Maria Violante

Dedicated Biology graduate (Magna Cum Laude) with a Chemistry minor, currently pursuing a Master’s in Bioinformatics. Experienced in bioinformatics research, with a focus on genetic analysis, sequence alignment, and phylogenetic reconstruction. Strong analytical skills, complemented by GMP laboratory expertise. Passionate about applying bioinformatics to gene marker discovery and drug development. Actively seeking an internship or co-op opportunity to further develop expertise in computational biology. Enthusiastic about applying my unique scientific background to an environment that nurtures curiosity, ambition, and innovation.

Leadership: Certified trainer at Cosette Pharmaceuticals, training new and existing chemists on testing methods and procedures to ensure safe, accurate experimentation

Communication: Strong written, verbal, and active listening skills demonstrated through research reports, client interactions, and tutoring sessions

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills used to troubleshoot laboratory procedures and support individuals in high-pressure situations

Time Management: Effectively balances work, academic, and volunteer commitments

Empathy & Compassion: Demonstrated through emotional support as a Crisis Counselor and through offering volunteer assistance to the struggling families within the Hope House Foundation

"Hymenolepid Cestodes of Waterfowl: A Bioinformatics Approach to Reconstructing Family-Level Phylogenetics"
SUNY Purchase College, [Fall 2021 - Spring 2022]

• Dissected waterfowl specimens to extract, mount, and classify Hymenolepid cestodes, contributing to parasitic taxonomy.
• Conducted genome database searches and utilized bioinformatics tools to compare and align genetic sequences, focusing on the 28S gene.
• Reconstructed phylogenetic relationships to address taxonomic inconsistencies and assess evolutionary connections within the Hymenolepididae family.
• Identified gaps in genetic data for Hymenolepididae genera, highlighting the need for further sequence acquisition and sequencing the same gene for genetic evolution studies (particularly in avian hosts).
• Analyzed polyphyletic relationships among key genera (e.g., Microsomacanthus, Hymenolepis), revealing potential misclassification and synonym issues.
• Suggested future research directions using less conserved genes (e.g., cox1) to improve evolutionary insights and resolve complex genus relationships.

"Analyzing Notch and Foxc1 Protein Sequences in Six Model Organisms Using Bioinformatics"
SUNY Purchase College, [Spring 2021]

• Conducted comparative sequence alignments of Notch and Foxc1 proteins across six model organisms to identify conserved regions.
• Utilized phylogenetic analysis to trace evolutionary divergence and determine orthologous relationships, highlighting protein conservation patterns.
• Examined the role of Notch in cell signaling and Foxc1 in transcriptional regulation, providing insights into their evolutionary conservation in developmental biology.
• Enhanced understanding of protein function conservation across species, contributing to comparative genomics and evolutionary studies.
• Identified higher sequence conservation in Xenopus laevis, Mus musculus, and Gallus gallus domesticus compared to Danio rerio, revealing insights into developmental protein function.
• Demonstrated that Caenorhabditis elegans exhibited the lowest conservation, supporting its distant evolutionary relationship.

Volunteer, 02/2024 - Current

Hope House Foundation - Huntersville, NC

• Provided childcare and tutoring to children aged 2–13 from struggling single mothers in temporary assisted housing

Crisis Counselor, 01/2024 - 05/2024

Crisis Text Line - Remote

• Provides evidence-informed crisis intervention and suicide prevention support
• Provides brief supportive counseling to texters who are in emotional distress
• Conducts risk assessments of individuals in accordance to program policies & procedures

Genetic and Genomic Assistantship Course, Earned 06/2024

Columbia University - New York, NY | Remote

• Completed an asynchronous online course for Genetic Assistantship certification
• Gained comprehensive insights into genetic counseling, including test ordering, pedigree construction, and analysis
• Enhanced understanding of the U.S. healthcare system and improved active listening skills through real-world testimonials and interactive learning modules
• Practiced genetic test ordering through Ambry Genetics, gaining practical experience in clinical applications

CPR AED and First Aid Certification, Earned 01/2024 | Expires 01/2026

CPR Select - Remote

• Certified to provide emergency care to adults, children, and infants, including CPR, AED use, and first aid procedures

Student-Athlete, NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball, 08/2018 – 12/2019

Belmont Abbey College – Belmont, NC

• Awarded a full athletic scholarship based on exceptional performance and leadership in basketball.
• Developed strong teamwork, time management, and leadership skills balancing athletics with academics.
• Demonstrated resilience and adaptability, transferring to SUNY Purchase College to pursue academic excellence after a career-ending injury