Melissa Sawyer
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Meticulous Research Assistant with background in studying ectopic heterochromatin and gene regulation in Drosophila melanogaster. Eager to further develop research skills when advancing understanding into molecular genetics and bioinformatics. Strong technical writing skills and proficient in preparing manuscripts in variety of formats. Successful in writing winning grant applications. My disabilities include generalized anxiety disorder which has helped me learn how to cut projects down into smaller tasks. I make a plan, take action and follow through. I can tend to be a perfectionist procrastinator. My major depression disorder has taught me to honor my feelings as well as other peoples. I take pride in making time for self-care and spreading awareness and understanding to help lessen the stigma behind disabilities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Bemidji State University Residential Life
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
01.2024 - Current
- Supported principal investigators during research into Drosophila melanogaster.
- Performed PCR, gel electrophoresis and other molecular biology techniques to analyze DNA samples.
- Produced comprehensive research questions and potential hypotheses.
- Employed scientific methods to promote quality of collected samples and stored specimens.
- Supplied quality control data for regulatory submissions to support corrective actions.
- Compiled field observations and converted into data to prepare for experiments and tests.
- Supervised supplies in inventory and notified supervisor of low stock levels.
- Reviewed experimental data to catch potential lab errors and correct mistakes.
- Presented experimental findings in presentations with graphs, charts and other visual aids.
- Participated in extra training and courses to refine and improve upon industry knowledge.
- Analyzed experimental results and determined whether results fit within standard procedures.
- Interpreted test results and determined need for retesting.
- Cleaned and prepared lab equipment for solutions, specimens and samples.
- Planned and organized research projects, created timelines, and tracked progress.
- Conducted literature searches to identify relevant articles for review.
- Analyzed data using statistical software such as SPSS or STATA.
- Collaborated with faculty members to develop research objectives.
- Performed laboratory experiments in accordance with established protocols.
- Assisted in the design of qualitative and quantitative research studies.
- Gathered, compiled, and interpreted information from various sources.
- Maintained databases for tracking study participants and results.
- Prepared presentations summarizing study results for internal use.
- Assisted in recruitment efforts by identifying potential participants.
- Edited documents according to journal guidelines prior to publication submission.
- Cultivated research skills to learn how to handle independent assignments.
- Took active role in research projects under guidance of Senior faculty members.
- Worked in collaborative setting to better understand lifecycle of data on Drosophila.
- Participated in research project observing Drosophila subjects with intention of compiling data for temperature sensitivity and repeat responsiveness conditions.
- Executed qualitative and quantitative analysis on wide range of data.
- Prepared reports, presentations and articles using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
- Supported principal investigators during research into Drosophila Melanogaster.
- Created graphs, spreadsheets and presentation slides to help researchers present findings.
- Organized, labeled and stored study biospecimens.
- Maintained accurate records and detailed documentation of laboratory experiments.
Self-Employed Hairdresser and Makeup Artist
Pura Salon
Plymouth, MN
09.2015 - Current
- Maintained accurate records of client's details including name, contact number, payment information.
- Kept detailed notes on exact formula, amount of product used in (grams), processing time and any variables adjusted for every client and each appointment.
- Fostered clean and sanitary work environment to protect customers and staff from infection.
- Analyzed patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN05-2024
Skills
- Statistical Analysis
- Research And Analysis
- Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis
- Team Collaboration And Leadership
- Lab And Field Testing
- PCR
- Gel electrophoresis
- Rstudio
- Gene Mapping
- Buffers, Solutions, Reagents
Affiliations
I love urban gardening including my own garden in my yard of North Minneapolis and my garden plot in , animals, including my Maine Coon cat, Siamese mix cat red eared slider turtle, and pixie frog. I participate in ceramics, reading historical fiction and rock hunting and collecting. I have a beautiful family including my fiance, bonus daughter age fourteen and my miracle baby boy who is almost two years old. I love to cook and bake. I also make homemade pickles!
Volunteering and Memberships
- I volunteer at North Hennepin Community College as a student advocate and as a founding member of the Tessman Greenhouse Management Team.
- I am a founding member of the Tessman Greenhouse Team and collaborated with a fellow student in the Summer of 2020 to revive the greenhouse after most of the plants had died and the community garden was overgrown with weeds due to neglect from the pandemic.
- I am a member of the Genetics Society of America since 2021
Accomplishments
NHCC Student Life Awards: Resiliency Award Winner in 2021 and 2022.
Timeline
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Bemidji State University Residential Life
01.2024 - Current
Self-Employed Hairdresser and Makeup Artist
Pura Salon
09.2015 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Bemidji State University
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