Research Experience

Cell Culture Specialist
July 2020 - Present

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Research Contractor, Oak Ridge Associated Universities

Inhalation Toxicology Facilities Branch

Research Triangle Park, NC

Maintain organotypic in vitro epithelial lung cell lines and conduct toxicity screening of aerosols and volatile organic compounds via a novel air-liquid interface cell culture exposure system
Proficient Lab Manager: supervise training of new hires, organize laboratory inventories, provide engineering support, curate and analyze data, perform toxicity assays, develop and optimize SOPs, experienced practice in aseptic technique
Skills: attention to detail, interpersonal communication, organization, responsibility, team leader, collaborative worker, ambiguity management, independent thinker

Research Assistant
Aug. 2019 - March 2020

Zebrafish Core

Department of Toxicology

NC State University

Utilized CRISPR-Cas9 to promote amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms in a zebrafish model and induce behavior through environmental changes
Technical experience: generation of CRISPR-Cas9 product for specific DNA-base modification, fish embryo injection at one-cell stage, tailfin-clipping, DNA genotyping, PCR, zebrafish core maintenance
Skills: time management, teamwork, completion of independent projects, data analysis, laboratory notebook management

Community Outreach
& Engagement
Professional
June 2019 - March 2020

Center for Human Health and the Environment

Department of Toxicology

NC State University

Effectively and mindfully communicated Dept. of Toxicology PFAS/Gen-X research to NC communities as science liaison
Performed a widespread environmental health literacy survey to assess current citizen awareness, led community-based informational sessions, and created an environmental health literacy literature review.
Skills: health psychology, records management, real-world exposure to scientific communication, population data collection, interpersonal communication, strong leadership, teamwork, collaboration, empathy

Publications

June 28, 2022

Benchmark dose modeling approaches for volatile organic chemicals using a novel air-liquid interface in vitro exposure system.

Speen AM., Murray, J., Krantz, QT., Davies, D., Evansky, P., Harrill, J., Everett, LJ., Bundy, J., Dailey, LA., Hill, J., Zander, W., Carlsten, E., Monsees, M., Zavala, J., Higuchi, M. Benchmark dose modeling approaches for volatile organic chemicals using a novel air-liquid interface in vitro exposure system. (2022) Toxicological Science.

February 25, 2022

Environmental Health Literacy as Knowing, Feeling, and
Believing: Analyzing Linkages between Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status and Willingness to Engage in Protective Behaviors against Health Threats.

Binder AR, May K, Murphy J, Gross A, Carlsten E. Environmental Health Literacy as Knowing, Feeling, and Believing: Analyzing Linkages between Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status and Willingness to Engage in Protective Behaviors against Health Threats. (2022) International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.