ABOUT ME
As a PhD in Biology from Auburn University, I have built my knowledge and understanding of bioinformatics from the ground up working on the assembly, annotation and comparison of short sequences and whole genomes. My current research is focused on plant genomics, but I am excited about the possibility of exploring other research space with the complement of programming languages and bioinformatics tools I have built during my research.
My experience has prepared me to be a part of a collaborative team of researchers. Before coming to Auburn University, I spent 5 years as a high school science teacher. During that time, I learned how to communicate clearly with active and engaged stakeholders and convey complex scientific concepts with simplicity. During my education at Auburn, I have sharpened these skills through collaborations with colleagues, presentations at conference and the publication of peer reviewed articles.
In the Goertzen Lab, we are using low coverage, whole genomic DNA called genome skimming to investigate the species relationships within the genus Marshallia (Barbara's Buttons). We are also collaborating on a Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) genome assembly project.
PAST & PRESENT
I have served as instructor for Auburn's Bioinformatics Boot Camp during the summers of 2015-2017. At Bioinformatics Boot Camp, we give an introduction to the analysis of high throughput sequencing data including assembly, variant calling and visualization. I really enjoy getting to help the attendees learn how to use the tools and techniques of computational biology.
During my work on PhD, I have learned to code in Python, BASH and R. I use these languages for the parsing, pipeline creation and visualization. I am eager to continue advancing within these programming languages. Lately, my focus has been on developing more robust object classes within Python.
I graduated with a PhD in Biological Sciences in Spring 2018 and I am looking for opportunities. Auburn University has been an excellent place to learn discipline of Biology. Critical thought and free thinking are modeled by the faculty and are the strong underpinnings of the graduate program in Biological Sciences.
