Taylor Stephens

Distinguished Biotechnology Research Scientist with over 6 years of robust experience, boasting a solid foundation with a Master's degree in Biotechnology. Demonstrates proficiency in mammalian cell culture, antibiotic susceptibility testing, bacterial identification, aseptic techniques, microbiology, and advanced data analysis. Proven track record in leveraging scientific knowledge to meticulously plan and execute experiments, alongside adept management of laboratory equipment and supplies, aiming to contribute significantly to infectious disease diagnostics and research.

• 2016 STEM Innovators Conference: Poster: Microbiology Section: Award recipient: "what are appropriate staph aureus secreted factors to use in a stimuli sensitive hydrogel to target staph Infections?"
• 2021 Fort Valley State University Research Day: Award Recipient: "Effects of Melatonin on Proliferation of Fibroblast Cells Established from Livestock Skin Tissue"
• 2022 Journal of Biotech Research: Published: In vitro culture of an accidentally deceased one month old goat kid skin up to 14 days of postmortem storage at 4C
• 2023 Journal of Biotech Research: Published: Effect of different cryopreservation temperatures on recovery of goat skin derived fibroblast cells

• Bridges to Biotechnology and Bioentrepreneurship Certificate Course - Morehouse School of Medicine (2020)
• CITI Hazard Communication Certificate Course - CITI Program + Morehouse School of Medicine (2020)
• CITI OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate Course - CITI Program + Morehouse School of Medicine (2020)
• The process of Drug Development Training Course - Eli Lilly + Morehouse School of Medicine (2020)
• Working With the IACUC- CITI Program + Fort Valley State University (2022)
• Working With Sheep and Goats in Research Setting - CITI Program + Fort Valley State University (2022)
• Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research- CITI Program + Fort Valley State University (2022)
• CITI Conflict of Interest-CITI Program + Fort Valley State University (2022)
• Physical Science Responsible Conduct of Research- CITI Program + Fort Valley State University (2022)
• Humanities Responsible Conduct of Research- CITI Program + Fort Valley State University (2022)
• Bloodborne Pathogen Training- University of Georgia (2022-2023)
• Sharps Training- University of Georgia (2022-2023)
• BSL2 curriculum Training - University of Georgia (2022-2023)
• Hazardous Waste Training - University of Georgia (2022-2023)
• Lab Safety Basics- University of Georgia (2022-2023)
• Shipping of Category B: Infectious Substance - University of Georgia (2023)
• Quality Management Systems- Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL-CDC) (2022)
• Regulatory Systems- Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL-CDC) (2022)
• Laboratory Ethics - Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL-CDC) (2022)
• Laboratory Safety - Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL-CDC) (2022)
• Basic Laboratory Techniques- Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL-CDC) (2022)
• Specimen Collection, Handling, Transport, and Processing - Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL-CDC) (2022)
• Laboratory Waste Management - Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL-CDC) (2022)
• Basic Life Support/ CPR Certified - American Heart Association (2024)

• 08/22-Current, APHL CDC Infectious Disease Fellow, Tifton, GA, Tifton Veterinarian Investigation and Diagnostic Lab: Microbiology/Bacteriology Sector (BSL2), - Lead infectious disease research, focusing on pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus in a BSL-2 lab - Developed a microbial database using machine learning for clinical surveillance - Optimized Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for strain typing - Monitored antimicrobial resistance in animal and environmental specimens - Performed sensitivity studies on organisms following standard protocols - Enhanced lab efficiency by developing new SOPs for MALDI-TOF, improving pathogen identification - Led in establishing an IR Biotyper database, revolutionizing epidemiological tracking and antimicrobial resistance monitoring - Engaged in scientific literature review and data analysis - Managed microbiology specimen processing with precision - Implemented standard procedures for setting up aerobic, anaerobic and fungal cultures - Conducted daily gram staining - Contributed to team efforts, supporting other lab members in their tasks
• 08/20-07/22, Graduate Animal Biotechnology Research Assistant, Fort Valley, GA, Fort Valley State University- Animal Biotechnology, - Utilized in vitro culture techniques to recover proliferative stem cells from postmortem goat skin tissues - Performed passaging and cryopreservation techniques, expanding cell cultures with fibroblast cells derived from ruminants - Conducted comprehensive research on the impact of melatonin implantation on fetal growth and neonate survival in goats - Performed estrus synchronization and real-time ultrasonography for small ruminant pregnancy confirmation and fetal growth assessment - Executed a quantitative study to understand the correlation between melatonin effect, animal weight gain and fetal development - Maintained laboratory equipment and trained in microbiological media preparation and culturing microbes - Performed blood collection, plasma harvesting and some intramuscular and subcutaneous injections - Boosted team's lab proficiency by leading advanced technique trainings, elevating experimental outcomes
• 08/16-12/17, Biological Sciences Peer Tutor, Savannah, GA, Savannah State University Tutoring Center, - Tutored students in various biological subjects including general biology, genetics, and microbiology - Implemented effective study techniques to foster independent learning - Established and maintained strong relationships with students, faculty, and administrators - Identified and addressed individual student learning needs - Contributed to improved academic performance through personalized tutoring
• 06/2016-08/2016, Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies Summer Intern, Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, - Supported in the fabrication of acrylamide hydrogels, showcasing technical proficiency - Drove research on Staphylococcus aureus proteins, enhancing laboratory understanding - Played a crucial role in identifying Staphylococcus aureus secretion targets, showcasing analytical skills - Collaboratively developed infection-detecting hydrogels, demonstrating team synergy
• 08/14-5/15, Laboratory Assistant, Savannah, GA, Savannah State University Dolphin Science (SSUDS) Lab, - Conducted comprehensive research on bottlenose dolphin begging behaviors at SSUDS lab - Demonstrated collaborative spirit in data collection and data input tasks - Engaged in K-12 outreach initiatives, fostering scientific interest - Employed photo identification methods for dolphin tracking
• 06/13-8/13, Laboratory Research Assistant Scholar, Savannah, GA, Savannah State University- Environmental Sciences Lab, - Contributed to research on harmful waterborne microbes in recreational water bodies - Helped predict potential health risks through water quality testing - Helped execute sterilization procedures for sample collection - Assessed water quality characteristics such as pH, salinity, alkalinity, and hardness