Publications
Valkanas MM, Trun NJ. A seasonal study of a passive abandoned coalmine drainage remediation system reveals three distinct zones of contaminant levels and microbial communities. MicrobiologyOpen. 2018;e585. https://doi.org/10.1002/mbo3.585
2018 A. Michalski, M. M. Valkanas, and N. J. Trun. The reproducibility of bacterial community composition in environmental samples collected over geographical distances. (In Preparation).
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
2016 to present Ph.D. graduate student in Biology, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
2014 Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Mathematics, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
2017 ABASM Meeting (November, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA)
Oral presentation discussing the in vitro system developed to study microbial communities in passive remediation systems: An in vitro system to study the microbial impacts on a passive remediation system
2016 ABASM Meeting (November, Penn State Behrend, Erie, PA)
Oral presentation on completed study of the seasonal effects on a passive coalmine remediation: A seasonal comparison of a passive abandoned coal mine remediation system
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
2018 Graduate Research Symposium (March, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA)
Presented a lab-based system to study microbial communities found in passive systems: A Lab-Based System to Study the Microbial Impacts on Passive Remediation Systems Built to Treat AMD
2018 Pittsburgh Bacterial Meeting (March, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA)
Presented a lab-based system to study microbial communities found in passive systems: A Lab-Based System to Study the Microbial Impacts on Passive Remediation Systems Built to Treat AMD
2017 Task Force-ASMR-ARRI Conference (April, Morgantown, WV)
Awarded third place for presentation on research identifying the seasonal impacts on geochemical and biological factors in AMD passive remediation systems: A seasonal comparison of the passive abandoned coal mine remediation at Wingfield Pines
2017 Northeast/Northcentral Geological Society of America (March, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Presented the completed seasonal study on changes in passive remediation system efficiencies due to the change in seasons: A seasonal comparison of the passive abandoned coal mine remediation at Wingfield Pines
2017 Graduate Research Symposium (March, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA)
Presented the completed seasonal study on changes in passive remediation system efficiencies due to seasonal changes: A seasonal comparison of the passive abandoned coal mine remediation at Wingfield Pines
2016 Metals Symposium (September, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA)
Poster presentation of current research on AMD and the effects weather change has on a passive remediation site: A seasonal comparison of the passive abandoned coal mine remediation at Wingfield Pines
2015 ABASM Meeting (November, University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, PA)
Awarded first place for presentation on current research involving AMD and the effects weather change has on a passive remediation system: A seasonal comparison of the passive abandoned coal mine remediation system at Wingfield Pines
GRANTS
2018 American Society of Mining and Reclamation Travel Award
2017 Geological Society of America, Graduate Student Research Grant
AWARDS
2017 Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Teaching Nominee
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
August 2016 – Present Teaching Assistant
Duquesne University
Super Lab IV: Microbiology, Spring 2017, Spring 2018
*Responsible for 16 students in a novel research setting
*The lab taught the skills of classic microbiology, as well as molecular work involving sequencing and primer design
*Help students develop independent projects involving bioremediation
Super Lab I: Experimental Biology, Fall 2017
*Responsible for 12 students in an experimental biology setting
*The lab consisted of three modules that focused on microbiology, DNA extraction and sequencing, and protein expression and extraction
Life Processes lab, Fall 2016
*Responsible for two sections of 32 students in a general biology lab setting
*Teaches the basic skills needed in biology such as using microscopes, pipettes, and scientific writing skills
RESEARCH AND EXPERIENCE
August 2016 - Present Graduate Research Assistant
Duquesne University, Dept. Biological Sciences, Dr. Nancy Trun, PI
*Continued work on Passive remediation system using classic microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology to identify the microbial communities in a passive remediation system
August 2014 – August 2016 Researcher
Duquesne University, Dept. Biological Sciences, Dr. Nancy Trun
*Isolated total DNA from passive remediation system, followed by 16s rRNA sequencing to identify microbial composition
*Created and tested protocols for isolating high molecular weight DNA from soil samples
*Next-generation sequencing analyzed using Linux, USEARCH, Qiime, and R studio.
February 2015 – August 2016 Lab Technician
RJ Lee Group, Monroeville, PA
*Perform sample digestion by way of acid, water leach, or microwave in order for it to be analyzed by ion chromatography (IC), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and flame atomic absorption (FLAA)
*Prepare mercury samples through digestion and analyze the samples using cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CVAA)
*Use LIMS (laboratory information management system) to batch, analyze, and peer review samples
August 2013 – May 2014 Chemical Analyst Intern
CWM Environmental, Kittanning, PA
*Analytical testing of water samples testing Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, Total Dissolved Solids, Percent Solids, pH, Alkalinity, Acidity, and Specific Conductance.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND OUTREACH
Meet a Scientist (May, 2018, Phipps Conservatory)
A science communication event where I presented information about abandoned mine drainage and bioremediation by using the bacteria that are already present in a system. Also, provided demonstrations and information on how to get involved.
DNA-tastic Workshop : Women in Science (April, 2018, Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy)
Women in Science of Duquesne University did an outreach program for middle school girls at a local school in Pittsburgh. The workshop was themed around DNA and 4 stations were designed for the girls (grade 6-9) to rotate through where they learned about the structure of DNA, genetics, microscopy, and genotyping. This workshop was designed to teach the students science, all the while setting an example of women in science in all stages of their careers.
SIGMA Mentor (June, 2017, Citizens Science Lab, Pittsburgh, PA)
Provides high school students the opportunity to come for a week and work with a mentor in a lab setting. The program seeks to provide hands-on science for students normally not exposed to such opportunities in their high schools. The program also offers scholarships and intern opportunities to qualified students.
SPEAK UP: Women in Science (April, 2017, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA)
A workshop designed for inner-city, young girls (ages 7-12) to promote confidence and negotiation skills. The program seeks to develop the necessary skills to negotiate successfully in a variety of conflicts children and young adults may encounter.
COMMITTEES
Women in Science (Graduate Student Representative) December 2017-Present
The graduate student representative for the biological sciences department. Responsible for representing the biology department in the Women in Science organization at Duquesne University. Work with the rest of the executive board to plan and host events that inspire, inform, and empower women.
Graduate Students of Biological Sciences (GSoBS) (Seminar Social Officer) August 2017-Present
Executive officer on the graduate committee that is responsible for making sure refreshments are served for departmental speakers, and providing an opportunity for networking.
Graduate Student Research Symposium Moderator March, 2018
Responsible for introducing the graduate speakers and providing an abstract on what their talk will be about. Also in charge of keeping track of the time.
Graduate Student Research Symposium Peer Selection Committee February 2018
Responsible for reviewing 45 abstracts submitted for oral presentations and selecting 24 presenters that will give talks at Duquesne University’s Graduate Student Research Symposium in March 2018.
GSoBS Mentor Award Committee May, 2017
Served as a committee member to select the 2017 Duquesne University Biological Sciences Mentor.
Full CV
| michelle_valkanas_cv.pdf |