SHERREA A. HEROD, PH.D.

6843 OBIKOBA CIRCLE MEQUON, WI 53218 * Cell: 414.699.8331 * sheramd210@gmail.com

EDUCATION
Marquette University
Ph.D. Molecular Biology and Biochemistry May, 2009
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bachelor of Science Degree, Biology August, 2003
Doctoral Thesis: Mutational Analysis of the Yeast Oxa1 Protein
Specialty Disciplines: Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Mitochondrial
Biology, DNA handling
Graduate Training Skills:
- Skilled in preparation and identification of nucleic acids, gene manipulation
procedures such as site-directed DNA mutagenesis and DNA sequencing and primer d
esign
- Extensive knowledge of High Fidelity and Fast Start PCR, gene knock-out or rep
lacement procedures and cloning of genes into high-copy plasmids
- Highly experienced in protein and biochemical approaches including SDS PAGE, c
lear native (CN) and blue native (BN) PAGE electrophoresis, protein identificati
on and visualization utilizing Western blotting, immunodecoration, and autoradio
graphy. Also, protein purification and separation by gel filtration and sucrose
gradient centrifugation
- Knowledgeable in protein and nucleic acid quantification, affinity-tagging of
proteins for purification via Nickel-NTA agarose bead system, membrane extractio
n of proteins using various detergents
- Experienced in a variety of whole-cell techniques such as DAPI staining and sp
ectroscopy
- Well versed in sterile microbiological techniques allowing for the maintenance
and growth of bacterial and yeast cell cultures, UV mutagenesis, agarose gel el
ectrophoresis
- In addition to scientific research, during my tenure as a graduate student, I
also led numerous seminars, performed poster presentations at well-attended scie
ntific meetings, trained and mentored a variety of undergraduate and incoming gr
aduate students within the laboratory.
- Considerable experience in preparation and presentation of scientific data and
journal articles, grant writing and review, as well as teaching
WORK EXPERIENCE
* Research Scientist I, Life Technologies-Invitrogen
April 2010-December 2010 (Contractor)
- Contracted as a Research Scientist to perform high-throughput Human Leukocyte
Antigen (HLA)-typing on DNA samples received from human blood samples using SeCo
re and SeCore Express kits
- Enhanced research methods and protocols to improve customer quality and increa
se efficiency of use for Life Technologies-Invitrogen kits through plan developm
ent and validation
- Trained to work within and follow strict safety and regulatory reporting requi
rements (Domestic) within a controlled environment
- Documented research data and created numerous components of research and devel
opment validation reports and related materials for a leading company in HLA typ
ing. Highly trained in scientific writing and development of research plans, pro
tocols, designing of experiments (DoE) and reports for company submission
- Performed PCR amplification, purification and ethanol precipitation on samples
used in sequencing reactions
- Analyze DNA sequencing reactions using uTYPE allele database and software, Tea
can software for quantifying DNA oligo concentrations. Also trained in Specific
Sequencing Primer (SSP) small scale testing and resuspension
- Assigned to a team of scientists focused on attaining FDA validation on DNA se
quencers (Applied Biosystems 3500 and 3500Dx) and thermocyclers (Applied Biosyst
ems) for the final goal of clinical use of these materials for genetic and immun
ological research
* Research Associate, Marquette University
August, 2009-April 2010
- Increased the workflow and data production which contributed to the proposal o
f an NIH grant
- Reviewed and critiqued NIH grant prior to submission
- Assisted in the training and mentoring of incoming and rotating graduate stude
nts
- Charged with ordering laboratory supplies and maintaining detailed records of
experimental and financial documents
- Gained significant experience in RNA isolation and purification via phenol ext
raction and Sterptavidin magnetic bead system respectively
* Instructor, Milwaukee Area Technical College- Introduction to Biochemistry, I
ntroductory Biology
September 2009-Present
- Head instructor for combined lecture and laboratory introductory biology and
biochemistry courses
- Provide essential conceptual knowledge of general and organic chemistry in ad
dition to cellular biology and biochemistry to a student body comprised of pre-n
ursing, pre-dental hygiene and clinical laboratory technician students
- Designed and implemented semester teaching syllabus and used a variety of lea
rning tools for weekly lectures, such as course hand-outs, study guides and quiz
zes to enhance the student learning experience.
- Utilized MATC Blackboard system to organize course and convey critical informa
tion such as grades and electronic copies of course materials to students.
* Student Support Tutor for Math and Science, Milwaukee Area Technical College,
September 2009-December 2009
- Served as one of four science tutors in the Student Support Center at the Mil
waukee Campus. Provide teaching and learning support for students enrolled in Mi
crobiology, Algebra, Trigonometry, Biochemistry, Biology, General Chemistry as w
ell as Anatomy and Physiology.
- Served as an encouraging and supportive resource for a large student populatio
n to reinforce critical concepts which are pivotal to understanding and being su
ccessful in the courses which students were enrolled.
* Adjunct Professor, Marquette University January 2009-May 2009
- Introduction to Biochemistry and Experimental Principles of Biology, Marquet
te University, Milwaukee, WI
- Taught an introductory biology lab course to science majors to introduce them
to the experimental concepts and procedures critical for biological analysis.
- Prepared a syllabus and daily lectures which were important for thoroughly exp
laining the laboratory procedures and concepts. Wrote and administered examinati
ons and quizzes aimed at testing the knowledge and understanding the students ob
tained from the course materials.
- Directed and managed a teaching assistant who was responsible for the oversigh
t of the students while performing laboratory duties.
* Teaching Assistant, Marquette University
August 2004-December 2008
- Experimental Genetics Laboratory, Biology for Non-Science Majors, Experimental
Biology Laboratory
- Served as the teaching assistant for undergraduate lecture and/or chemical lab
oratory courses ranging in student population from 30 to approximately 215 stude
nts
- Conducted weekly discussion sections to review lectured material or introduce
new concepts. Utilized power point for presentations, i-clicker systems for inte
ractive learning, D2L and/or chalk talks to give detailed analysis of given topi
cs
- Assisted in the writing of examination questions and was consistently consulte
d for critiquing the exam prior to its distribution
- Held office hours where students often came for additional help and support th
roughout the duration of the course
- Prepared laboratory setting by making solutions, weighing dry materials, and o
rganized student work stations prior to class
- Regularly prepared study guides for students as well as wrote and administered
quizzes and homework problems for students
MANAGERIAL AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
* Resident Director, The Regent Apartments, Madison, WI
May 2001-August 2003
- Managed a Resident Assistant staff of approximately 35
- Supervised workflow to ensure a positive, productive and prosperous living env
ironment for approximately 300 residents
- Designed employee schedules, resident living assignments and monthly activitie
s for resident participation
- Sustained a superior resident lease-renewal rate while increasing the numbers
of new residents
* Student Mentor, Summer Research Program, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
June 2004-August 2004
- Mentored students from culturally diverse backgrounds during a 12 week summer
research program designed to help prospective students learn about the expectati
ons and obligations of graduate student life.
- Organized and implemented social gatherings, scientific journal club meetings,
poster presentation and seminar session for the participants.
- Trained and supervised research students who conducted experimental research w
ithin my graduate laboratory on how to carry out specified research protocols, p
repare journal clubs, seminars and lab meeting presentations.
AWARDS, FELLOWSHIPS AND MEMBERSHIPS
* Member, Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals
* FUEL Milwaukee, General Member
* National Science Foundation Pre-Doctoral Minority Fellow, August 2007-August 2
008
* Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Pre-Doctoral Fellow, January 200
3-December 2006
* American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Travel Award Fellow, D
ecember 2005
* Marquette University Graduate Student Minority Fellow, September 2003-December
2003