Scientific Experiences

Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity and Lab

Introduction to ecology, evolution, and biodiversity within the context of structure and function including the adaptive strategies that organisms use to manage the everyday challenges of life. Emphasis on interactions of organisms with their environments, evolutionary change and role of natural selection in the evolution of life forms. Builds a foundation for understanding how science works, how to think critically and communicate scientifically. 

Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology and Lab

Basic concepts and principles of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Emphasis is placed on the physical basis of life, on the molecular mechanisms that guide evolution, on the cell as the fundamental unit of life, and on the mechanisms involved in the development of multicellular organisms. The course promotes the development of crucial scientific skills including critical thinking, problem solving, design of experiments, and effective oral and written scientific communication. 

Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology and Lab

Provides an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the nervous, skeletal, muscular, and digestive systems. Fundamental principles addressed throughout the course include [1] maintenance and regulation of homeostasis, [2] communication and control processes throughout the body, [3] integration and interdependence across organ systems, [4] structure-function relationships, and [5] anatomical and physiological adaptation. Together, BIO 240 and BIO 245 provide a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology [through both lecture and lab] for students preparing for a variety of health-related professions. 

Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology and Lab

Provides an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems.

General Microbiology and Lab

Rigorous introduction to basic principles of microbiology for students in biological and agricultural sciences and for all students planning to take further courses in microbiology. 

Chemistry- A Molecular Science and Lab

A fundamental study of molecular bonding, structure, and reactivity. Principles of atomic structure, ionic and covalent bonding, reaction energetics, intermolecular forces, precipitation reactions, acid/base reactions, oxidation/reduction processes, and introductions to organic and inorganic chemistry. 

Chemistry- A Quantitative Science and Lab

Detailed quantitative aspects of solutions, solution stoichiometry, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base equilibria, solubility equilibria, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. 

Organic chemistry 1 and Lab

First half of two-semester sequence in the fundamentals of modern organic chemistry. Structure and bonding, stereochemistry, reactivity and synthesis of carbon compounds. Detailed coverage of aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, and alkyl halides. Introduction to spectral techniques of IR, UV-vis, and NMR. 

Organic Chemistry 2 and Lab

Second half of two-semester sequence in the fundamentals of modern organic chemistry. Structure and bonding, stereochemistry, reactivity and synthesis of carbon compounds. Detailed coverage of aromatic hydrocarbons, condensation reagents, and selected biological chemistry topics such as carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids. 

General Biochemistry

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of biochemistry. It emphasizes biochemical structures, properties, and functions, including enzyme kinetics and major metabolic processes. 

Principles of Genetics

Basic concepts and principles of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics. Mendelian inheritance, polygenic inheritance, linkage and mapping, chromosome aberrations, population genetics, evolution, DNA structure and replication, gene expression, mutation, gene regulation, extranuclear inheritance, bacterial and viral genetics, and recombinant DNA technology 

Core Technologies in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Basic technologies of recombinant DNA procedures, gene expression, isolation and identification of nucleic acids and proteins. 

Introduction to Plant Biotechnology 

Introduction to gene cloning, plant tissue culture and transformation, and the development of agriculturally important transgenic traits. Critical thinking, case studies, and discussions are used to examine global approaches to the regulation and risks of genetically modified organisms, plant and gene patents, and the consequences of these factors on food sovereignty and trade. 

Protein Purification

Comparison of several different chromatography techniques for protein purification. Construction of purification tables and SDS-and native-PAGE analysis. Cost-benefit analysis of industrial-scale procedures. 

Mammalian Cell Line Development for Biomanufacturing

This course provides the basic and advanced principles of genetic engineering in yeast and mammalian cells for the overproduction of a protein of interest. Students will use classical and novel strategies to establish a stable Chinese hamster ovary [CHO] cell line based on the industrially relevant strain, DG44 [DHFR system]. Students will also generate a yeast expression system based on Pichia pastoris for the production of the same protein. The generation of two different cell lines for the overproduction of the same protein of interest should provide students with an appreciation of each system in terms of cost, speed, productivity and product quality 

Technologist Trainee at LabCorp

I worked in the ERT Auto section of the Special Chemistry Department at LabCorp in Burlington, NC. My role was to prepare patient samples and run them on their respective machine for the tests that were ordered for the sample. I was responsible for all the samples that were currently in the lab waiting to be ran by my machines and tracking any samples that had not been ran or were missing. I was responsible for making sure the correct reagents and controls were being used by lot numbers and validating any new reagent or control lots that were coming into the lab.