Career

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Kent State University Department of Neuroscience and Biological Engineering, Dr. Kristy Welshhans Kent, OH
Research Assistant | May-August 2018
• Contribution has earned authorship (in progress)
• Researched relationship between neurodevelopmental growth in fetuses and the onset of Down syndrome.
• Grew, conditioned and stained neuron cells and fibroblasts of mice with Down syndrome DNA.
• Stained, imaged and analyzed cells for increases of specific proteins and abnormalities.

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Akron, OH
Bridgestone Emerging STEM Leaders Internship Program | June – August 2017
• Developed a database and app for indoor tire test results to reduce paper. Coded macros in VBA for Access/Excel.
• Showcased teamwork in tire testing and company operations in a Fortune 500 engineering corporation.
• Assisted in indoor and outdoor tire testing operations, digital and physical tire design.

Great Lakes Baking Company Hudson, OH
Baker | September 2014 – May 2017
• Worked way up, earned role as experienced baker: baked artisan breads/pastry; trained new employees.
• Designed new systems to coordinate baking schedules and the precision-planning of daily/seasonal demand flux.

COLLEGE EXTRACURRICULARS

Mirrors Sophomore Honorary, Marketing Committee | 2018-Present
• Volunteer at/fundraise for the James Cancer Hospital
• Planned/ran annual benefit gala; expected to raise a total of $4000 for the James Hospital

Biomedical Engineering Society, mentor | August 2018-Present
• Organize and run professional development events; develop better understandings of BME

OURS (Office of Diversity and Inclusion Undergrad Outreach Society) | 2018-Present
• Served as an ambassador and mentor to 100+ local prospective minority students to navigate pathways to college
• Engage different communities in dialogues and in-depth discussions about diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusivity

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACTIVITIES

• Elected to serve as Mirrors Honorary marketing committee head: advertised/planned 15 fundraisers and events with social media, posters, fliers, advertisements, supervised team of 8 people. Organized and ran committee meetings.
• BMES mentoring program: Mentored 5 pre-major students about BME, adjusting to college, and futures in engineering.
• Morrill Distinction Scholar: hand-picked to represent Office of Diversity and Inclusion to improve pathways between under-represented students and the community; actively engaged in diversity-based leadership, service and social justice
– Helped spearheaded revival of OURS (mentioned in Extracurriculars).

 

Artifacts

Discovery of unique bacteriophage: “Grekaycon” (SEA PHAGES)
Researcher, “Phage Hunter”
Aug 2018 – Dec 2018
I and my team of two other phage hunters discovered a unique strain of bacteria-infecting bacteriophage, named Grekaycon (a conglomeration of our names). I wrote a research paper detailing the methods of obtaining Grekaycon and it’s potential importance in the medical and general scientific fields. As an alternative to the typical Biology 1113 lab at OSU, our class was given a research opportunity to isolate, purify, and characterize the genomics of a sample of phage in hopes of finding a unique strain. The project led the teammates through the “getting-your-hands-dirty” part of scientific research, as well as the analysis and paper-writing.
The discovery of Grekaycon is important as it has the potential of revolutionizing the medical field. If phages are found that infect harmful/deadly/disease-causing bacteria, they may be able to replace antibiotics. Modern bacteria are evolving resistances to many antibiotics, so if there exists a phage that evolves with that bacteria, it could be bred for the purpose of fighting that disease.

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .
Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.