Laura Newburn

RNA Subject Matter Expert

• 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.

Research Scientist | Project Manager | Ph.D Candidate

• 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.

Teaching Assistant

• 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.

Various Positions

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.

Research and Development Scientist

• 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.

Laboratory Assistant - Part Time

• 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.

York University

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.

York University

Transfered to Doctoral Program September 2015

York University