Work with experts from University of Georgia

• Earned 8 research grants and scholarships (totaling more than $34,000 in research funds). • Investigated impacts of Saharan dust nutrient influx on water- and coral-associated microbiomes. • Described microbiome signatures of disease in coral during a multi-species, multi-disease outbreak in FL. • Studied the potential of Vibrio species to bloom and pose a threat to human health in recreational waters. • Investigated microbiome interactions (i.e., competitive exclusion) in poultry litter and published results. • Studied the effect of wastewater effluent on Vibrio sp. and an estuarine microbiome. • Utilize and teach microbiology techniques (i.e., aseptic techniques, culturing, selective plating). • Utilized DNA extraction, purification, gel electrophoresis, PCR (16S rDNA), normalization/pooling, and amplicon sequencing. • Analyzed genomic data using R/RStudio (i.e., packages DADA2, phyloseq, vegan, RVAideMemoire, DESeq2, dplyr, ggplot2, rmarkdown).

Research Expertise

Molecular genetics

Environmental microbiology

Marine biology

Host-microbe interactions

Bioinformatics

And 3 more

About

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY PhD level molecular biologist with over 10 years of work experience in qualitative, quantitative, and investigational microbiome research within academia and government agencies. Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theory with significant laboratory expertise and great ability to mentor others. Strong organizational, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Quick learner and able to understand complex topics. Self-motivated with a great work ethic and works well independently under minimum supervision. Superior collaborative and teamwork skills. Excellent written and verbal communication, with a keen eye for detail. Bilingual: English and Portuguese. SKILLS Molecular biology (i.e., DNA extraction, purification, primer design, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, microbiome analysis, R/RStudio), microbiology (i.e., aseptic technique, culturing, selective plating, plate reading, membrane filtration, BSL2, flow cytometry, environmental monitoring), molecular genetics (i.e., cloning, transformations, gene editing), scientific communication (formal and informal), critical thinking, public speaking, mentorship, Microsoft Office & Google Suite, organization, time-management, flexible, forward-thinking, and motivated.

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Joshua Dunlap, Ph.D. Candidate

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

7 Years Experience

Environmental Engineering PhD candidate with publications in environmental and energy assessment methods.

Education

University of Georgia

Ph.D., Engineering, Environmental / May, 2024 (anticipated)

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Experience

University of Georgia, College of Engineering

Graduate Research Assistant, Global Energy Systems Modeling and Engineering Lab / August, 2020 — Present

Perform energy modeling of human and natural systems. Projects include conducting net energy analyses of bio-based industrial systems and ecological energetic modeling of forest ecosystems.

Graduate Research Assistant, Environmental Modeling Lab / May, 2021 — August, 2022

Worked on Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) projects. Projects included developing a LCA tool for bio-based materials for large chemical manufacturers and on an EPA funded project performing LCA's of a new water treatment technology for PFAS destruction.

University of Georgia, Engineering Education Transformations Institute

Research Fellow / August, 2022 — December, 2023

Performed qualitative engineering education research identifying the factors contributing to student motivation in summer engineering courses. Demonstrated proficiency in MaxQDA for open coding of student interview responses. Outcomes helped identify targeted interventions that faculty could make to improve overall student experiences without drastic course changes.

Research Expertise

Energy analysis

ecological energetics

environmental assessment

Water Science and Technology

Environmental Chemistry

And 2 more

About

Joshua Dunlap is a driven Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Engineering at the University of Georgia, with a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Cleveland State University. He gained practical experience in engineering consulting at Cramer Engineering before focusing on environmental and energy systems for his Ph.D. As a published researcher and Ph.D. candidate, his expertise focuses on energy and environmental assessment methods, particularly of biomass production systems. Joshua also contributes to engineering education initiatives at the University of Georgia. With a passion for environmental engineering, he aims to reduce society's impact on ecosystems. Outside academia, he enjoys spending time in forests and learning to identify trees. <br>

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Rebecca Perdomo

9 Years Experience

Executive Consultant

Education

University of Georgia

Higher Education Policy / December, 2019

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Research Expertise

Hispanic Serving Institutions

About

As a bilingual social scientist with nine years of experience, I am adept at turning complex program and organizational data into clear, actionable insights for decision-makers and educational, government, and non-profit clients. My expertise in quantitative and qualitative research allows me to demonstrate impact by synthesizing data and translating analyses into public-facing deliverables, including reports, dashboards, and strategic presentations. My areas of expertise span higher education policy, Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Minority Serving Institutions, Latino communities, immigration, equity, federal funding and grant programs, early childhood education, juvenile justice, and workforce outcomes. View my portfolio (https://sites.google.com/view/rebeccaperdomophd) for a selection of my reports, policy briefs, media citations, and more.

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Dr. Christopher Kucha

9 Years Experience

Assistant Professor at University of Georgia

Experience

University of Georgia

Assistant Professor / August, 2023 — Present

Research Expertise

Hyperspectral imaging

About

Dr. Christopher Kucha is a highly accomplished and respected scientist in the field of food engineering. He received his PhD in Bioresource Engineering at McGill University, Canada, in 2020. After his PhD, Dr. Kucha immediately continued as a postdoctoral researcher at McGill University until 2023, working on artificial intelligence/machine learning/chemometrics to find innovative solutions to food engineering problems. During his time at McGill University, Dr. Kucha gained valuable experience as a Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant, where he mentored and taught undergraduate and graduate students in various courses related to food engineering. Dr. Kucha joined the faculty at the University of Georgia as an Assistant Professor, where he continues to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of AI and food engineering. Dr. Kucha has published numerous research articles in prestigious scientific journals and has presented his work at national and international conferences. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Kucha is also passionate about community outreach and has actively participated in various initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture and food security in developing countries. He is dedicated to using his expertise to make a positive impact on society and improve the lives of others.

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Jenna Drenten, Ph.D.

12 Years Experience

Marketing professor with expertise in digital consumer culture, influencer marketing, and media studies

Education

University of Georgia

PhD, Marketing / May, 2012

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Research Expertise

digital consumer culture

About

Dr. Jenna Drenten is an associate professor of marketing in the Quinlan School of Business where she studies *digital consumer culture*: the sociocultural role of social media platforms in everyday consumer life. Her research explains how digital culture—from social media algorithms to the influencer attention economy—structures social and cultural consumption ideologies and how consumers’ lived experiences are mediated, translated, and commodified through digital culture. This includes multiple facets of digital consumer culture—from individual consumer behavior to systemic macro-level structures—across a range of social media platforms. Jenna is an expert in the field of marketing on qualitative social media research methods. Jenna’s work has been published in leading academic journals such as *Journal of Consumer Research*, *Journal of Advertising*, and *New Media & Society*, and her expertise has been featured extensively in media outlets including *The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times,* and *The Washington Post*. For more information, go to [www.jennadrenten.com](http://www.jennadrenten.com/). Jenna serves as an associate editor for the *Journal of Advertising Research*, as the communications chair for GENMAC: Gender, Markets, and Consumers, and as an associate board member for the Chicago Public Library Foundation. In the Quinlan School of Business, she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in marketing, integrated marketing communications, social media marketing, and brand storytelling. Before pursuing her Ph.D., Jenna worked in corporate communications at BMW Manufacturing Co. in Greer, SC and worked in special events and marketing at Minyanville Media, Inc., an Emmy-Award winning online financial publishing company in New York City.

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Bhargavi Boruah

9 Years Experience

Industry professional and research scientist with publications in Protein characterization, Analytical techniques and Biological assay development resulting in 9 successful scientific publications in the areas of infectious diseases and glycobiology.

Experience

University of Georgia

Senior Research Associate / July, 2019 — May, 2022

University of Georgia

Post Doctoral Research Associate / June, 2015 — June, 2019

Research Expertise

About

* Highly motivated scientist and industry professional with strong domain knowledge in Biochemistry, Protein characterization, Analytical techniques and biological assay development resulting in spearheading 9 successful scientific publications and 2 poster presentations in the areas of infectious diseases and glycobiology. * Developed and implemented technical work plans and provided project progress reports related to recombinant antibody expression and production, gene cloning and expression, as evidenced by 3 publications and 1 presentation at international conference. * Strong interpersonal and communication skills to manage dedicated cross-functional collaborations and communicate results relevant to the structural and biochemical characterization of human influenza virus polymerase subunits and human fucosyl-transferases enzymes, as evidenced by 8 publications and 1 book chapter from 5 collaborations in various research projects.

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Marla Royne Stafford, Ph.D.

Las Vegas, NV

19 Years Experience

Professor of Marketing, at Lee Business School, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Director of Research, Cannabis Policy Institute; Faculty Scholar, International Gaming Institute

Education

University of Georgia

Ph.D., Marketing (Business) / June, 1993

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

About

Dr. Marla Royne Stafford is Professor of Marketing in the Lee Business School at University of Nevada-Las Vegas. She is also a Faculty Scholar with the UNLV International Gaming Institute, Director of Research for the Cannabis Policy Institute and past Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the Harrah College of Hospitality. She is also past William F. Harrah Distinguished Chair. Dr. Stafford is a member of the Board of Advisors for the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, the Board of Directors for Find Your Fabulosity and the Board of Directors for Nevada Rise Academy. Dr. Stafford is an expert in marketing, advertising, cannabis marketing, responsible gaming, and environmental and social marketing. She has published more than 100 refereed journal articles and she has presented at numerous. She is also a keynote speaker and an executive speech coach. Dr. Stafford is an elected Fellow and Past-President of the American Academy of Advertising (AAA). She is the recipient of the AAA’s 2024 Kim Rotzoll Award for Ethics and Social Responsibility in Advertising and the 2016 Ivan Preston Award for Outstanding Contribution to Advertising Research. She is a graduate of Leadership Las Vegas 2023 and was recognized as a 2019 Memphis Business Journal Superwoman in Business. Prior to joining UNLV, Marla was Interim Dean and Great Oaks Professor of Marketing at the Fogelman College of Business & Economics at the University of Memphis, as well as Chair of the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management. Marla is past Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Advertising, and current associate editor for the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing and the Journal of Cannabis Research. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Georgia, her MBA from Rollins College, and her BA from the University of Arizona. Prior to joining academia, Dr. Stafford held positions at Philip Crosby Associates and Tupperware Worldwide.

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Dennis Kramer

Nationally respected researcher in the areas of economics and social policies

Education

University of Georgia

PhD, Economics and Education Policy / July, 2014

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Research Expertise

Education

Developmental and Educational Psychology

Clinical Psychology

Sociology and Political Science

Law

And 5 more

About

Dennis Kramer is an expert in the field of education policy and economics. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Economics from San Diego State University in 2006. He then went on to earn a Masters in Public Policy and Post Secondary Administration from the University of Southern California in 2008. His passion for education and policy led him to pursue a PhD in Economics and Education Policy from the University of Georgia, which he completed in 2014. Throughout his education, Dennis has been heavily involved in research and policy work. He has held various positions in the U.S. Department of Education, including Director of Policy Research. He has also served as an Associate Professor of Educational Policy at Johns Hopkins University and as a Behavioral Science Fellow at the White House Social and Behavioral Science Team/Office of Evaluation Sciences. Dennis has also held academic positions at the University of Florida, including Assistant Professor of Education and Public Policy, and Director of the Education Policy Research Center. Through these roles, he has conducted extensive research on topics such as school choice, teacher quality, and education financing. In addition to his academic and policy work, Dennis is a passionate advocate for improving education policies and systems. He has been invited to present his research and expertise at numerous conferences and events, and has also provided testimony to state and federal legislative committees. Dennis is dedicated to using his knowledge and experience to improve education policies and practices, and ultimately, to help create a more equitable and effective education system for all students.

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Christopher Shearouse

5 Years Experience

Freelance writer and law clerk searching for editing, proofreading, and teaching opportunities

Education

University of Georgia

M.A., English / August, 2014

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Research Expertise

Linguistics

Metacognition

International Affairs

Public Policy

Education

About

Greetings: I am a freelance writer living in Irvine, California. While working on a novel I am searching for editing, proofreading, and teaching opportunities. My first teaching position was at the University of Georgia as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. I taught three sections of ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102. After earning my law degree, I accepted a teaching position at North Cedar Academy in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. I recently took the California Bar Exam and I am working as a freelance writer and law clerk in Orange County, California. I live with my fiance Jennie and our two dogs Colby and Appa.

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Ny Mia Tran

15 Years Experience

Associate Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Leadership & DEI Enthusiast, Data Analyst, and Negotiation Researcher

Education

University of Georgia

Ph.D., Industrial/Organizational Psychology / May

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Research Expertise

Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

About

Hi there, I am Mia. I am an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Industrial/Organizational Psychology Master's of Science program at Springfield College. As the Managing Director of Insight DERG (a boutique business consulting practice), I collaborate with organizations and researchers to produce optimal solutions for today's business challenges. I earned a B.S. in Psychology and Business Management from Georgia Southern University, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Georgia. I teach and research on leadership, positive workplaces, and change management. My work has been published in Advances in Developing Human Resource, Business Journal of Hispanic Research, and Psychological Health of Women of Color: Intersections, Challenges, and Opportunities. I was also the co-editor of the "Diversity Ideologies in Organizations" volume. I presented my works at 24 national conferences. I have developed and taught a total of 22 undergraduate and graduate level courses, and delivered over 250 global executive education live webinars for working professionals and lifelong learners across 80 countries. You can learn more about me at www.sonymiatran.com

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Sama Aghniaey

9 Years Experience

Energy Informatics Research and Electric Car Thermal and Battery Product

Education

University of Georgia

PhD, Engineering/Energy Informatics / August, 2019

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Experience

The University of Georgia

Graduate Research Assistant / August, 2015 — December, 2018

Modeling Human Thermal Comfort in Buildings, Introducing a new index for adaptive thermal comfort modeling, introducing a new adaptive thermal comfort model to replace ASHREA static thermal comfort model, optimizing human thermal comfort perception and preference with energy cost and consumption

Research Expertise

Electric & Autonomous Vehicles Thermal Management

Thermal Comfort

Thermal Analysis

Indoor

Mechanical Engineering

And 11 more

About

I offer research and development services in the filed of Energy informatics for electric cars and buildings as well as product development and delivery for EV battery and thermal systems

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Seth Gustafson, Ph.D.

10 Years Experience

Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies, focusing on sustainable communities

Education

University of Georgia

Ph.D., Geography / April, 2014

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

University of Georgia

M.A., Geography / May, 2009

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Research Expertise

Geography, Planning and Development

Urban Studies

Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Anthropology

Sociology and Political Science

And 1 more

About

Seth Gustafson is a highly accomplished geographer with a strong background in both academic research and teaching. He received his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Georgia in 2014, where he also earned his M.A. in Geography in 2009. He also holds a B.A. in History from Grove City College. Currently, Seth serves as an Assistant Professor at California State University - Monterey Bay, where he teaches courses related to sustainable communities. He also participates in several research projects, focusing on topics such as urban environmental sustainability. Prior to his position at CSU Monterey Bay, Seth was a Lecturer at University College London, where he taught courses in environment, politics, and society. He also spent time as a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the University of Bremen in Germany, where he worked on projects related to interdisciplinary coastal research, especially in ports. Seth's research has been published in numerous academic journals and he has presented his work at conferences around the world. He is also a member of several professional organizations, including the Association of American Geographers and the Royal Geographical Society. With his diverse educational background and extensive research and teaching experience, Seth is a valuable asset to the field of geography, environmental studies and academia as a whole.

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Kirsten Allen, Ph.D.

Ph.D. in Plant Biology with a concentration in Natural Products and Human Health. Offering over 9 years of experience conducting effective research strategies in plant science.

Education

University of Georgia

B.S., Pharmaceutical Sciences / May, 2018

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Research Expertise

Plant Natural Products

Infectious Diseases

Microbiology

Plant Science

About

Kirsten Allen is a highly accomplished scientist with a passion for plant biology. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Georgia in 2018, where she graduated with honors. During her undergraduate studies, Kirsten gained a strong foundation in biology and chemistry, which sparked her interest in plant biology. In pursuit of her passion, Kirsten went on to obtain her Ph.D. in Plant Biology from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Her research focused on the molecular mechanisms involved in plant growth and development, with a particular emphasis on plant hormones and their role in plant stress responses. Through her studies, Kirsten has gained extensive knowledge and experience in various research techniques and has published several articles in reputable scientific journals. In addition to her academic achievements, Kirsten has also been actively involved in community outreach programs, promoting the importance of plant conservation and sustainable agriculture. She is dedicated to using her expertise and knowledge to contribute to the advancement of plant biology and its applications in solving global challenges. Kirsten is excited to continue her research and make meaningful contributions to the field of plant biology. She is committed to lifelong learning and staying updated on the latest developments in her field.

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Rodolfo Aramayo

41 Years Experience

Associate Professor of Biology, Genetics and Genomics at Texas A&M University

Education

University of Georgia

Doctor of Philosophy, Genetics

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Research Expertise

Genetics

Molecular Biology

Biotechnology

About

I am a Molecular Geneticist and an expert Molecular Biologists that has formal training and extensive experience in molecular cloning, strain construction (both prokaryotic and eukaryotic), DNA, RNA, and protein purification and characterization. I have a deep understanding of the different processes associated with protein/metabolites production and strains engineering. I am a natural troubleshooter that knows how to find simple solutions to complex problems. I am a natural engineer that understands the intricacies associated with molecular techniques. As a consultant for Industry, I have acquired extensive experience designing industry-related experiments and evaluating results. As a principal investigator, I have been in charge of an active research group and maintained a complex interdisciplinary active laboratory for many years, oriented at both constructing strain and performing detailed molecular characterization at the DNA, RNA and protein levels. I am naturally meticulous and pay special attention to details. This has the benefit of being able to maintain consistency throughout different experimental protocols and to be able to detect subtle experimental behaviors. This academic foundation seamlessly merged with my innate affinity for computers, shaping me into a unique hybrid: a Classical Geneticist and Molecular Biologist with a profound mastery of Computational Genomics and Data Sciences at large. My expertise also extends to developing intricate bioinformatic pipelines tailored for the human genome, characterized by meticulous attention to detail. As a natural engineer, my forte lies in crafting algorithms that adeptly convert intricate biological and genomics data into digital formats, facilitating their seamless integration with Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence algorithms. I excel at deciphering complexity, translating innovative concepts into reproducible, practical algorithms, and scripting intricate tasks. My proficiency encompasses not only mastery of unix/linux operational systems and their interaction with other computers and Supercomputers, but also my ability to deploy and administer complex web-based computational tools. I am proficient at using version control systems, like Git, using interfaces like github, and gitlab. Moreover, my skill set also includes comprehensive expertise in diverse areas such as Next-Generation Sequencing data analysis, Genome Assembly, and Transcriptome Assembly and Quantification. I have a proven track record of overseeing the successful implementation of advanced Bioinformatics packages and software, across a spectrum of computing platforms. Recently, I have completed an important Industry-related Bioinformatics project aimed at detecting how the expression of Ribosomal proteins affect Human protein production in large scale fermentation processes. My commitment to information sharing has endowed me with substantial experience in elucidating complex concepts to individuals uninitiated in the fields of Genomics and/or Data Sciences, a skill honed over years of teaching and developing teaching tools and materials. My unwavering belief in the primacy of teamwork is the cornerstone of my professional ethos. Throughout my career, I have championed collaboration and nurtured environments conducive to growth. As a Principal Investigator, I have finely tuned my leadership acumen by guiding teams of both undergraduate and graduate students, empowering them to translate their research concepts into well designed experiments, functional code and rigorous testing and verification. I firmly acknowledge that the triumph of any venture hinges upon the collective strength of the team. In summary, I am a highly imaginative professional with an extensive interdisciplinary background. My expertise spans Genetics, the art of molecular manipulation of organisms’ genomes. In addition, I am also proficient in translating complex algorithms into code. My role as a Principal Investigator has empowered me with the capacity to adeptly oversee and mentor teams of budding academics, aiding them in translating their ideas into functional deliverables. Moreover, my immersion in the industry as a consultant has sharpened my aptitude for discerning priorities.

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Alaa Ahmed

4 Years Experience

Senior research specialist, Emory University

Education

The University of Georgia

PhD, Microbiology / December, 2020

Athens

Experience

The University of Georgia

Genomics Research Associate / March, 2020 — November, 2021

Research Expertise

SARS-CoV-2

genomics

microbiology

Next-generation sequencing

laboratory evolution

And 2 more

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Mohammed Sabrin, Ph.D

21 Years Experience

Multilingual education leader with 10+ years in Head of School–level leadership, academic program design, and faculty development across K–12 and higher education in the U.S., the Gulf, and Africa.

Education

University of Georgia

Ph.D, Educational theory and Practice (AKA: Curriculum and Instruction) / May, 2013

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Research Expertise

school decision-making, common struggles families face in the public education sector, and the deeper philosophies embedded in modern curricula, including the assumptions that shape what children are taught to love, believe, and prioritize.

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Owen Hudson

PhD candidate in plant pathology with publications using predictive and comparative genomics for disease resistance breeding. Experience in machine learning and image analysis.

Education

University of Georgia

M.S, Plant Pathology / May, 2021

Georgia

Research Expertise

About

My name is Owen Hudson, I’m currently a PhD candidate in Plant Pathology at the University of Florida and I expect to complete my degree in December 2024. In my current position at the University of Florida, I study Fusarium ear rot of maize, specifically genomic methods to improve disease resistance breeding, identification of disease-related genes, and high throughput plant phenotyping. While my degree will be in plant pathology, my activities have been more focused on plant breeding and bioinformatics, specifically quantitative genetics, comparative genomics, and genomic selection models. I now employ Linux/Bash, R, and Python regularly in my research and analysis, and I have included machine learning and predictive proteomics in my research. In my PhD, I build a machine to image maize ears and developed several machine learning classification models for disease prediction estimates on those images. I've also built machine learning models with the USDA-ARS to identify the most influential protein domains in specific microbial groups to predict their life habit (pathogenic, saprophytic, etc.) and then use the model to predict unknown fungi. I also was able to modify the model for use in my own dataset and improve my comparative genomic methods.

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Bhumi Patel

5 Years Experience

Social Science Researcher

Education

University of Georgia

Ph.D, Psychology / May, 2024 (anticipated)

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

University of Georgia

M.S., Psychology / May, 2022

Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Experience

University of Georgia

Researcher / August, 2019 — May, 2013

- Designed, managed, and ran data analysis for novel research projects using both quantitative and qualitative methods to uncover people’s attitudes and behaviors. Disseminated key research findings at conferences and co-authored manuscripts for publication. Conveyed research insights using data visualization techniques (e.g., graphs, infographics) for oral presentations at conferences and invited talks. Mentored undergraduate research assistants in the lab.