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Patricia Bunney
Research Scientist
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Meticulous and analytical Researcher with over 15 years of educational and hands-on experience in behavioral neuroscience and pharmacology. Adaptive team player with in-depth knowledge of data collection, data analysis, and the dissemination of results. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges, possessing strong organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership/mentorship experience. Proficient in conducting laboratory experiments, while instructing new laboratory members on research methods and data collection procedures. Hardworking and driven with superior organizational and analytical skills combined with unparalleled dedication to research excellence. Excited to help your team achieve company goals. Ready to move out of academia and into the private sector, with the hopes of having a more tangible impact in biomedical research.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Research Scientist
Minneapolis VA Healthcare Center
Minneapolis , MN
04.2018 - Current
- Obtained independent funding (VA-ORD) for research support and large, shared, equipment purchases.
Currently supported by a VA Career Development Award (2018-2023).
Served as Vice-Chair of Minneapolis VA IACUC (2018-present): regularly reviewed protocols and protocol amendments, conducted laboratory inspections, and led monthly meetings when necessary.
Wrote research papers, reports and summaries regarding novel mechanisms of and treatments for obesity and nicotine addiction.
Composed, submitted, and oversaw all study protocols for laboratory.
Regularly conducted rodent ingestive behavior measurements, learning and memory behavioral testing, and operant conditioning.
Performed rodent neurosurgeries, as well as utilized benchtop and neuroscience techniques to answer research questions and document findings.
Oversaw and developed all calorimetry projects and component studies for our greater laboratory, and Minneapolis VA as a whole.
Performed preliminary and exploratory data analysis for studies into aging-related research.
Recognized abnormal test results and devised corrective actions to retain accurate and valid results.
Provided qualified input and development support for our larger laboratory collective, by providing input on study design, study protocols, and all grant and manuscript preparation and submissions.
Collaborated with leadership team to identify relevant questions and determine best methods of data collection.
Completed testing projects by deadline and under budget.
Lecturer and Graduate Faculty
University Of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
08.2018 - Current
- Graduate Faculty and Lecturer for the Department of Food Science and Nutrition.
- As Graduate Faculty: evaluated prospective graduate student applications, graded graduate student preliminary exams, and regularly participated in faculty meetings and events.
- Co-Instructed the graduate-level course, "Obesity: From Molecule to Bedside", offered every Fall semester.
- Led and prepared lectures, including: "Background Information on Obesity", "How to critique Scientific Articles", and "Drug Therapies for the Treatment of Obesity".
- Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
- Graded homework and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely.
- Organized and liaised with guest lecturers.
- Designed and distributed lecture handouts to round out material and increase student understanding.
- Created and designed assignments and projects to assess student knowledge.
- Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University Of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
08.2015 - 03.2018
- Worked to improve collective knowledge of obesity neuroscience.
Developed unique research into tobacco alkaloids as novel obesity pharmacotherapies. - Awarded Postdoctoral Support, via The Minnesota Obesity Prevention Training Grant.
Runner Up, Visscher Young Investigator Competition, Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota. - Authored professional scientific papers for publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
- Maintained accurate records of research findings and provided statistical analyses of data results.
- Contributed to and actively participated in research conception, design, and execution to address defined problems.
- Liaised with supervisor to review grants, prepare manuscripts, and develop potential projects and publications.
- Leveraged interpersonal and communication skills to mentor PhD, graduate and undergraduate students.
- Upheld all university and regulatory requirements for documentation of findings.
- Maintained records of research findings with analyses and evaluation of results.
- Attended research seminars and collegiate meetings to discover and discuss new technologies and research.
- Enforced laboratory safety protocols and enabled safe work environment.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute
Minneapolis, MN
08.2012 - 07.2015
- Worked to improve collective knowledge of nicotine addiction, via behavioral pharmacology.
- Developed unique research into the reinforcement threshold of nicotine, sex differences in nicotine reinforcement, and the interaction between nicotine and weight loss.
- Awarded Postdoctoral Support via a Career Development Award, from HHRI (Previous The Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation).
- See above "Postdoctoral Research Fellow" job for additional duties performed in this role as well.
Education
Ph.D. - Behavioral Neuroscience
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 08.2007 - 07.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Psycology With A Minor in English
Wittenberg University
Springfield, OH 08.2003 - 05.2007
Skills
Research program planning
Software
Excel
Powerpoint
GraphPad Prism - Statistical and Graphing Software
ReadCube Papers - Citation Manager
Hobbies
Kickboxing and Strength Training
International and Local Travel
Food and Wine
Hiking
Timeline
Lecturer and Graduate Faculty
University Of Minnesota - Twin Cities
08.2018 - Current
Research Scientist
Minneapolis VA Healthcare Center
04.2018 - Current
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University Of Minnesota - Twin Cities
08.2015 - 03.2018
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute
08.2012 - 07.2015
Ph.D. - Behavioral Neuroscience
University of Florida
08.2007 - 07.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Psycology With A Minor in English
Wittenberg University
08.2003 - 05.2007
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