Mircobiome
Maria Olson
Laboratory Pathology Assistant, Microbiology Department
1030 Chester St SE, Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
I graduated with a B.S. in biology from Calvin University in May of 2019. After graduation, I accepted a position as a research technician at the Center for Immunobiology where I worked for 2 years. I am currently working in the microbiology department of Spectrum Health. I hope to receive a doctorate in microbiology so I can become a professor and principal investigator in my own lab, studying how we can harness the power of the microbiome to positively impact health, and sharing my passion for science with students.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Laboratory Pathology Assistant
Spectrum Health
Grand Rapids, MI
04.2021 - Current
- Handle microbiological, fungal, and viral specimen from the Spectrum Health hospitals
- Plate bacterial and fungal cultures, and run viral PCR
- Work with my team to prioritize patient care
- Troubleshoot incorrect tests and specimen
- Utilized Epic software to track all specimen, prodecures, and results
Laboratory Technician
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
08.2019 - 04.2021
- Planned procedures, troubleshot issues, and developed next step for experiments
- Developed CRISPR/Cas9 systems to create mutations in vitro
- Utilized mouse models and flowcytometry to assess mutations in vivo
- Oversaw items in inventory and reordered before supplies diminished
- Documented all producers in a detailed lab notebook
Biology Lab Manager Assistant
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Troubleshot experiments that went wrong in the lab courses
- Organized and cleaned items used in the labs such as tissue slides, anatomy bones, and glassware
- Prepared reagents for laboratory use
Biology Lab Teaching Assistant
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI
09.2016 - 05.2019
- Assisted in microbiology and general biology courses
- Prepared necessary equipment and reagents for courses
- Coached and graded students laboratory procedures and homework
- Supervised groups of 12 to 24 students at a time
Research Assistant
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Planned and executed experiments with primary and secondary cell lines, and donor blood samples
- Analyzed infection rates using flowcytometry and computer programs
- Documented all producers in a detailed lab notebook
- Presented research in a seminar talk, and two poster presentations
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Calvin University
09.2015 - 05.2019
Skills
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Documentation and Reporting
Specimen Handling
PCR
Bacterial, Fungal, and Cell Line Culture
Electrophoresis
Mouse Care and Surgery
Fluorescent Staining
Flowcytometry
Mutagenesis
GRAM Staining
ELISA Assays
CRISPR
Lab Equipment and Reagent Maintenance
DNA Purification
Western Blot
Microsoft Office
SnapGene
DNA Master
R-Studio
FlowJo
Interests
Host-microbial interactions
Gut-Brain Axis
Hobbies
Cross country skiing
Knitting
Hiking
Gardening
Timeline
Laboratory Pathology Assistant
Spectrum Health
04.2021 - Current
Laboratory Technician
Western Michigan University
08.2019 - 04.2021
Biology Lab Manager Assistant
Calvin University
08.2018 - 05.2019
Research Assistant
Calvin University
06.2018 - 08.2018
Biology Lab Teaching Assistant
Calvin University
09.2016 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Calvin University
09.2015 - 05.2019