My long-term goal is to pursue a career as a research scientist, using genetic tools to investigate evolutionary questions. Before I return to graduate school to pursue a PhD, I want to gain additional research experience using new genetic techniques and performing data analyses. I'm particularly interested in genomics and Next Generation sequencing, epigenetics and methylation, the evolution of genomic architecture, and virology.
I am currently a Postmaster's Research Intern at Oak Ridge National Laboratory through the ORAU ASTRO program. I am working with the researchers in Adam Guss's lab on genetic engineering for biofuels. In addition, I collaborate with my husband, Dr. M. Steven Furches, on research projects at Lincoln Memorial University. I also serve as a scientific advisor and consultant to Assured Bio Labs.
I have experience in genetics, botany and microbiology, in both lab and field settings. I've been involved in research on topics such as evolution, speciation, gene flow, hybridization, pollination biology, biodiversity, and ecology. These projects have facilitated the development of a diverse skill set that includes genetic data generation, population genetic and phylogenetic analyses, microscopy, culture techniques, and morphological analyses. As a lab manager, lead scientist, and former teaching assistant, I have experience leading scientists and students, writing proposals, presenting research, and interacting with the public.
For my Master's research project, I utilized phylogenetic and population genetic patterns to investigate biogeography and pollination biology in Penstemon (Plantaginaceae). The abstract is available on this site, and the full document can be downloaded from The University of Tennessee.
I am currently a Postmaster's Research Intern at Oak Ridge National Laboratory through the ORAU ASTRO program. I am working with the researchers in Adam Guss's lab on genetic engineering for biofuels. In addition, I collaborate with my husband, Dr. M. Steven Furches, on research projects at Lincoln Memorial University. I also serve as a scientific advisor and consultant to Assured Bio Labs.
I have experience in genetics, botany and microbiology, in both lab and field settings. I've been involved in research on topics such as evolution, speciation, gene flow, hybridization, pollination biology, biodiversity, and ecology. These projects have facilitated the development of a diverse skill set that includes genetic data generation, population genetic and phylogenetic analyses, microscopy, culture techniques, and morphological analyses. As a lab manager, lead scientist, and former teaching assistant, I have experience leading scientists and students, writing proposals, presenting research, and interacting with the public.
For my Master's research project, I utilized phylogenetic and population genetic patterns to investigate biogeography and pollination biology in Penstemon (Plantaginaceae). The abstract is available on this site, and the full document can be downloaded from The University of Tennessee.
Award!
In April 2013, my proposal for the Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge Ideation Challenge
won an award. Follow this link to read about the challenge and Q&A with the winners.
