Devon Smith

Background

About Devon Smith

My undergraduate education allowed me the privilege of working in academic laboratories over my 5 years as an undergraduate. These laboratory settings allowed the development of hard skills in laboratory techniques and methods, along with soft skills related to teamwork and education within these labs. My undergraduate research career enhanced my proficiency in laboratory techniques related to genetics and microbiology. My undergraduate research projects investigated the following topics- the development of colloidal chitin preparation techniques for use in chitinase assay media- the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Aeromonas ssp.(aquatic pathogen) within four waterways of Natchitoches, LA- the methylation status of TOB2 promoters of patient samples positive for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT deficiency). All three projects provided me with training in genetic and microbiology techniques. These techniques include PCR sequencing, nanodrop quantification, MALDI-TOF MS operation, plasmid cloning, genomic DNA isolation, bacterial culturing, and excel statistical analysis. All three laboratories allowed me to lead and educate small teams of fellow researchers or high-school interns. Through my research roles, I aided my principal investigators with developing project goals, organizing lab meetings, training new recruits, statistical analysis of findings, and preparation of conference materials. I found this opportunity to develop my recruit's interest and aid in the direct development of our labs' direction to be extremely rewarding.