Roman Mike Manzo

Throughout undergraduate studies, I have gained hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge in key areas such as genetics, cell development, biochemistry, and instrumental analysis. I have explored lab techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, different spectrometers, and mass spectrometry. My lab experience has developed my skills to analyze biological systems, separate and analyze chemical compounds in complex matrices, interpret data, and apply laboratory techniques to solve scientific questions. Overall, these experiences have prepared me to work in scientific field.

• Willamette University 2021-present
• BIOL-231-02: Biological Concepts1- Spring 2022

- Skills: Learned the foundational principles of biology, including cell structure, metabolism, evolution, and central dogma of molecular biology using case studies like HIV, LUCA, and stickleback fish.

• BIOL-235-03: Experimental Methods, Biology- Spring 2022

- Skills: Learned various laboratory techniques used to study biological systems, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, data analysis, and creating accurate and reproducible data.

• BIOL-241-01: Biological Concepts 2- Fall 2022

- Skills: Learned topics in physiology, including the function of organ systems, homeostasis, and cellular structure/function using a case study of female anatomy and lactation processes.

• BIOL-245W-03: Biological Inquiry- Fall 2022

- Skills: Learned how to design and conduct scientific experiments, develop hypotheses, and analyze data. The course emphasized critical thinking and the use of various research tools and techniques to investigate biological questions.

• CHEM-225-01: Organic Chemistry I- Fall 2022

- Skills: Learned the fundamental principles of organic compounds, including the importance of bonding and functional groups.

• CHEM-225Y-02: Lab: Organic Chemistry I- Fall 2022

- Skills: Chromatography, extraction, distillation

• BIOL-348-01: Microbiology- Spring 2023

- Skills: Learned about the diversity of microorganisms, including various bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, and their roles in disease, microbial physiology, and the environment. The course focused on understanding scientific literature.

• BIOL-348Y-01: Lab: Microbiology- Spring 2023

- Skills: Learned how to culture and manipulate microbes.

• CHEM-226-01: Organic Chemistry II- Spring 2023

- Skills: Learned complex reaction mechanisms by building off the concepts from Organic Chemistry 1.

• CHEM-226Y-02: Lab: Organic Chemistry II- Spring 2023

- Skills: Chromatography, extraction, distillation

• BIOL-333-01: Gene Structure and Function- Fall 2023

- Skills: - Learned how genes are organized in DNA, including the roles of exons, introns, promoters, and regulatory regions in gene expression. Additionally, how transcription, RNA processing, and translation work together to produce proteins, and how gene expression is regulated through mechanisms like transcription factors, mutations, and epigenetic.

• BIOL-333Y-02: Lab: Gene Structure and Function- Fall 2023

- Skills: Used hands-on experience with techniques like DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis to analyze genetic material.

• CHEM-351-02: Biochemistry- Spring 2024

- Skills: Learned about the molecular structures and functions of biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, carbs, and nucleic acids, and how they contribute to different cellular processes like biochemical reactions or metabolism.

• BIOL-458W-01: Research in Cell, Dev Biology- Spring 2024

- Skills: Researched molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive cell differentiation, proliferation, body axis formation, tissue and organ development, and overall development using sea urchin zygotes.

• CHEM-341-01: Instrumental Analysis- Fall 2024

- Skills: Learned the chemistry behind various analytical instruments, including UV-VIS, FT-IR, NMR, GC/LC chromatography, and different mass spectrometers. The course covered principles behind these techniques, which includes real world applications and trade-offs.

• BIOL-342: Biostatistics- Spring 2025
• CHEM-431: Advanced Topics in Biochemistry- Spring 2025