Summary

High Point University graduate with a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Health Science pursuing a M.A. in Communication and Business Leadership. Experienced in NIH-funded Biochemistry research, physical science laboratory techniques, and presenting research findings. My growth mindset, dedication to the pursuit of learning excellence, and experience adopting leadership positions to facilitate the success of others makes me a perfect fit for a plethora of academic and professional settings.

Education

M.A. Communication and Business Leadership

June 2023-May 2024

High Point University, High Point, NC

B.S. Biology- Health Science Concentration

High Point University, High Point, NC

Summa Cum Laude

August 2020-May 2023

Awards

Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society

High Point University

• Awarded to Biology students who earn at least a 3.0 GPA and 3.0 science GPA

Alpha Epsilon Delta Health Pre-professional Honor Society High Point University

• Awarded to health pre-professional students who earn at least a 3.2 GPA and 3.2 science GPA

Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society

High Point University

• Awarded to students who earn a minimum GPA of 3.5 and are in the top 20% of their undergraduate class

Coat of Arms Scholarship Ring

Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority

• Awarded to a member who has achieved two consecutive semesters of a 4.0 GPA

Presidential Scholar

High Point University

• Awarded to students who graduated in the top 10% of their high school class

Honors Scholar Fellowship

High Point University

• Awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence

Dean’s List (5/6 semesters)

High Point University

• Awarded to students who attain a semesterly GPA of 3.5 or higher

April 2022-May 2023

January 2022-May 2023

September 2021-May 2023

September 2021

August 2020-May 2023

Research Experience

June 2023-Present

Loratadine Influences MRSA Persisters

High Point University

• Research conducted during summer research program

• Confirmed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) or three antibiotics for MRSA strain 43300

• Collaborated with research team to determine the effect of the antibiotic adjuvant on the number of MRSA stationary persisters

The Impact of Gender on Psychological Safety and Information Sharing

High Point University

• Research conducted for Honors Methods Proposals and Planning course and Honors

Qualifying Signature Project

• Explored the effect of gender on psychological safety and information sharing

Snake Plant Extract Increases the Sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus to β-lactam

Antibiotics

High Point University

• Research conducted in Honors Scientific Reasoning course

• Examined the effectiveness of Snake Plant when used as an adjuvant

with various β lactam Antibiotics

CRISPR/Cas9 as a Genetic Tool for Studying the Antibiotic Resistance of MRSA

High Point University

• Research conducted while being a Research Assistant

• Optimized electroporation conditions for clinically relevant MRSA strains

• Collaborated with research team to transform CRISPR plasmids into

clinically relevant MRSA strains and create knockout to study the function of Stk1

• Trained new lab members on lab techniques such as electroporation

Correlation Between Sleep-Related Behaviors and the Emotion Comprehension

Aspect of Theory of Mind

High Point University

• Research conducted in Honors Social Scientific Inquiry course

• Assessed the relationship between participants’ sleep-related

behaviors and their ability to understand the mental state of others

Quinine Concentration in Different Types of Grapefruits and Their Respective

Lethal Dosages

High Point University

• Research conducted in Chemistry Instrumental Analysis Lab

• Used a Fluorometer to determine the concentration of quinine in grapefruits

The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on the Copper Content of Jewelry from Thrift Stores

High Point University

• Research conducted in Chemistry Instrumental Analysis Lab

• Used X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to quantify the copper concentration in jewelry

samples obtained from various thrift stores

October 2022-May 2023

August 2021-December 2021

August 2021-Present

March 2021-May 2021

January 2021-March 2021

Conference Presentations

"Loratadine influences MRSA persisters," Summer Undergraduate Research Program in the Sciences Symposium; oral presentation (2023)

"The Impact of Gender on Psychological Safety and Information Sharing," HIGH PURCS; poster presentation (2023)

“CRISPR/Cas9 as a Genetic Tool for Studying the Antibiotic Resistance of MRSA,” State of NC Research and Creativity Symposium; poster presentation (2022)

"CRISPR/Cas9 as a Genetic Tool for Studying the Antibiotic Resistance of MRSA," HIGH PURCS; poster presentation (2022)

“CRISPR/Cas9 as a Genetic Tool for Studying MRSA Antibiotic Resistance,” State of NC Research and Creativity Symposium; poster presentation (2021)

“CRISPR/Cas9 as a Genetic Tool for Studying MRSA Antibiotic Resistance,” Summer Undergraduate Research Program in the Sciences Symposium; poster presentation (2021)

Relevant Skills

Laboratory Skills

• CRISPR

• Cell culture

• PCR

• DNA purification

• Plasmid purification

• Genomic DNA isolation

• Electroporation

• Electrocompetent cell

preparation

• X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy

• Fluorometer

•1H NMR

• Nanodrop

• Gel electrophoresis

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel

• Proficient in Python

• Scientific writing

Language Skills

• Conversational in Spanish

Work Experience

Student Instructor

Academic Services; High Point University

• Attended lectures biweekly to help students better understand course content

• Hosted Exam reviews sessions for a class of 48 students

• Served as a Learning Lab instructor for all General Chemistry students for 2 hours each week

Tutor

Academic Services; High Point University

• Aided General Chemistry students in better comprehension of course related material

• Organized effective study plans for students

• Monitored student progress and provided feedback

Research Assistant

Summer Undergraduate Research Program in the Sciences, High Point University

• Collaborated with research team to develop a CRISPR plasmid and transform it

into an intermediate strain of S. aureus

• Presented research progress during weekly meetings

• Performed DNA purification procedures, electrocompetent cell prep, electroporation,

PCR and gel electrophoresis

Resident Assistant

Office of Student Life; High Point University

• Counseled and advised first year students on personal and academic concerns

• Planned and implemented monthly programs to promote community engagement

• Developed mediation and conflict resolution skills

August 2022-December 2022

June 2021-July 2021

March 2021-May 2022

Campus Involvements

Peer Mentor Program

• Assisted incoming student in their transition to High Point University

• Offered support and guidance related to campus engagement

• Developed relationships with and mentored 12 first-year students through group activities and one-on-one support

The American Chemical Society at HPU

• Attended meetings and events encouraging community engagement and networking within the Chemistry field

Pre-Medicine Society

• Served on the Executive Board as the Student Government Association (SGA) Representative for two semesters

• Attended SGA meetings every other week and represented and promoted the organization’s interests

• Planned and coordinated campus events focused on encouraging community engagement and providing

opportunities for students on the pre-medicine track

Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority

• Represented the chapter positively and developed relationships with other members and organizations across campus

• Attended weekly chapter meetings to discuss business, event planning, and fundraising • Served as Chapel Chairwoman

for two semesters and sponsored chapel services

Club Softball Team

• Committed approximately 10 hours per week to training, practicing, traveling and playing games

• Developed and maintained strong work ethic and dedication to meeting personal and team goals

Catholic Campus Ministry

• Attended religious and social events to foster community involvement

Biology Club

• Attended meetings and events designed to facilitate networking and community engagement within the Biology field

Honors Scholar Program

• Addressed real world issues through holistic and comprehensive coursework

• Collaborated with other students on major interdisciplinary projects

• Pursued academic excellence through rigorous courses

Certifications

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training
QPR Suicide Prevention Training

References

Dr. Nicole Hughes

Associate Professor, High Point University, Department of Biology

Relationship: Faculty Advisor

1 N University Pkwy

High Point, NC, 27268

336.841.4656

nhughes@highpoint.edu

Dr. Heather Miller

Assistant Professor, High Point University, Department of Chemistry

Relationship: Research Mentor

1 N University Pkwy

High Point, NC, 27268

336.841.9537

hmiller@highpoint.edu