Stella Koliavas
Denver,USA
Summary
Dynamic research professional with extensive experience at CU Anschutz Medical Campus, excelling in in vivo techniques and data analysis. Proven ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing lab efficiency. Strong communicator and collaborator, adept at presenting complex findings and fostering inclusive learning environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant/ Lab Manager
CU Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, USA
08.2022 - Current
- Developed skills related to in vivo mouse techniques such as husbandry, primary cell isolation, human PDX, necropsy, mouse surgery, BLI IVIS imaging, tissue dissection and collection, and perfusion, as well as in vitro techniques such as tissue culturing, immunofluorescence, and ImageJ analysis.
- Presented experimental findings in presentations with graphs, charts, and other visual aids
- Participated in team meetings to discuss progress on ongoing projects or brainstorm ideas for future endeavors.
- Managed procurement of lab reagents, updating SOPs, mouse husbandry and allocation for in vivo experiments, PDX mouse monitoring and follow-up, and adherence to IACUC and EHS standards.
- Managed multiple research projects simultaneously while ensuring accurate record keeping.
- Uploaded the entire inventory in a cloud-based system to increase efficiency and reduce waste in ordering.
Instructor, STEM Camp for K-12
CU Science Discovery
Boulder, USA
06.2021 - 06.2022
- Produced a safe and inclusive STEM learning environment for students by modifying lesson plans to include students of all learning abilities.
- Directed outdoor learning hikes, where students were shown the link between their local trails and sciences such as geology and biology.
- Conducted lectures, demonstrations and group activities based in STEM in order to enhance learning experience.
- Prepared instruction through lesson plans to address student's assessed needs, goals and objectives.
Teaching Assistant/ Research Assistant
CU Boulder
Boulder, USA
09.2020 - 05.2022
- Examined dCAS9 transcriptional repression to identify potential underlying causes for scientific findings..
- Balanced wet lab research and mentoring, as noted above, and taught Cell Biology Lab, a core undergraduate lab course covering the following topics: gel electrophoresis, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and data analysis.
- Contributed to the development of visual aids, answer keys, supplementary notes, and class discussion topics.
- Helped students master assignments and reinforced learning concepts presented by professors.
- Cleaned and prepared lab equipment for solutions, specimens and samples.
Undergraduate Learning Assistant
CU Boulder
Boulder, USA
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Assisted the Cell Biology Laboratory by helping 18+ students master principal skills such as pipetting, PCR setup, gel electrophoresis, and analysis.
- Monitored student engagement levels while actively participating in class activities.
- Encouraged active participation among all learners during classroom discussions or activities.
- Provided guidance on topics related to career exploration, scholarship applications, and internships.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Research Associate & Presenter
iGEM
Boulder, USA
01.2019 - 11.2019
- Bioengineered a synthetic biology model antibody kill switch to mediate the negative effects of monoclonal antibodies through computer modeling and Golden Gate Assembly.
- Designed new experiments based on previous work or existing literature reviews.
- Presented research at iGEM Giant Jamboree, an international synthetic biology conference and competition
- Coded a CSS/HTML website to document data analysis, methods, and future directions
Undergraduate Learning Assistant
CU Boulder
Boulder, USA
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Assisted General Chemistry lecture, an undergraduate lecture course averaging 150 students, covering the following topics: acids and bases, chemical bond formation, bond angles, and stoichiometry.
- Offered one-on-one consultations with students who need assistance developing effective study habits or managing stress levels associated with college life
- Asked key questions prompting specific student responses to assess course material understanding
Field Research Assistant
CU Boulder
Keystone, USA
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Granted UROP (Undergraduate Opportunities Program) funding to allow for a fully funded summer research experience.
- Traveled to field sites to collect and record data useful for study purposes.
- Honed communication and interpersonal skills by working daily with scientists
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology&Sociology
CU Boulder
Boulder05.2020
Skills
- Plasmid Preparation and Design
- Ligation, and transformation
- Genomic DNA Extraction
- Total RNA extraction
- CDNA Synthesis
- PCR
- Gel plasmid extraction
- Primer Design
- Tissue Culture
- Fluorescent Microscopy
- IHC
- H&E
- Creation of Brain-trophic Cell Lines
- Intracardiac Injections
- Intracranial Injections
- Mammary Fat Tumor Implantation
- SQ and IP Injections
- Data analysis
- Husbandry
- Ovariectomies
- Necroscopies
- Tumor Ex-plantation
- Subcutaneous Implantations
- Oral Gavage
- Inventory and stock allocation
- Mouse colony husbandry
- SOP compilation
- Laboratory safety
- Regulatory compliance
- Biohazard Wasting
- Communicating changes in procedures
Languages
- English, Native Language
- Greek, Intermediate Listener & Speaker, Novice Reading and Writing
Poster Presentations
- Genetic deletion of ERα or ERβ in reactive astrocytes decreases reactive gliosis and promotes brain metastasis. Stella Koliavas, Maria J. Contreras-Zarate, Jenny A. Jaramillo-Gomez, Morgan Fox, Alicia Nguyen, Diana M. Cittelly, 2024 SNO/ASCO CNS Metastases Conference, 08/24, Denver, CO
- Engineering a small molecule controlled MAb to trigger a safety off-switch. Manasa Ponnapalli, McKayla Vlasity, Lauren Vanhousen, Stella Koliavas, Yalin Liu, Brandon Smith, Brian DeDecker, International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Giant Jamboree & Competition, 10/19, Boston, MA
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Research Assistant/ Lab Manager
CU Anschutz Medical Campus
08.2022 - Current
Instructor, STEM Camp for K-12
CU Science Discovery
06.2021 - 06.2022
Teaching Assistant/ Research Assistant
CU Boulder
09.2020 - 05.2022
Undergraduate Learning Assistant
CU Boulder
01.2020 - 05.2020
Research Associate & Presenter
iGEM
01.2019 - 11.2019
Undergraduate Learning Assistant
CU Boulder
08.2017 - 12.2017
Field Research Assistant
CU Boulder
05.2017 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology&Sociology
CU Boulder
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