Jessica Svoboda

Jessica Rae Svoboda

 

EDUCATION


Bachelor of Arts in Biology                            Expected: May 2012
St. Edward’s University: Austin, TX

Relevant Coursework: Microbiology, Economic and Medical Botany, Anatomy and Physiology, Human Physiology, Molecular Biology, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Populations and Ecology, Immunology, Foundations in Education, Learning Processes and Evaluation, Secondary Classroom Management, Content Area Literacy, Curriculum and Evaluation – Secondary, Education and Technology Integration

RESEARCH


Pecan Nut Buoyancy: Houston, TX                            Summer 2010

  • Conducted at the Baylor College of Medicine                  invited back: Winter 2010
  • Studied the buoyancy behaviors of several pecan species
  • Conducted detailed laboratory procedures and learned various lab techniques

Iron Reductase Capacity in Pecans: Houston, TX                    Summer 2010

  • Conducted at the Baylor College of Medicine
  • Mastered the use of liquid and soluble assays to determine root iron reductase
  • Analyzed data using molecular techniques and genetic research

Zinc Transporters in Apples:  Houston, TX

  • Conducted at the Baylor College of Medicine
  • Identified and isolated zinc transporters using genetic analysis and molecular techniques
  • Grew various plants to control the study of these transporters

The Microbial Contamination of Sodas Obtained from Fountains: Austin, TX

  • Conducted at Saint Edward’s University
  • Practiced several lab techniques such as: dilution and plating, gram staining, and PCR
  • Identified bacteria using molecular analyses

LABORATORY EXPERIENCE


Microbiology Preparation: St. Edward’s University                    2010-2012

  • Mastered autoclaving equipment
  • Prepared all necessary media for undergraduate microbiology classes and researchers
  • Handled several types of bacterial mediums

 

Human Physiology Teaching Assistant: St. Edward’s University            2010 – 2012

  • Calibrated various equipment electronically
  • Facilitated the collection of data on human and amphibian subjects
  • Assisted the lab professor with grading and setup

Molecular Biology Project Intern: Houston, TX

  • Conducted at Children’s Nutritional Research Center
  • Mastered various techniques including: PCR, reverse transcribing RNA, DNA and RNA extraction from plant material, transforming competent cells, and purification of isolated genetic materials
  • Analyzed genetic materials from many plant species

Advanced Hydroponics: Houston, TX

  • Conducted at Children’s Nutritional Research Center
  • Controlled the growth of several plant species using hydroponic solutions
  • Chemically prepared and standardized hydroponic solutions

Advanced Hydroponics Austin, TX                                                  2012

  • Conducted at St. Edward’s University
  • Chemically prepared and standardized hydroponic solutions
  • Customized solutions to differing experimental methods