Laura Newburn

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Hi, I’m Laura! I’m a microbiologist and virologist from Toronto, Canada. In 2021, I completed a Ph.D. in virology at York University in Toronto. My research work focused on plus sense single stranded RNA plant viruses such as Tobacco necrosis virus-D (TNVD). I explored the nature of long range RNA-RNA interactions and the effect that they had on translational readthrough.

After graduation I started working as a researcher and RNA subject matter expert in the lab of Dr Amro Zayed. The lab is currently exploring the complex relationships between pesticides and RNA expression in bees. My expertise in all things RNA has helped the lab to develop and test protocols to isolate and analyze RNA from bees. Currently, I am the project manager of another skewer of the larger BeeCSI project, the pollen DNA extraction project.

Outside of work I’m an avid baker and knitter. I enjoy creating a wide variety of culinary creations all the way from simple cookies to complex meals. On the knitting side I am currently working through a Harry Potter knitting book and also inventing my own projects. Later this year I hope to be getting a puppy and I’m looking forward to all the adventures that will bring.

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RNA Binding Site App

An software tool that I helped develop to simplify identification of RNA binding sites.

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Journal Article - Trans-Activator Binding Site Context in RCNMV Modulates Subgenomic mRNA Transcription

This paper explores the trans-acting RNA structures that regulate subgenomic mRNA production in Red Clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV) as well as a possible evolutionary origin.

November 2021

Journal Article - Investigation of Novel RNA Elements in the 3′UTR of Tobacco Necrosis Virus-D

This article explores viral control elements present in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of Tobacco necrosis virus-D.

August 2020

Journal Article - A trans-activator-like structure in RCNMV RNA1 evokes the origin of the trans-activator in RNA2

This paper describes a conserved structure that is present in Red Clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV) and formulates a plausible evolutionary pathway for this virus.

January 2020

Journal Article - Trans-Acting RNA–RNA Interactions in Segmented RNA Viruses

This review article summarizes the scientific knowledge of trans-acting RNA-RNA interactions in segmented RNA viruses.

August 2019

Journal Article - A 212-nt long RNA structure in the Tobacco necrosis virus-D RNA genome is resistant to Xrn degradation

In this paper we showed that a large RNA structure in TNV-D is resistant to Xrn degredation. This newly identified structure joins a growing list of such structures across a number of plant and animal viruses.

August 2019

Journal Article - Atypical RNA Elements Modulate Translational Readthrough in Tobacco Necrosis Virus D

This contribution expands on my work from 2014 and 2015 to examine the viral control structures of translational readthrough in a more in-depth manner.

March 2017

Journal Article - Protein expression strategies in Tobacco necrosis virus-D

This article explores different protein expression strategies in TNV-D.

December 2015

Journal Article - Cis-acting RNA elements in positive-strand RNA plant virus genomes

This paper describes how cis-acting RNA elements in RNA plant viruses are key to fundamental viral processes such as translation, genome replication, and packaging.

May 2015

Journal Article - Translational readthrough in Tobacco necrosis virus-D

In this work I explored the control mechanisms for translational readthrough in Tobacco necrosis virus-D.

February 2014

Experience

RNA Subject Matter Expert

York University

  • Diagnosed honey bee RNA extraction procedure roadblocks within one week of starting.
  • Optimized the sample processing pipeline to quickly process a backlog of samples from 2020 with high quality and consistent RNA extraction results. Processed both 2020 and 2021 samples before the end of 2021.
  • Documented procedural changes and trained laboratory staff on new methodology.
  • Worked as part of a cross-functional team on a multimillion dollar project to develop a tool to assess honey bee health.
  • Engaged with team members during weekly project meetings to report on progress and identify potential issues.

May 2021 - Present

Research Scientist | Project Manager | Ph.D Candidate

York University

  • Investigated complex viral expression strategies in two unique plant viruses leading to publication of 6 peer-reviewed research publications, 4 of which were as the primary researcher.
  • Managed, developed, and analyzed data for multiple concurrent research projects. Provided initiative, leadership, and guidance in the laboratory by starting studies on a new virus that has now become a major focus for the laboratory - with approximately half of the group extending the studies that I initiated.
  • Wrote scholarship applications resulting in over 100K (CAD) in personal funding.
  • Represented the lab and communicated scientific findings at 6 scientific conferences across Canada and the USA, winning $800 in conference presentation awards.
  • Optimized existing RNA production protocol that would save the lab ~$3,000 per year, and encouraged other cost saving methods/waste reduction.
  • Mentored and trained 9 undergraduate scientists as they completed their honours thesis projects.
  • Prepared 8 manuscripts for publication; conducted literature review, wrote text, created figures, edited manuscripts.

Sept 2013 - April 2021

Teaching Assistant

York University

  • Laboratory coordinator for multiple undergraduate biology courses; led weekly course meetings, coordinated marking/scheduling for multiple teaching assistants, created and edited marking rubrics to ensure that standards were consistently and fairly applied, responded to student concerns, and implemented course policies outlined by the course director.
  • Collaborated with professors and department staff to ensure adequate resolution of student issues.
  • Ran tutorials/laboratory exercises for multiple undergraduate biology courses, graded assignments/tests, and provided students with academic support.

Sept 2013 - April 2021

Various Positions

Association of Graduate Students in the Biological Sciences (AGSBS)

Symposium Committee Chair 2016-2017

  • Led a small team to organize the multidisciplinary 43rd Annual Biology Symposium at York University.
  • In this role, I gathered feedback from the graduate student community, and then organized resources including assigning tasks to team members with timelines, fundraising over $10,000 (CAD), organizing presentations, and advertising. My efforts culminated in the successful running of the symposium.

Secretary/Social Media Manager 2017-2018

  • Managed social media accounts and internal records for AGSBS.
  • Initiated transition of our website from a personal server to the York University server.

Adjudicated Honours Thesis Award 2017-2019

  • Evaluated top research projects completed by undergraduate students and awarded a monetary award to the top performer.

Sept 2016 - Aug 2019

Research and Development Scientist

BASF, Ludiwgshafen Germany

  • Completed research in the area of functional crop care innovations.
  • Worked collaboratively to isolate, characterize, cultivate, and optimize microorganism/microbial community growth conditions.
  • Communicated project progress during weekly meetings and documented techniques on internal BASF server.

June 2017 - Sept 2017

Laboratory Assistant - Part Time

York University

  • Processed and sorting bee specimens collected from multiple counties according specific criteria.
  • Data entry for both internal databases and national/international databases.
  • Processed genetically sequenced bee specimens and entered data into the Barcode of Life Database.

Oct 2010 - Aug 2012

Education

York University

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Molecular Biology / Virology

My Ph.D. focused on understanding viral mechanisms in plus sense single stranded RNA plant viruses. My research culminated in a dissertation that analysed the mechanics of translational readthrough in Tobacco necrosis virus-D.

2015 - 2021

York University

Master of Science
Molecular Biology / Virology

Transfered to Doctoral Program September 2015

2013 - 2015

York University

Bachelor of Science
Biological and Biomedical Sciences

2008 - 2013
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