Leah Wilson

Beach Monitoring Project

• Supervise student technicians sampling 34 beaches and oversee the E. coli testing with culture, qPCR, and ddPCR methods.
• Prepare sanitary surveys
• Report data to local health departments and the State of Michigan.
• Provide support for beach advisories due to elevated bacterial levels and Harmful Algal Blooms.
• Lead beach monitoring field work inclusive of sample collection, sanitary survey data assessment, and physiochemical parameter analysis
• Promote a positive work environment by fostering teamwork and open communication
• Serve as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to safety at all times.

Sewer Project

• Conducted bi-weekly pathogen analysis of wastewater (SARS-CoV-2, RSV A/B, Influenza A/B/ H5N1, Norovirus G1/G2) through state-sanctioned ddPCR and data analysis methods.
• Collaborated with a statewide network of local, state, and federal partners and municipalities to produce reliable monitoring data for public health entities.
• Supervised pathogen lab operations by maintaining strict quality control, inventory management, and training additional staff on sewer protocols.

Whole Genome Sequencing

• Performed whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A viruses from wastewater using Illumina Miseq protocols.
• Presented findings of SARS-CoV-2 variant shifting in multiple communities based on historical sequencing data.

Microbial Source Tracking

• Analytical operating
• Executed routine good laboratory practices (GLPs) when handling tasks such as reagent preparation and acid washing to maintain laboratory cleanliness and safety.
• Trained multiple staff and student interns on general laboratory tasks.
• Certified to work in Biosafety Level 2 laboratories.

Lab preparation for over 10 different laboratory courses, consisting of laboratory equipment maintenance/ calibration, cleaning and organizing laboratory rooms, washing glassware, handling chemicals, materials inventory, and coordinating a team of 7-10 coworkers through various tasks on strict deadlines.

- Inventoried laboratory equipment to provide process improvement and quality assurance for each laboratory

- Facilitated husbandry duties for multiple research animals, such as jumping spiders, crayfish, frogs, ants, fruit flies, saltwater and freshwater fish, millipedes, worms, and snails.