Masters of Arts in Biology, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California; thesis: Mitochondrial DNA Variation in the Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita); GPA 4.0; December 1997.
Bachelor of Science in Biology and Zoology, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California; Summa Cum Laud; GPA 3.86; May 1992.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Master's Thesis, Humboldt State University. Research on the molecular differentiation between two subspecies of the golden trout using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing (double stranded and single stranded), and DNA fingerprinting (microsatellite analysis). The goal of this work was to locate a molecular marker that will aid fisheries biologists in distinguishing the subspecies not only from each other, but also from intermixed rainbow trout-golden trout hybrids, to aid in the preservation of the genetic integrity of this threatened fish. 8/94 to 5/97.
Technical Coordinator, Humboldt State University. Supervised by Dr. Jacob Varkey, I oversaw the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Grant for our department. This included supervision of and assisting in undergraduate biomedical research, construction of WWW pages, the ordering of supplies, the coordination of and hiring for several supplemental tutorial classes, and organizing invited speakers. Fall 1996 to Spring 1997.
Research Director, Humboldt State University. Working for Dr. Helen Mulligan of HSU, I designed and carried out a RFLP and DNA sequencing study on the potentially endangered green sturgeon to complement her previous allozyme analysis. Along with working out the laboratory protocols and some ordering of supplies, I trained and supervised seven undergraduates to independently complete portions of the research for their senior projects. 1/96 to present.
Research Assistant, A.C. Wilson Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley. (Employed by a grant from the U.S. Forest Service, Research Division). Working with Jennifer Nielsen of the ESPM department at UC Berkeley, I conducted molecular genetic research on Salmonid populations (steelhead trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon, cutthroat trout, and brown trout) to investigate the genetic variation and allele distribution of these fish in California. The following tools and techniques were used in this molecular approach: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Chelex DNA extraction, mtDNA sequencing, and restriction digest mapping. Additionally, micro satellite analyses were developed and used to investigate nuclear DNA differences in populations, and to compare these results to the mtDNA database initially generated. I also participated in field research, the collection of samples using seining and electroshocking techniques, and trained two assistants to myself and my project director. For a brief period of time, I worked with Dr. Barbara Best of the Integrative Biology program, on her phylogenetic study of Australian staghorn corals. In this study, we looked at the cytochrome b gene, and int regions of polymerase II. 6/92-9/92 and 2/93-7/94.
Senior Project, at Humboldt State University under the guidance of Dr. Michael Bowes. During my last undergraduate semester I undertook several projects on bacteria. Initially, I investigated a sporulation phase variant of Bacillus subtilis , but then focused on the growth requirements of urealytic and ammoniphilic bacteria. I found that Bacillus pasteurii requires the presence of a high pH and ammonium for growth, whereas some of our newly isolated strains (quite possibly a new, undefined group of bacteria) require a high pH or ammonium for growth. I investigated possible membrane binding site affinities for ammonium and other like-compounds, on the working assumption of a previously unidentified symporter mechanism, as well as amino acid growth requirements.
Biological Technician, USFS Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experimental Station in Arcata, California. While going to school as an undergraduate, I worked part time analyzing sediment deposition in storm run off from logged and non-logged sites. I also composed computer programs for analyzing hydrology survey data using CEO, SED, and Minitab. 1/91-5/92 and 1/92-5/92.
Fisheries Technician, Hydrology Department, USFS Randle Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Randle, Washington. During this summer in the Cowlitz River valley, I conducted Level III stream surveys gathering data on habitat complex features, bank stability, resident fish habitat, and physical stream characteristics. A comprehensive technical write-up was submitted upon completion of each survey, its intent being to aid the Fisheries Biologist and Hydrologist in preparing informed technical statements of the stream. I also sampled fish populations using electroshocking and snorkeling methods; and using ideas from various research papers (i.e. the RAPID technique), I developed a comparative study of active channel widths from aerial photographs obtaining data from the 1930's to present. 6/91-8/91.
Forestry Technician, USFS Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Flagstaff, Arizona. As another summer job, I gathered measurements on pinyon and juniper trees for a study of tree rejuvenation in chained vs. non-chained sites. This involved collecting and recording field data such as: species, DBH, plot inventory, tree height, hydrothermograph readings, micrologger entries, soil moisture content, and leaf area index. I used computers to enter and interpret data (Lotus Freelance, Word Perfect, SPSS). 6/90-8/90.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Biology Instructor, Highline Community College, Des Moines, WA. Taught: Introduction to Human Physiology (Biol 118), Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology I and II (Biol 231, 232), and General Microbiology (Biol 250). Fall 2004 to present.
Science Instructor, Rogue Community College, Medford, OR. Taught: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology I and II (BI 121, 122), General Biology I and II (BI 211, 212), Anatomy and Physiology I, II, and III (BI 231, 232, 233), Microbiology (BI 234), and Fundamentals of Chemistry I (Chem 104). Spring 1998 to June 2004.
Teaching Assistant, Department of Biology, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA. Taught laboratory sections of Cell Biology (Spring 1997), Bacteriology (Fall 1995 and Fall 1996) and General Zoology (Spring 1996) to college undergraduates. This entailed lecturing, demonstration of laboratory techniques and dissections, student assessment, and additional outside tutoring.
Instructor, Upward Bound, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA. Designed, organized, and taught three courses (Marine Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Field Biology) to high school students for a five week summer program. Courses included lectures, dissections, and field work. Budgeted and ordered all supplies, and oversaw four teaching assistants. June to July, 1996.
Tutor, Tutoring Center, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA. Tutored undergraduate students in General Biology, Principles of Biology, Statistics for Nursing, and Bacteriology. Fall 1991 to Spring 1992, and Fall 1995.
Study Group Coordinator, Educational Opportunity Program, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA. Coordinated, supervised, and tutored a weekly study group for non-majors enrolled in Principles of Biology. Fall, 1995.
RELEVANT SKILLS FROM LAB COURSES
Biotechnology - use of the Baculovirus Expression Vector System (BEVS) for eukaryotic gene expression, tissue culture of Sf9 insect cells, plasmid mini and midi preps, restriction digests, quantitation of DNA, electroporation, gel purification of DNA, ligation, DNA sequencing, SDS-PAGE, PCR, extraction of genomic DNA, Southern blot, agarose gel electrophoresis
Immunology - generation of monoclonal antibodies to beta-galactosidase (injection of BALB/C mice, ELISA analysis of Ab production, harvest of splenocytes, production of hybridomas, HAT selection), mammalian tissue culture (myeloma cells), cloning, transformation, IgY purification from ova, EIA for Rubella, SEM
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) - preparation of specimens (Etoh dehydration, critical point dryer, gold sputter coater), use SEM, development of film and photographic prints, color enhancement of images with Adobe Photoshop
Genetics - culturing and use of C. elegans for two factor analysis, complementation analysis, and linkage analysis, fluorescent microscopy with DAPI, acetocarmine staining of meiosis
Cell Biology - BEVS, tissue culture of Sf9 insect cells, PCR, column DNA purification, SEM, quantitation of DNA, restriction digests, SDS-PAGE, epifluorescent microscopy
Bacteriology - aseptic technique, isolating, purifying and culturing strains, characterizing strains with biochemical tests and various media, transformation of bacteria with pLUX, staining: simple, Gram, endospore, flagella, coliform analysis, Winogradsky column, isolation and purification of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, plaque assays, characterization of bacteriophages
EXTRACURICULAR ACTIVITIES
Vice President and Speaker Coordinator, Biology Graduate Student Association, Humboldt State University. Recruited speakers, budgeted, publicized, and coordinated the BGSA weekly seminar series. Fall 1995 to Spring 1996 (member August, 1994-May, 1997)
Member, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fall 1996 to present
Member, Women in Natural Resources and Sciences, Humboldt State University, Fall 1991, Spring 1992, and Fall 1995 to present.
Member, American Fisheries Society. May, 1992 to present.
Secretary and Public Representative, Asian Student Union, Humboldt State University, Fall 1991 to Spring 1992.
Member, Clubs Coordinating Council, Humboldt State University, Fall 1991 to Spring 1992.
Member, MENSA, Fall 1990 to Spring 1991
ACADEMIC HONORS
Member of the Phi Kappa national honor society, Fall 1997 to present.
Minority Opportunities for Successful Teaching Scholarship, Fall 1996.
Graduate Equity Fellowship, Spring 1996 and Fall 1996 to Spring 1997.
Western Division American Fisheries Society Scholarship, Fall 1995 to Spring 1996.
Eureka Rotary Club Hegy Memorial Scholarship, Fall 1995 to Spring 1996.
Stockton Sportsman's Association Scholarship, Fall 1995 to Spring 1996.
Eureka Rotary Club Woolford Memorial Scholarship, Fall 1994 to Spring 1995.
Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Humboldt State University, May 1992.
Deans Honor Roll at Northern Arizona University, Fall 1990.
National Dean's List, 1990.
Presidential Scholar, 1990
President's Honors at Entrance to Humboldt State University, Fall 1988.
Published in: in Who¹s Who in American High School Students, Who¹s Who in American College Students, and Outstanding Young Women of America
PUBLICATIONS
Nielsen, J.L., C. Gan and W.K. Thomas. 1994. Differences in genetic diversity for mitochondrial DNA between hatchery and wild populations of Oncorhynchus. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 51 (Suppl.1), 290-297.
Nielsen, J.L., C. Gan, J.M. Wright, W.K. Thomas. 1994. Phylogeographic patterns in California steelhead as determined by mtDNA and microsatellite analyses. California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations Reports. 35:90-92.
Nielsen, J.L., C.A. Gan, J.M. Wright, D.B. Morris, W.K. Thomas. 1994. Biogeographic distributions of mitochondrial and nuclear markers for southern steelhead. Molecular Marine Biology and Biotechnology 3(5):281-293.
Quinn, T.P., J.L. Nielsen, C.A. Gan, M.J. Unwin, R. Wilmot, C. Guthrie, F.M. Utter. 1996. Origin and genetic structure of chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, transplanted to New Zealand: allozyme and mtDNA evidence. Fishery Bulletin 94(3):506-521.
Nielsen, J.L., C.A. Gan, and M.A. Fountain. Molecular analyses of population structure and recolonization trends in rainbow trout following a fish-kill event. Submitted to Transactions of the American Fisheries Society in January, 1996. Accepted with revision May, 1996.
Nielsen, J.L., C.A. Gan, C. Carpanzano, and M. C. Fountain. Mitochondrial DNA and nuclear microsatellite frequency differences in hatchery and wild trout from freshwater habitats in southern California. Accepted with revision May, 1996.
Nielsen, J.L., C. Gan, J.M. Wright, and W.K. Thomas. 1993. Phylogenetic patterns in California steelhead using mtDNA and micro satellites. Proceedings of the 1993 CALCOFI Conference: Genetics of Organisms of the California Current. Lake Arrowhead Conference Center Nov. 2-4.
Nielsen, J. L., W. K. Thomas, and C. A. Gan. 1994. Intrapopulation differences found in California steelhead trout using direct sequence of mtDNA. Pages 63-65 in Proceedings of Applications of DNA Technology to the Management of Pacific Salmon. NOAA/NMFS workshop, March 22-23.
Nielsen, J. L., C. A. Gan and K. Cuffe. 1994. Effects of habitat and population manipulation on unique genotypes of chinook and steelhead in urbanized watersheds in California. Pages 77-83 in M. L. Keffe (ed.) Salmon Ecosystem Restoration: Myth and Reality. Proceedings of the 1994 Northwest Pacific Chinook and Coho Workshop, Eugene, OR. Nov. 7-10.