I have recently graduated from undergraduate studies with a BA in Cell/Molecular Biology and a minor in Chemistry and Medical Humanities. I am currently applying to medical school but I am very interested in virology research. Below is my CV and I would greatly appreciate recommendations of virology programs that I would be a strong applicant for. I will be taking the GRE soon but I have not taken it yet, however to give you an idea of my standardized test scores I got a 30 on the MCAT. Any help would greatly be appreciated!
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Cell/Molecular Biology. May 2014
Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
Minors: Chemistry, Medical Humanities
Honors: University and Departmental GPA: 3.5/4.0 BIO GPA: 3.41 BCPM GPA: 3.38
RELATED SKILLS
MTT Cell Proliferation Assay Statistical Analysis
Cell Culture Gel Electrophoresis
Western Blot Analysis Polymerase Chain Reaction
Flow Cytometry Analysis Media Prep
Virus Replication ELISA Immunoassay
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant: Thesis Project. Dr. Maryam Ahmed, Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone NC. February 2012-May 2014.
• We investigated the use of matrix (M) protein mutants of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus, such as rM51R-M virus, act as selective anti-cancer agents by targeting cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
• We investigated the mechanisms of resistance in different cervical cancer cell lines and developing combination therapeutic strategies with natural compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, flavokavain B, echinacea, and quercetin, to augment VSV induced oncolysis of cervical cancers.
• Acquired skills include sterile cell tissue culturing (SIHA, C4-2 cervical cancer cells, BHK cells), histology, and infecting cells over a time course for MTT cell proliferation analysis.
INTERNSHIP
South Africa Clinical Shadowing Internship May 2012-June 2012
• Riverlea Clinic (AIDS/TB)
• Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital (Endocrinology, Maternity)
• DFC Clinic at Univ. of Johannesburg (Chiropractic, Biokinetics)
• Johannesburg General Hospital (Podiatry, Spine Specialist)
• Soweto Children’s Clinic (Homeopathic Medicine)
Zambia Clinical Shadowing Internship May 2013-June 2013
Ndola Central Hospital (Surgery, Medicine, OBGYN, Infectious Diseases)
Arthur Davidson Children's Hospital (Pediatrics)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Certified Nursing Assistant, Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living Facility. Boone, NC. Jan 2014-May 2014
• Assist with resident care with patients diagnosed with advanced dementia/ Alzheimer's.
• Record vital signs of residents.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Volunteer at Avante Nursing Home: January 2009-May 2009
• Volunteer at Brian's Center: January 2009-May 2009
• Apprenticeship at ACCU at CMC Northeast Medical Center: January 2009-May 2009
• Apprenticeship at Neurology Unit at CMC Northeast Medical Center: January 2009- May 2009
• Volunteer at ER at CMC-Northeast Medical Center (150 hrs): May 2010-May 2012
• Shadowing Experience: ER physician, Cardiac Cath Lab (80 hrs): May 2010-May 2012
• EMT-Basic Training at Caldwell Community: August 2012-December 2012
• Human Pathogen Transmission Course Training August 2012
• Volunteer ASU Science Festival Volunteer February 2013
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
• President of BBB Honor Society at Appalachian State University August 2011-May 2014
• Member of Health Professions Club at ASU Homecoming Committee September 2011
• Camp Open Airways Camp Counselor Summer May 2011-June 2011
•Member of South African Exchange Student Welcome Committee November 2012, November 2013
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Response of Cervical Cancer Cells to Infection with Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (Poster)
• 2012 NC American Society for Microbiology Meeting
• 2012 State of NC Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium
• 2013 Science in the Mountains Workshop
• 2013 Student Research and Creative Endeavors at ASU
The Use of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus and Natural Products for the Treatment of Cervical
Cancer (Poster)
• 2013 NC American Society for Microbiology Meeting
•2013 State of NC Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium
The Use of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus and Natural Products for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer (Presentation)
• 2014 Student Research and Creative Endeavors at ASU
The Use of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus and Natural Products for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer (Thesis)
•Completed May 2014, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
HONORS
Member of Beta Beta Beta Honor Society Member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Member of Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society Member of Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society
Member of Dean’s List 2009-2014 Member of Chancellor’s List 2009-2010, 2013
Member of Honors College at ASU Member of Biology Honors at ASU
2013 College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board-Biology Representative
2013 ASU Quality Enhancement Plan Student Representative
SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS
2013 Office of Student Research at Appalachian State Travel Grant
2009-2010 Biology Alumni/Faculty Scholarship
2011-2012 Lloyd L. Hobbs Memorial for the Physical Sciences Scholarship
2011-2012 Ida Bell Ledbetter Scholarship
Summer 2012 Williamsen Study Abroad Scholarship
Summer 2012 Honors Study Abroad Scholarship
2012-2013 Lloyd L. Hobbs Memorial for the Physical Sciences Scholarship
2012-2013 Biology Alumni/Faculty Scholarship
2012-2013 Peggy Harmon Health Care Scholarship
2013 FND-Study Abroad Scholarship
2013-2014 Biology Alumni/Faculty Scholarship
2013-2014 Derrick Biology Scholarship