Melissa Marie McLeod

5024 Sardis Rd. Apt O Charlotte, NC 28207704-449-1703mmcleo17@uncc.edu

Summary Strong cellular biology and behavioral genetics background Skilled at learning new concepts quickly, working well under

pressure, and communicating ideas clearly and effectively. Demonstrated professionalism and ability to apply communication

and management skills to a broad range of subjects. Experience in several investigative lab techniques.

Education M.S. in Biological SciencesUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC.Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Concentration, GPA: 3.5

Expected 2017

B.S. in Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology Concentration, GPA: 3.31

Career History & Accomplishments

Teaching Assistant, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC. Taught General Biology Lab to undergraduate Biology

Majors Gained experience with managing and teaching a

classroom

Research Assistant, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC. Gained experience with investigative techniques including

Western Blot, plasmid cloning, and protein purification.

Spring 2015-

present

Summer 2015

Office of Undergraduate Research Grant Recipient, NC State University Received $1,000 research scholarship for Spring and

Summer 2013 Funded project involved the study of basal level gene

expression and behavioral stress response differences between male and female zebrafish for two selectively bred lines.

Presented research at the 12th Annual Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium at NC State University.

February 2013

Undergraduate Researcher, North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC. Studied zebrafish behavior and associated genes under the

guidance of Dr. John Godwin. Developed knowledge of lab animal care and methods of

behavioral testing for investigative purposes, such as Topscan Analysis.Learned valuable lab techniques not pursued in the classroom such as quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR), RNA purification, and cDNA synthesis.

2012- Spring

Assistant Accountant, McLeod Realty, Inc., Charlotte, NC. Learned accounting skills using Yardi Property

Management software for Windows. Learned property management skills including organizing

and filing checks and invoices.

Summer 2012

Memberships & AffiliationsJournal Club Member, Godwin Lab, Raleigh, NC. Developed better understanding of database searching,

interpreting, and explaining primary scientific journal articles.

Practiced public speaking skills in a professional academic setting. The journal club members were required to present scientific papers of interest to other undergraduates on a bi-weekly basis.

2012-

Omega Phi Alpha Service Sorority, NC State University Vice President of Pledge Class and Member of Conduct and

Service Boards Learned valuable leadership and cooperation skills. Participated in various community service projects

throughout Raleigh (30 hours of service per semester).

2011-Spring

Publications

REV1 is important for the ATR-Chk1 DNA damage response pathway in Xenopus egg extractDarla DeStephanis, Melissa M McLeod, Shan YanBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2015. (Accepted for publication)

Limited sex-biased neural gene expression patterns across strains in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)Ryan Y Wong, Melissa M McLeod, John GodwinBMC Genomics. 2014; 15(1): 905. Published online 2014 October 17. doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-905

References available upon request.