Nadia Sbisa
Ann Arbor
Summary
Dynamic researcher with a strong foundation in molecular cloning and quantitative analysis, honed at the University of Michigan's Medicine Department. Proven ability to present complex findings effectively and adapt strategies in response to challenges. Committed to advancing scientific understanding through innovative experimental design and community outreach initiatives.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Michigan Medicine University of Michigan
10.2023 - Current
- Conducted an independent research project aimed at improving the specificity of trans-synaptic neuron mapping by controlling starter neuron density in the Trans-Tango system, where excessive presynaptic labeling leads to loss of postsynaptic resolution
- Evaluated a FLP-FRT-based Gal80 repression strategy to limit Gal4-driven starter neuron populations, enabling controlled activation of UAS-TransTango in restricted neuronal subsets
- Designed mutant FRT-F15 arm variants to systematically tune FLP recombination efficiency relative to wild-type FRT sites
- Performed S2 cell transfections with mutant and wild-type FRT reporter constructs under +FLP and -FLP conditions to quantitatively assess recombination efficiency using dual fluorescent reporters (nuclear red vs. green)
- Quantified recombination outcomes by calculating red-to-green nuclear fluorescence ratios, identifying mutants with significantly reduced FLP recognition suitable for sparse neuronal labeling
- Interpreted quantitative efficiency data to distinguish loss-off-function vs. gain-of-function FRT mutations, rejecting variants that increased recombination density and selecting candidates for further in vivo testing
- Integrate molecular cloning, cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative analysis into an experimental pipeline
- Presented project rationale, experimental design, quantitative results, and future directions during lab meetings
Personal Care Assistant
Community Living Centers
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Provided direct, in-home care for an individual with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), gaining sustained exposure to the daily management of a neuromuscular disorder
- Assisted with mobility, hygiene, dressing, and physical therapy routines, ensuring patient safety, comfort, and consistency of care
- Adapted care strategies in response to acute illness and fatigue
- Communicated closely with the patient and caregivers to support both physical and emotional needs
UROP Summer Research Fellow
University of Michigan
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Participated in a faculty-led neuroscience research project investigated the role of Insm1, a transcription factor expressed in neural progenitors, in normal retinal development and degeneration
- Collected and processed mouse retinal tissue at defined developmental time points to examine age-dependent effects of Insm1 loss of retinal structure and integrity
- Performed immunohistochemistry on retinal sections using established neuronal and glial markers to assess retinal stress responses and degeneration
- Assisted with high-resolution imaging of retinal sections and performed cell counting and quantitative analysis using Imaris software, supporting comparisons between knockout and control retinas
- Synthesized experimental findings into a coherent research narrative addressing biological significance, methodological limitations, and translational relevance
- Presented project background, methods, results, and future directions at the 2023 University of Michigan UROP Summer Symposium, communicating results to a mixed audience of students, faculty, and researchers
Lab Technician
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Prepared and maintained teaching laboratories for introductory through advanced undergraduate chemistry courses, ensuring readiness for scheduled labs across multiple sections
- Prepared precise chemical solutions and reagents according to established protocols, emphasizing accuracy, consistency, and proper documentation
- Performed and supported column chromatography experiments, including column setup, solvent preparation, and fraction collection
- Maintained laboratory organization and compliance with safety standards, contributing to efficient workflow and reliable experimental execution
- Supported faculty and instructional staff by troubleshooting basic laboratory issues and ensuring continuity of lab operations
EROF Undergraduate Summer Research Fellow
Michigan State University
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Awarded a fellowship supporting independent research on the genetic and behavioral mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism in Drosophila
- Worked independently with a mentor to investigate how sex-specific gene expression contributes to differences in mating behavior, with a focus on male courtship patterns
- Assessed gene expression profiles in male and female flies to evaluate molecular correlates of sexually dimorphic traits
- Performed molecular cloning protocols to support genetic analysis related to candidate genes involved in sexually dimorphic traits
- Organized and validated experimental observations to interpret how genetic variation influences sex-specific behavior
- Presented fellowship research as a poster at the 2022 Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences (Mid-SURE)
- Contributed to a broader, multi-species investigation of chemical and behavioral mating signals in Drosophila, culminating in a peer-reviewed publication in Animal Behaviour
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry, Philosophy
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI05-2026
Associate of Science - Mathematics
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo, MI05-2023
Skills
- Excel
- Experiment development
- Presentation development
- Literature reviews
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis
- SnapGene
- ImageJ
- Molecular cloning
- Cell Culture
- Community outreach
Accomplishments
- Sbisa, N. Loss of Insm1 Leads to Retinal Degeneration in Mice.
Poster presented at the University of Michigan Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Summer Symposium, 2023 - Sbisa, N. Identification of a Genetic Module Underlying an Exaggerated Sexually Dimorphic Trait.
Poster presented at the Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences (Mid-SURE), 2022. - Narrative Essay 2nd Place Winner, 2022 KVCC Essay Contest
- Literary Criticism "Honorable Mention" Winner, 2022 KVCC Essay Contest
- Michigan Music Teachers Association-Student Achievement Testing: 2020 Semi-Finalist in Piano Performance
Timeline
Personal Care Assistant
Community Living Centers
05.2024 - 08.2024
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Michigan Medicine University of Michigan
10.2023 - Current
UROP Summer Research Fellow
University of Michigan
06.2023 - 08.2023
Lab Technician
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
09.2022 - 05.2023
EROF Undergraduate Summer Research Fellow
Michigan State University
05.2022 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry, Philosophy
University of Michigan
Associate of Science - Mathematics
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Publications
Cong, H., Luo, M., Chowdanayaka, R., Sbisa, N., Wang, Z., Pu, J., & Chung, H. (2025). The role of cuticular hydrocarbon sexual dimorphism on Drosophila courtship. Animal Behaviour, 228, 123317
Leadership
University of Michigan LSA Student Government, Elected Representative | Nov. 2025–Present
- Elected representative serving as a liaison between students and college leadership, communicating student concerns and priorities
- Conduct student outreach and meet with campus organizations to identify gaps in resources related to student wellbeing, academic success, and equity
- Develop familiarity with student governance structures, committees, and ongoing initiatives to contribute meaningfully to policy discussions
- Collaborate with fellow representatives to support proposal development and advocacy efforts within a team-based governance environment
Save Our School (S.O.S.) Founding Member, Communications Team | Sep. 2025– Present
- Founding member of a newly established student-led organization focused on leadership development, civic engagement, and institutional advocacy
- Contributed to early-stage organizational development, including mission communication, outreach strategy, and campus visibility initiatives
- Worked on the communications team to design and implement efforts aimed at raising awareness of organizational goals within the university and broader community
- Engaged in public service and outreach activities to foster connections among students, faculty, and campus stakeholders