Nick Heelan
Lansing,MI
Summary
Results-oriented Analytical Research Technician with a proven track record of high productivity and efficient task completion. Specialized in data analysis, laboratory management, and experimental design, contributing to successful project outcomes. Strong problem-solving abilities and adaptability enhance teamwork and support team objectives both in and out of the laboratory.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Technician
MSU Department of Physiology
Lansing MI, MI
08.2025 - Current
- Designed and evaluated MATLAB data analysis code for enhanced research accuracy.
- Conducted experiments, collecting diverse forms of data and observations.
- Established genotyping procedures to support genetic research initiatives.
- Managed inventory, ordering, and clerical tasks for laboratory operations.
- Performed neurosurgeries and electrode placements on mice to study alert neural functions in response to stimuli.
- Studied neural hemodynamics in awake mice using 2-photon microscopy techniques.
Research Associate
Regenerative Electrode Interface Lab
East Lansing, MI
03.2019 - 10.2021
- Aided in rodent neurosurgery, extraction, fixation, RNA sequencing, and immunohistochemical staining of cortical brain tissue weekly.
- Conducted extensive remote literature research for novel genes differentially expressed post micro-electrode impletion.
- Analyzed data generated in the lab using various statistical and programming software packages.
- Conveyed research results in both traditional lab meetings and the 2020 Mid-SURE symposium.
Research Assistant
Fraunhofer USA-Center for Diamond and Coating Tech
East Lansing, MI
03.2018 - 03.2019
- Daily electrochemical quality control checks, voltammograms, and statistical analysis of boron-doped diamond super electrodes in dopamine Redox detection experiments.
- Created new pipelines for cyclic voltammogram procedures.
- Conducted lessons on how to run cyclic voltammograms for various new researchers.
- Presented findings at 3 scientific conferences.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology/Biotechnology
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI08-2023
Bachelor of Science - Genomics & Molecular Genetics
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI08-2023
Associate of Science - Associates of Humanities & Sciences
Muskegon Community College
Muskegon, MI05-2018
Skills
- Eagerness to explore novel techniques, procedures, and phenomena
- Aseptic, sterilization, and rodent neurosurgery training
- Written and verbal competency
- Organized and productive mindset
- RNA and DNA sequencing
- Western, northern, and southern blots
- Spectrophotometer enzyme assays
- Column Chromatography
- SDS-PAGE
- Immunohistochemical staining and confocal imaging of fixed tissue
- PCR and QPCR
- Skull thinning and cranial window surgery
- Genotyping
- MATLAB programming
- Research methodology
Education
other,other,other
References
- Dr. Erin Purcell, Regenerative Electrode Interface Principle Investigator: epurcell@msu.edu.
- Dr. Allan TerBush, mentor: terbusha@msu.edu.
- Dr. Amy Pollock, mentor: pollock@chemistry.msu.edu
- Dr. Christopher Waters, mentor: watersc3@msu.edu
- Dr. Hunter Dulay, mentor: michael.dulay@montana.edu
Publications & Contributions
- Thompson, C. H., Saxena, A., Heelan, N., Salatino, J., & Purcell, E. K. (2021). Spatiotemporal patterns of gene expression around implanted silicon electrode arrays. Journal of Neural Engineering, 18(4). https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/abf2e6
- Thompson, C. H., Riggins, T. E., Patel, P. R., Chestek, C. A., Li, W., & Purcell, E. (2020). Toward guiding principles for the design of biologically-integrated electrodes for the central nervous system. Journal of Neural Engineering, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/ab7030
Timeline
Research Technician
MSU Department of Physiology
08.2025 - Current
Research Associate
Regenerative Electrode Interface Lab
03.2019 - 10.2021
Research Assistant
Fraunhofer USA-Center for Diamond and Coating Tech
03.2018 - 03.2019
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology/Biotechnology
Michigan State University
Bachelor of Science - Genomics & Molecular Genetics
Michigan State University
Associate of Science - Associates of Humanities & Sciences
Muskegon Community College
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