenesis of the moth, Manduca sexta, while simultaneously mentoring laboratory students and employees.
- Mentor: Dr. Philip Copenhaver
Veterinary Technician Assistant
1 Year- Supported veterinarians and staff in a high-volume spay/neuter clinic by assisting with surgeries, animal handling, and post-operative care as part of broader efforts to improve animal welfare and reduce overpopulation.
- Maintained clinic cleanliness, sanitation, and organization to ensure a safe and efficient environment, supporting high-throughput animal care.
Bookkeeper & Outreach Coordinator
16 Years- Managed and maintained financial records for daily transactions in a private endodontic practice, ensuring precise bookkeeping and streamlined financial operations.
- Organized and executed appreciation events for referring dental offices to enhance professional rapport and sustain long-term referral partnerships.
Education
PhD - Neuroscience
BS - Biology
Skills
Project management and multitasking in research environments
Strong scientific written and oral communication skills
Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively in dynamic team settings
Animal husbandry and handling (eg. routine care
breeding and genotyping)
Proficient in microscopy (eg. confocal) and microscopy-based data analysis using ZEN (Zeiss)
ImageJ/Fiji and Microsoft Excel
Skilled in Microsoft Office Suit (Excel
Word and PowerPoint) for data processing
visualizations and reporting of scientific data
Certification
2
Timeline
Senior Research Assistant
Oregon Health & Sciences University
03.2023 - CurrentRead More
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon
01.2022 - 01.2023Read More
Bookkeeper & Outreach Coordinator
Valley Endodontics
01.2006 - 01.2022Read More
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Oregon Health & Sciences University
01.2002 - 01.2025Read More
University of Oregon
BS from Biology
Read More
Oregon Health & Science University
PhD from Neuroscience
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Publications
- 1) Stackhouse TL, Marxmiller BD, Sullivan SJ, McConnell HL, Knittel LM, De La Torre R, Houser A, Zhang W, Woltjer RL, Mishra A. (2026) Mild subcortical stroke induces widespread astrogliosis independent of microglia and age. ASN Neuro, 18(1). 2026
- 2) Knittel, L.M., Swanson, T.L., Lee, H.J., Copenhaver, P.F. (2023). Fasciclin 2 plays multiple roles in promoting cell migration within the developing nervous system of Manduca sexta. Developmental Biology 499: 31-46.
- 3) Swanson, T.R., Knittel, L.M., Coate, T.M., Farley, S.M., Snyder, M.A., Copenhaver, P.F. (2005). The insect homologue of the amyloid precursor protein interacts with the heterotrimeric G protein Goa in an identified population of migratory neurons. Developmental Biology 288: 160-178.
- 4) Knittel, L.M., Kent, K.S. (2005). Remodeling of an identified motoneuron during metamorphosis: Central and peripheral actions of ecdysteroids during growth of dendrites and motor terminals. Journal of Neurobiology 63: 106-125.
- 5) Knittel, L.M. & Kent, K.S. (2002). Remodeling of an identified motoneuron during metamorphosis: Central and peripheral actions of ecdysteroids during regression of dendrites and motor terminals. Journal of Neurobiology 52: 99-116.
- 6) Knittel, L.M., Copenhaver, P.F., & Kent, K.S. (2001). Remodeling of motor terminals during metamorphosis of the moth Manduca sexta: Expression patterns of two distinct isoforms of Manduca fasciclin II. Journal of Comparative Neurology 434: 69-85.
- 7) Taylor, B.J. & Knittel, L.M. (1995). Sex-specific differentiation of a male-specific abdominal muscle, the Muscle of Lawrence, is abnormal in hydroxyurea-treated and in fruitless male flies. Development 121: 3079-3088.