Na'imah Bradley
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Detail-oriented Biology graduate researcher with strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, a demonstrated ability to take initiative, and a commitment to student success, accessibility, and well-being. Bring hands-on experience in experimental design, plant handling, field and lab work, data collection, and statistical analysis, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and advisors. Skilled in learning procedures and systems quickly, while supporting others as they work toward academic and professional goals.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN, USA
08.2023 - Current
- Independently led three weekly 50-minute discussion sections for BIOL 150: Organismal and Ecological Biology (50+ students/section), designing activities, facilitating discourse, grading assignments, and holding office hours to boost comprehension and critical thinking.
- Taught three weekly 2-hour labs for BIOL 101: Introduction to Biology (non-majors), covering cells, genetics, physiology; aligned labs with lectures, graded assessments, and mentored students on scientific literacy and health applications.
- Supported BIOL 102: Contemporary Issues in Biology, guiding discussions on evolution, biomes, invasive species, and climate impacts to develop evidence-based reasoning.
Graduate Researcher
University of Tennessee-Knoxville / Bryn Mawr College / Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Knoxville, TN, USA
08.2023 - Current
- Conducted germination and transplantation of Phragmites australis seedlings to support thesis research on marsh resilience and genetic trait evaluation.
- Executed plant population surveys within SERC's 30-year tidal marsh census to assess ecological trends.
- Assisted in development and upkeep of over 200 Phragmites seedlings in common garden at Bryn Mawr College. Transplanted seedlings and installed irrigation systems. Conducted repeated trait measurements to support research efforts.
- Executed detailed statistical analysis of datasets in R and Excel, ensuring accuracy and reliability of findings.
Education
M.S. - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN05-2026
B.S. - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN12-2022
Skills
- Statistical analysis
- RStudio proficiency
- Excel
- Proficient in research strategies
- Data collection strategy development
- Trait measurement
- Germination techniques
- Performing field data collection
- Irrigation system design
- Instructional expertise
- Course structure design
- Practical lab teaching
- Mentoring
- Grading accuracy
- Garden management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Written and verbal communication
- Public speaking
- Adaptability
- Experienced with Microsoft Office applications
Timeline
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
08.2023 - Current
Graduate Researcher
University of Tennessee-Knoxville / Bryn Mawr College / Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
08.2023 - Current
M.S. - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
B.S. - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Research
- Graduate Researcher, Plant Trait Heritability & Common Gardens, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Bryn Mawr College, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
- Germinated and transplanted Phragmites australis seedlings for heritability studies, contributing to thesis on marsh resilience via genetic trait analysis., Conducted plant population surveys in SERC's 30-year tidal marsh census (Edgewater, MD), informing long-term ecological dynamics.
- Co-developed and maintained 200+ plant common garden at Bryn Mawr College: transplanted seedlings, installed irrigation, and performed repeated trait measurements., Analyzed datasets in R and Excel for robust statistical inference.
Service And Leadership
- Community Garden Coordinator, SEEED Nonprofit, Knoxville, TN. Led full-cycle operations for urban community garden: seed germination, transplanting, tilling, weeding, pruning, biomass removal, composting, and site cleanup; coordinated volunteers to enhance food security and ecological education.
- Volunteer, The Love Kitchen, Knoxville, TN. Prepared and organized 1,300+ meal containers, bagged dry goods, cooked, and served lunch, streamlining operations to serve underserved community members.