Canada
I obtained a Master's of Science specializing in cell and molecular biology and have been awarded the Ontario Graduate Student Bursary. As well, I completed my undergraduate thesis through the NSERC USRA program. Through my educational background, I have developed my science communication skills and performed many complex laboratory procedures. I have taught graduate and undergraduate students about laboratory safety and analysis techniques (RNA/DNA extraction, ELISA, Rt-qPCR, among others). I'm currently expanding my scientific skills while working as a forensic evidence examiner. My goal in this role is to locate fingerprints and DNA on evidence collected from crime scenes. This role allows me to communicate my scientific findings to Crown and Defense attorneys, jury members, and other police members.
I use my skills as a Scene of Crime Officer to attend crime scenes to collect evidence for DNA or fingerprint examinations. I use the LEICA 3D scanner and a Nikon DSLR camera to digitally record the scenes that I attend. Items collected from the scene are brought back to a laboratory where I use my fingerprint and DNA skills to locate potential DNA sources or fingerprints on the evidence.
I process evidence from crime scenes to locate fingerprints and DNA through the use of alternative light source examinations, DNA swabbing, and chemical treatments.
I perform Police Record Checks (Level 1-3) through the use of CPIC and Niche databases. I connect with Police detachments throughout Canada to obtain permission to release information from their detachment territory.
I collected biological samples from the deer population in North Bay and Lindsey Ontario. The samples were packaged and kept frozen to be sent to the laboratory. Staff at the laboratory performed aging from teeth samples, Chronic Wasting Disease sampling from the obex and retropharyngeal lymph nodes, and Covid sampling from a Covid swab.
I was humanely live trapping, vaccinating, and releasing wildlife to prevent the spread of rabies. In addition to that project, I was assisting in oral rabies vaccine distribution and tracking the locations of the baits through a tablet GIS program. Throughout this contract, I was maintaining accurate data records and providing the data to project leads.
I completed my thesis laboratory work which focuses on understanding the changes in gene transcription on three copper related genes when white spruce trees are treated with different concentrations of copper. As well, I analyzed the changes in global DNA methylation in trees affected with large concentrations of copper compared to untreated and control trees. While completing my thesis work, I taught undergraduate students in their anatomy and physiology labs by presenting powerpoints, answering content-based questions, and trying to make virtual learning as interactive as possible.
I supervised undergraduate and graduate students in their thesis lab work. In the supervisor role, I helped lead the students through the protocols of gene transcription and enzyme analysis. I had the opportunity to teach these students how to analyze their data using SPSS and to make data-based conclusions.
I was able to complete my undergraduate thesis under the supervision of Dr. Kabwe Nkongolo. This entailed using verbal and written communication skills to explain my research results to the public. As well, I had the opportunity to train an undergraduate student. The training consisted of teaching scientific methodologies and laboratory safety protocols.