Australian tutor with Biomedical Science degree offering an abundance of cell biology and microbiology knowledge!

Nicola's CV

Nicola McDonald
3 Picadilly Court
Prospect TASMANIA 7250
Home: (03) 6343 1289
Mobile: (concealed information)
(concealed information)


Biography/Research
I have recently obtained a First Class Honours degree in Biomedical Science exploring the effects of three growth factors on the expression of various genes in mesenchymal stem cells. I am currently working as a tutor/lecturer in several Health Science subjects, including Cell Biology, Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology, where I assist student learning in a practical class setting. I endeavour to continue developing my teaching skills over the course of 2016. My track record shows a strong interest and flair for research having been awarded a University of Tasmania Summer Research Scholarship investigating glaucoma and an internationally competitive Dean’s Prestigious Summer Scholarship where I undertook research focussing on breast cancer genetics.

Education
2014 – 2015 Bachelor of Biomedical Science with First Class Honours
Thesis title: Effects of retinoic acid, TGF-β2 and BMP4 on the expression of PITX2 and FOXC1 in mesenchymal stem cells
Supervisor: Dr Anthony Cook
School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania

2011 – 2014 Bachelor of Biomedical Science
School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania

Employment History
July 2014 – present Casual tutor/demonstrator/lecturer
University of Tasmania, School of Health Science
Tasks:
• Lecturing
• Tutoring of first, second and third year students in a practical class setting
• Unit development (lecture, tutorial and practical writing and delivery)
• Assessment marking (assignments and exams)

Skills, experience and personal attributes
Computer literacy
I am a literate computer user and have had training in and/or regularly use the following computer packages:
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Excel
• University Blackboard Learning System MyLO
• Email – Microsoft Outlook, Hotmail, University webmail
• GraphPad Prism
• SPSS statistics program
• Relative expression software analysis tool (REST) for PCR analysis

Over the course of my undergraduate degree, including Honours, I have developed a number of laboratory skills which have enabled me to work efficiently and independently within a research laboratory setting. I have experience in the following:
• Culture of human stem cells, including assays of differentiation to different lineages
• Histochemical and immunofluorescent analysis of cultured cells using light and confocal microscopy
• RNA extraction, reverse transcription to cDNA and analysis of gene expression using real-time PCR
• Transfection of human cells using liposome-based methods
• Analysis of cells transfected with GFP and luciferase tagged reported plasmid using microplate assays, fluorescence microscopy and Western blot
• Site-directed mutagenesis and fusion PCR of DNA fragments for cloning into TOPO and Zebrafish insulator vectors
• Enzyme restriction digests
• Zebrafish husbandry
• Microinjection of clone constructs into Zebrafish embryos

Teamwork and communication skills
Within an academic environment, I have participated in group research meetings and presented the findings of my summer scholarship project entitled ‘Gene over-expression in human trabecular meshwork cells’ as part of the University of Tasmania’s school seminar series. Additionally I have presented my research work prior to and upon completion of my honours year. Opportunities such as these have allowed me to further develop my communication and presentation skills. As president of the Biomedical Science Society I have been able to develop my organisation and leadership skills.
My employment history and sporting involvements have enabled me to work effectively within a team environment. In particular, my work as a sales assistant demonstrates that I am trustworthy and has enabled me to develop my communications/customer service skills in a public environment.


Accolades and Distinctions
2014 Tasmania Honours Scholarship
2014 Scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) and Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB) Annual Scientific Meeting in Hobart
2014 Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB) award for best student in clinical chemistry/immunology
2013-2014 Dean’s Prestigious Summer Scholarship recipient (University of Otago, New Zealand)
2013 Scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) National Scientific Meeting (NSM)
2012 Dean’s Roll of Excellence for Faculty of Health Science
2012 Summer Research Scholarship recipient (University of Tasmania)
2012 Derek Smith Memorial Prize for Best Student in First Year Biomedical Science
2011 Dean’s Roll of Excellence for Faculty of Health Science
2011 Tasmania University Scholarship

Teaching
2015-2016 CXA101 Medical Laboratory Sciences, laboratory demonstrator
Undergraduate, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania

2015 CXA125 Introductory Biochemistry, laboratory demonstrator
Undergraduate, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania

2014-2016 CXA171 Cell Biology and Function, lecturer/laboratory demonstrator/private tutor
Undergraduate, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania

2014-2016 CXA172 Anatomy and Physiology 1, laboratory demonstrator/private tutor
Undergraduate, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania

2015-2016 CXA241 General and Medical Microbiology, unit development laboratory demonstrator, lecturer
Undergraduate, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania

2016 CXA273 Anatomy and Physiology 2, laboratory demonstrator
Undergraduate, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania

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Publications
Conference posters
1. McDonald NLV, Briggs EA, Wong RCB, Pébay A, Hewitt AW and Cook AL. Defining conditions for a human stem cell model of the glaucoma-affected trabecular meshwork cell lineage. 8thAustralian Society for Stem Cell Research Annual Meeting, Hunter Valley, Australia (November 2015).


Personal development activities
2015 Undertaking the Understanding Dementia MOOC offered by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre
2014, 2016 Participant, Live Below the Line (LBL)
2013 President, Biomedical Science Society
2008, 2010, 2013, 2015 Participant, World’s Greatest Shave
2008 Positive Image Award, School Ambassador
2008 Completion of 20 Hours Community Service Recognition Certificate
2008 Certificate in Recognition of attendance at the Hands on Training Nursing Course (School of Nursing, Midwifery and Postgraduate, Edith Cowan University)

Referees
Dr Anthony Cook
Senior Lecturer
Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre
University of Tasmania
Private Bag 143
Hobart, TAS 7001
Phone: (03) 6226 6964
Mobile: (concealed information)
Email: (concealed information)
Skype: cookal7

Professor Dominic Geraghty
Deputy Head and Associate Head (Research), School of Health Sciences
Deputy Chair, Academic Senate
Deputy Dean of Graduate Research
School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania
Locked Bag 1322, Newnham Drive
Launceston, TAS 7250
Phone: (03) 6324 5488
Email: (concealed information)

Dr Murray Adams
Senior Lecturer in Haematology; Course Coordinator: Bachelor of Biomedical Science
School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania
Locked Bag 1322, Newnham Drive
Launceston, TAS 7250
Phone: (03) 6324 5483
Email: (concealed information)