Passionate about sustainable aquaculture and animal welfare, completed MSc in Animal Science at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Research focused on enhancing fish welfare through innovative solutions, including evaluating a nutraceutical formulation as an alternative to traditional anaesthetics in salmonids. Strong background in animal care and welfare from previous roles, successfully managing diverse projects in laboratory operations, preclinical research, and field studies. Currently pursuing Global Health and the fight for a cure. Lifelong dedication to ethical animal care and sustainability drives the goal of contributing to innovative solutions aligned with industry objectives while prioritizing the welfare of all species. Eager to connect with like-minded individuals for collaboration opportunities.
Hi, I’m
Michelle Warren
Port Orchard,WA
Summary
Overview
11
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
SLU - Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet - SLU
Graduate Student
08.2023 - 01.2025
Job overview
- As part of my master’s research, I explored innovative approaches to enhance fish welfare and sustainability in aquaculture by investigating the synergistic effects of a nutraceutical formulation combined with isoeugenol as an alternative to the commonly used chemical anaesthetic, MS-222
- The study focused on two commercially and ecologically significant salmonid species: rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout (Salmo trutta)
- Employed cameras for video analysis of behavior during induction and recovery.
- Conducted in-depth research at SLU’s Fish Larvae Lab and Fisheries Research Station in Älvkarleby, adhering to Swedish Agricultural Board regulations
- Evaluated the efficacy of the nutraceutical-isoeugenol formulation in promoting ethical anaesthesia practices, analyzing induction and recovery times, sedation depth, and oxidative stress markers
- Assessed fish welfare through stress biomarkers (cortisol) and tissue integrity via gill histology
- Performed advanced laboratory techniques, including histology, HPLC for tissue residue analysis, ELISA cortisol testing, and qPCR extraction
- Developed nutraceutical formulation under the guidance of Dr Kartik Baruah, leveraging plant-derived extracts for health and welfare improvements in aquaculture
SLU - Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet - SLU
Graduate Student Researcher
08.2023 - 01.2025
Job overview
- As a graduate student at SLU, I contributed to innovative research in the aquaculture and Applied Animal Science and Welfare department
- Published research on epigenetics in fish broodstock management, exploring heritable changes affecting reproductive success
- Managed Artemia and rainbow trout fish larvae cultures, conducting water quality tests, hatching procedures, and mortality counts
- Assisted with nutrition trials for rainbow trout, studying sustainable feed ingredients like single-cell proteins and Baltic Sea mussels
- Conducted caudal vein or tail clip blood collection for histology blood smears, hematocrit or plasma cortisol collection
- Provided support for cow behavioural welfare studies in collaboration with PhD researchers
- Implemented statistical analyses to derive meaningful insights from complex datasets.
- Developed research methodologies with comprehensive protocols to guide future experiments.
- Analyzed experimental data for improved understanding of research outcomes.
- Prepared presentations to communicate findings and engage with diverse academic audiences.
- Conducted literature reviews by synthesizing relevant research to inform project direction.
Altasciences
Research Study Supervisor
11.2021 - 07.2022
Job overview
- As a Research Study Supervisor on the Surgical Team, I oversaw preclinical studies focused on liver biopsies, muscle biopsies, and anesthesia procedures
- My responsibilities spanned study setup, data management, and end-of-study processes, ensuring high standards of quality and protocol compliance
- Coordinated surgical study setup, including reviewing protocols, preparing materials, and ensuring adequate space and equipment for infusion studies and telemetry procedures
- Managed study schedules and protocol definitions, ensuring smooth transitions of animals into source/target assignments
- Conducted daily quality control (QC) of data, verified treatment completions, monitored spare animals, and managed bloodwork reviews (BW) in line with SOPs
- Reviewed dosing procedures and blood series, submitting deviations as necessary to maintain study accuracy and integrity
- Led end-of-study processes by reviewing all study forms, validating Provantis activities, and submitting notebooks in adherence to GLP and Compass deadlines
Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research
Research Technician
03.2021 - 09.2021
Job overview
- Contributed to groundbreaking research on prostate tumor lines, focusing on treatment development for castration-resistant and castration-sensitive mice
- Played a key role in managing daily experimental protocols and ensuring data accuracy
- Monitored and measured tumor growth daily, maintaining precise data records
- Performed animal health checks, weight monitoring, and tumor-related procedures, including gastric gavage, castration, and tumorectomy
- Gained expertise in anesthesia techniques, blood collection, and proper mice handling to ensure ethical and effective experimentation
- Developed foundational histology skills for analyzing tissue samples
Fred Hutch
Veterinary Technician II
08.2018 - 08.2021
Job overview
- Contributed to cutting-edge research supporting multiple principal investigators, focusing on studies related to GVHD, viral gene therapy for SCID, CAR T-cell therapy, pharmacokinetics (PK), and more
- Worked under the guidance of veterinarians, IACUC protocols, and The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals to ensure high-quality research and welfare standards
- Managed study animals, ensuring adherence to research protocols, welfare standards, and daily treatment schedules
- Conducted advanced procedures, including blood collection, bone marrow aspirates and transplants, apheresis, full-body radiation (LINAC), and cellular infusions
- Operated under radiation safety protocols with expertise in irradiating blood for transfusions based on hematology results
- Provided husbandry, supportive medical care, and welfare management, ensuring optimal health and behavior for research animals
- Assisted with breeding colony management, including artificial insemination, sperm collection, cryopreservation, and genetics tracking
- Contributed to procedural efficiency by creating and editing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for X-ray machines and autoclaves
- Managed adoption programs, behavioral training, and food inventory to maintain a healthy and enriched environment for animals
- Recorded and monitored body condition scores (BCS) to optimize diets and intervene when weight trends indicated potential health concerns
- Gained extensive experience with common treatment drugs such as Ursodiol, Cyclosporin, MMF (Mycophenolate mofetil), Viokase, Methotrexate, and CRI protocols
Fred Hutch
Laboratory Technician
01.2018 - 06.2018
Job overview
- Designed, implemented, and interpreted experiments and research projects with precision and attention to detail
- Ensured strict adherence to protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Conducted training and data collection during3-6 hour procedures using combat-ready clamp (CRoC) tourniquets in large animal models
- Performed critical clinical techniques, including phlebotomy, ear vein catheter placement, intubation, euthanasia, and necropsy on laboratory swine
- Provided post-procedure medical observation and collaborated with veterinarians to ensure ethical and legal standards of care
- Supported lab operations in a fast-paced environment, including organizational management and handling additional responsibilities assigned by the supervisor
- Gained hands-on experience in microbiology and bench work, including chemical preparation for agar plate creation and nematode husbandry
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Research Associate
01.2018 - 06.2018
Job overview
- Train laboratory swine to perform commands to be suitable for our research at Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center
- Handling/injection of controlled substances under DVM license
- Preform Procedure monitoring3-6hrs, data collection and assisting lab supervisor in various tasks
- Training included: clicker training, targeting pig to the designated area (Kennel to hallway to activity room, onto
- Maintain IACUC standards and ethics of The Guid
- Perform phlebotomy, Ear Vein catheter placement, intubation, IM, SQ, IV injections, euthanasia, and necropsy on laboratory swine
- Post-procedure monitoring
Allen Institute
Animal Care Technician
08.2017 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Responsible for caring for mice in research setting following IACUC, The Guide, etc
- Main responsivities consist of cage cleaning, feeding/watering, environmental and animal monitoring, room sanitation, record maintenance, public area maintenance and special assignments (Injections)
- Maintain Aseptic Techniques by wearing proper PPE and following SOPs
- Duties may include maintaining mice records via LabTrack and environmental/animal monitoring
- As an Animal Technician my mission is to provide professional and collegial service through quality animal care to ensure quality science, while maintaining regulatory compliance and ethical standards
- BSL-2 experience and handling
Banfield Pet Hospital
Veterinary Assistant
03.2016 - 04.2017
Job overview
- Care for the well-being of animals by doing routine tasks under the supervision of veterinarians, veterinary technicians or independently
- Assist in dental and aseptic surgeries (Pre/post-operative)
- Preform collection of samples for blood serum/plasma, urinary, fecal, dermal, etc
- Test
- Preform vaccinations, Medication (PO, IM, IV, SQ), and catherization
- Fostering or overnight observation or patients
- Maintain patient charts that document daily care and assist in in-room appointments by recording doctor/medical notes
- Triage and pre-examination by preforming temperature, pulse, respiration readings (TPR) and comprehensive examinations
- Trained on multiple machines including: PetWare (Medical notes), Abaxis, Idexx, RIS Flatpanel radiology, Anesthesia machine, Autoclave, and dental cart
Hill's Pet Nutrition
Nutrition Consultant
03.2016 - 01.2017
Job overview
- Hill’s Science Diet’s mission is to “To help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets”
- Educate clients on nutrientetics and other research that goes into Hill’s Science Diet and assist with recommendations to assist with Veterinary diagnosis or health concerns
- Enrich pet owners on AAFCO regulations
South Sound Critter Care
Wildlife rehabilitation Intern
06.2015 - 01.2017
Job overview
- Rehabilitate injured or critical condition mammals including: raptors, canine, feline, rodents, avian
- Marsupial, Squirrel, weasel, deer and raccoon species
- Preform Environmental and animal monitoring
- Extraction of external internal parasites; botflies, maggots, feather lice, etc
- Hands on interaction and proper restraining of wild animals sometimes requiring knowledge of proper PPE and zoonotic diseases
- Diagnostic and testing assistance of a registered wild life rehabilitator or Veterinarian by conduction assessments and examinations of animals
- Administered medications: SQ, IM, IV, PO
- Calculated medication dose based on weight of animal
- Cleaned wounds and injuries, Performed Feedings (bottle feed and tube feed)
- Husbandry of mice for both breeding and non-breeding colonies
- Conducted Physical therapy, fostered home care of mammals requiring24 hour attention, Released rehabilitated animals
- Follow laws and regulation under Wildlife Fish and Game and ensure the SOP is followed for invasive and native management
Eastern Washington University
Research Associate / Field Researcher
07.2014 - 06.2015
Job overview
- Aquatic Research and Animal Husbandry
- Cared for various fish species in research tanks, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring water quality (pH, conductivity, temperature) with weekly chemical checks
- Researched the distribution, diet, age, and growth of native sculpins (Cottidae), dace and salmonids across eight field sites in the Upper Columbia Basin and Kettle Falls
- Performed fish anesthesia (MS-222, CO2, electroshocking) and humane euthanasia
- Conducted fieldwork via electrofishing, measuring, weighing, and cataloging fish
- Collected fish diets using gastric lavage/gavage and stomach removal
- Performed surgical procedures, including radio-tagging and genetic sampling
- Determined fish age using otolith and scale analysis
- Collected and preserved vertebrate and invertebrate specimens in70% isopropyl alcohol
- Identified wild vs Farmed salmonids through morphological characteristics
- Analyzed data with R, ArcGIS, and Excel (e.g., ANOVA, Fulton Condition Factor, diet metrics)
- Cared for live Daphnia
- Cultures and classified freshwater fish/invertebrates
- Conducted overnight field research, including camping
Education
SLU - Swedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsala, Sweden
Master of Science from Animal Sciences
11.2024
University Overview
Eastern Washington UniversityCheney, Washington
Bachelor of Science from Biology
01.2015
University Overview
Skills
- Aquatic Ecology
- Animal Husbandry
- Veterinary Medicine
- Aquaculture techniques
- Microscopy techniques
- Sample preparation
- HPLC
- ELISA Cortisol
- qPCR
- Surgical and Dissection Techniques
- Anesthesia
- Friendly, positive attitude
Certification
- Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT)
- Scuba Diving (Open Waters)
Languages
English (Native or Bilingual)
Sign Languages (Elementary)
Publications
Publications
- Clicker Train your Pigs - You Won't be Sow-E
- FROM GENES TO TRAITS: EPIGENETICS IN FISH AND SHELLFISH BROODSTOCK MANAGEMENT
- Evaluating the Interaction between Isoeugenol and Nutraceuticals on Anaesthesia Efficiency in Salmonids: Implications for Aquatic Welfare
Timeline
Graduate Student
SLU - Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet - SLU
08.2023 - 01.2025
Graduate Student Researcher
SLU - Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet - SLU
08.2023 - 01.2025
Research Study Supervisor
Altasciences
11.2021 - 07.2022
Research Technician
Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research
03.2021 - 09.2021
Veterinary Technician II
Fred Hutch
08.2018 - 08.2021
Laboratory Technician
Fred Hutch
01.2018 - 06.2018
Research Associate
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2018 - 06.2018
Animal Care Technician
Allen Institute
08.2017 - 01.2018
Veterinary Assistant
Banfield Pet Hospital
03.2016 - 04.2017
Nutrition Consultant
Hill's Pet Nutrition
03.2016 - 01.2017
Wildlife rehabilitation Intern
South Sound Critter Care
06.2015 - 01.2017
Research Associate / Field Researcher
Eastern Washington University
07.2014 - 06.2015
- Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT)
- Scuba Diving (Open Waters)
SLU - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Master of Science from Animal Sciences
Eastern Washington University
Bachelor of Science from Biology
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