Samantha J. Stefl
Cleveland,OH
Summary
Dynamic educator and scientist with over ten years of experience in diverse settings, including the Cleveland Clinic and University of Toledo. Expertise in simplifying complex biological concepts, fostering student engagement and comprehension. Proven ability to adapt teaching methods to various learning styles, ensuring effective knowledge transfer. Committed to continuous professional development and enhancing educational practices.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
District Substitute
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
09.2024 - 03.2025
- Created an atmosphere conducive to learning by establishing clear expectations for behavior and performance
- Prepared and delivered instructional materials suited to varied learning levels
- Assessed student understanding through informal and formal methods
- Assisted struggling students with classroom assignments with one-on-one tutoring
- Maintained accurate records of evaluations, assessments, reports, teacher observations. pertaining to each student's IEP
- Requested as substitute teacher based on excellent referrals and trusted performance
- Earned recognition through multiple pay increases
Tissue Procurement Director, Senior Research Technologist, Biofeedback Technician
Cleveland Clinic - Lerner Research Institute
11.2018 - 05.2023
- Overview: Performed detailed research on heart failure parameters alongside the heart transplant team at Cleveland Clinic
- Human heart tissue was collected regularly through a presence in operating rooms during heart transplants and other cardiovascular operations including placement of a left ventricle assist devices (LVADs)
- Transported specimens, laboratory items or pharmacy items, verifying proper documentation and collaboration with authorized personnel
- Isolation of cardiac trabecular muscles for isometric contraction studies
- Utilized electronic medical records systems for documentation purposes
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations regarding patient privacy
- Planned, evaluated or modified treatment programs by observing and interviewing patients or analyzing patient records
- Supervised medical and undergraduate student projects related to biological research topics
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Clinical study: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) as adjunctive therapy for patients diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Contact, explain and enroll patients in clinical study
- Conducted MBSR therapy appointments
- Conducted quantitative analysis on gathered data
Lab manager/Research Technologist III
Cleveland Clinic - Lerner Research Institute
11.2015 - 11.2018
- Overview: Vasculature function in adults with Cancer, inflammation-associated vascular pathologies and thrombosis
- Collaborated with interdepartmental scientists regularly to meet collective deadlines
- Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality, and conformance
- Defined priorities, delegated tasks and planned workflow for laboratory personnel
- Maintained detailed records and completed regular reports for operations, accounting and human resources needs
- Organized team activities to build camaraderie and foster pleasant workplace culture
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional service
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The University of Toledo
05.2013 - 08.2015
- Developed syllabi, visual aids and other teaching materials
- Organized lectures, seminars, workshops, and other activities related to the subject matter of the class
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of struggling students
- Conducted weekly office hours to provide academic guidance to students
- Participated in professional development workshops related to teaching pedagogy or technology use in classrooms
- Developed online quizzes and other assessments to evaluate student understanding of course material
- Created multimedia materials such as presentations, videos, and podcasts to supplement classroom instruction
- Evaluated and graded examinations, assignments or papers and recorded grades
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Toledo
05.2013 - 08.2015
- Master's Thesis: The Role of Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3) in MAVS-Dependent Signaling
- Reported preliminary outcomes in routine lab meetings
- Presented findings during bi-annual departmental seminars
- Identification of a novel role for MLK3, an inhibitory role in the production of IFNβ
- Purification of unknown constitutive TRAF2-MLK3 association in ovarian cancer cells
- Identification of novel overexpression of MLK3 upstream of inhibition of IRF3 activity, blocking nuclear translocation
- Educated undergraduate students on laboratory protocols and activities
- Wrote manuscripts for publication in academic journals
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Kent State University
10.2010 - 05.2013
- Overview: Focused on identification of PKC substrates using a novel chemical-genetic approach characterizing the roles of substrates in a mouse stroke-reperfusion injury model
- Proficiency and dexterity for surgical techniques, including mouse cerebral ischemia and reperfusion surgery
- Surgical data used for preliminary grant data and institutional funding recommendations
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to support ongoing research projects
- Prepared presentations summarizing study results for internal use
Education
Master of Science - Molecular and Cellular Biology
University of Toledo
01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Kent State University
01.2013
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Effective communication skills (in-person, virtual, written)
- Interdepartmental collaboration
- Extended use of education platforms and technology
- Foster positive educational relationships
- Cultural awareness
- Administrative adaptability
- Effective time management
- Advanced computer literacy
- Laboratory operations management
- Protocol development
- Grant writing, editing
- Grant budget management
- Research manuscript writing, editing
- Molecular techniques
- Mouse model techniques
Publications
- Microglia control vascular architecture via a TGFβ1 dependent paracrine mechanism linked to tissue mechanics, Dudiki T, Meller J, Mahajan G, et al., Nat Commun., 02/20/2020, 10.1038/s41467-020-14787-y
- Oxidative modifications of extracellular matrix promote the second wave of inflammation via β2 integrins, Yakubenko, V. P., Cui, K., Ardell, C. L., Brown, K. E., West, X. Z., Gao, D., Stefl, S., Salomon, R. G., Podrez, E. A., & Byzova, T. V., Blood, 2018
- Integrin-Kindlin3 requirements for microglial motility in vivo are distinct from those for macrophages, Meller, J., Chen, Z., Dudiki, T., Cull, R. M., Murtazina, R., Bal, S. K., Byzova, T. V., JCI Insight, 2017, 10.1172/jci.insight.93002
- The Role of Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 in MAVS- Dependent Signaling, Stefl, S., 2015, Electronic Thesis or Dissertation, https://etd.ohiolink.edu/
Affiliations
- Association of Women in Science (AWIS)
- Science Education Council of Ohio (SECO)
- Ohio Responds- Cuyahoga County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
- Cleveland Clinic-Research, Innovation, and Education Diversity Council
- Cleveland Clinic- Caregiver Innovation Panel
Volunteer Experience
- Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair, 2018 - present
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Diversity Council, 2018 - 2023
- VeloSano fundraising research initiative, 2021 - present
- Ohio Medical Reserve Corps, 2021 - present
- MedWish International, 2021 - present
- Willard Food Pantry, 2023 - 2025
- Toledo Community Care Clinic, 2023 - 2025
- Cherry Street mission, 2023 - 2025
- Coalition Against Hunger, 2023 - 2025
- NWO Food Bank, 2023 - 2025
Timeline
District Substitute
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
09.2024 - 03.2025
Tissue Procurement Director, Senior Research Technologist, Biofeedback Technician
Cleveland Clinic - Lerner Research Institute
11.2018 - 05.2023
Lab manager/Research Technologist III
Cleveland Clinic - Lerner Research Institute
11.2015 - 11.2018
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The University of Toledo
05.2013 - 08.2015
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Toledo
05.2013 - 08.2015
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Kent State University
10.2010 - 05.2013
Master of Science - Molecular and Cellular Biology
University of Toledo
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Kent State University
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