Megan E. O’Grady
Germantown,USA
Summary
Meticulous and detail-oriented Lab Technician with hands-on experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and cellular biology. Seeking to leverage technical skills, scientific knowledge, and laboratory management expertise to contribute to forensic science research and the analysis of evidence in a laboratory setting.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Technician
Loyola University Maryland
07.2024 - Current
- Prepared materials and equipment for various biology lab courses, including Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Neurobiology, Ecology, and Insect Biology
- Supervised and trained 8 Federal Work-Study student lab technicians
- Maintained bacterial and mammalian cell cultures using aseptic techniques for instructional purposes
- Collaborated with faculty to align lab preparations with course objectives and needs
Student Researcher
Loyola University Maryland
01.2022 - 05.2024
- Designed, proposed, and worked on variety of research projects with supervision of Drs. Jason Carbaugh and Bernadette Roche
- Projects include: "Chemical Communication in Acorn Ants (Temnothorax) and Urbanization Implications": Field work, scientific literature analysis, specimen fixing, Berlese funnel use, insect identification; "Using Open-Source Data to Compare Benthic and Surface Water Microbial Group Abundances and Community Compositions": Coding language R, microbial taxa knowledge, microbial ecology
Research Intern
Smithsonian National Museum Of Natural History
09.2023 - 04.2024
- Worked on understanding medusozoan biodiversity through analysis of a potential new species of Limnomedusae in genus Scolionema
- Used literature analyses to determine morphological differences between novel organism and other described species in Scolionema
- Used micrography to image and analyze thirty fixed specimens to aid in description of possible new species
- Assisted in husbandry of NMNH’s AquaRoom live inhabitants, including various Scyphozoan and Hydrozoan polyps and other taxa
Natural History Research Experience (REU) Research
Smithsonian National Museum Of Natural History
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Worked on understanding and identifying causes of symbiosis between scale worms (Polynoidae) and black corals (Antipatharia)
- Ensured identities of coral and worm associates through morphological keys and scanning electron microscopy
- Manipulated collected character data in R to create novel analysis of what feature are most influential on symbiosis
- Began preliminary steps to creating comparative phylogenetic analysis to observe evolutionary patterns between taxa
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Environmental Studies
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland05.2024
Skills
- Aseptic Technique
- Pipetting
- Disinfection
- Microbial Culturing
- Mammalian Cell Culture
- DNA Extraction
- Gel Electrophoresis
- Bacterial Growth Media Preparation
- SEM
- Compound Microscopy
- Stereo Microscopy
- Image J
- R Programming
- SAS Programming
- Scientific Writing
- Specimen Handling
- Aquaculture
- Data Visualization
- Comparative Phylogenetics
- Communication
- Team Supervision
- Informal Education
- Outreach
Awards
- Dean’s List Honors, Loyola University Maryland, 4 semesters
- Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society, 2023-2024
- College Reading and Learning Association Level I Certification
Coursework
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Organic Chemistry I & II
- Bioterrorism
Activities
Environmental Action Club
- Biodiversity Chair, 2023-2024
LUM The Study Peer Tutor
- College Reading and Learning Association Level I certification
Timeline
Laboratory Technician
Loyola University Maryland
07.2024 - Current
Research Intern
Smithsonian National Museum Of Natural History
09.2023 - 04.2024
Natural History Research Experience (REU) Research
Smithsonian National Museum Of Natural History
05.2023 - 08.2023
Student Researcher
Loyola University Maryland
01.2022 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Environmental Studies
Loyola University Maryland
Similar Profiles
SONYA KNORRSONYA KNORR
Office Manager at The Loyola Clinical Centers, Loyola University MarylandOffice Manager at The Loyola Clinical Centers, Loyola University Maryland
Evelyn RyanEvelyn Ryan
Student Summer Fellow at Loyola University MarylandStudent Summer Fellow at Loyola University Maryland
Carla MartinCarla Martin
Program Specialist at Loyola University MarylandProgram Specialist at Loyola University Maryland