<aside> 👋 A four-times published molecular and ecological scientist with extensive research and teaching experience as a student, instructor and lecturer. Strengths include leadership, synthesizing information to improve best practices and educate others, adaptability and an eagerness to learn.

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Contact

🔬  ResearchGate

📧 [email protected]

📞  (506) 961-6294

Education

🎓 M.Sc Applied Sciences

🌎 Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS.

  4.0 GPA

🎓 B.Sc Honours Biology, Major Psychology

🌎 Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS.

Publications

📔 Molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying the adaptability of polyploid plants.

Biological Reviews impact factor: 14.35

📔 Insights into the N6-methyladenosine mechanism and its functionality: progress and questions.

Critical Reviews in Biotechnology impact factor: 8.11

📔 N6-Methyladenosine and physiological response divergence confer autotetraploid enhanced salt tolerance compared to its diploid Hordeum bulbosum.

Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants impact factor: 3.02

📔 Reproductive ecology of Zostera marina  L. (eelgrass) across varying environmental conditions.

Aquatic Botany impact factor: 2.35

M.Sc Research

Supervisor: Dr. Genlou Sun

• Designed a unique research project quantifying both molecular and physiological responses to salt stress in diploid and polyploid wild barley (Hordeum bulbosum).
• Isolated DNA and RNA from samples, ran QAQC procedures such as gel electrophoresis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), micro- and macro-pipetting, data entry (Microsoft Excel), data analysis (R), data presentation (Microsoft Powerpoint) and thesis writing (Microsoft Word).
• Due to minimal research completed to date on one of the molecular quantifications, I synthesized available information into two first author publications.
• Successfully mentored two honours students that used my samples for their projects.

Experience

Aquatic Biologist

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada*, Dartmouth, NS – (September 2017 - September 2018)*

Zostera marina L. shoot

• An integral member of a research team investigating the decreasing population(s) of seagrass (Zostera marina L.) around Nova Scotia, Canada.
• Responsibilities included: collecting and transporting seagrass samples from both lab and field sites, performing data collection protocols, created data sheets used by research team, data entry (Microsoft Excel) and data analysis (R).
• Initiated the authorship of a scientific journal article based on trends in reproductive seagrass shoots I observed during routine data collection (Aquatic Botany)
• Developed proficient skills in open water, shoreline snorkelling for sample collection.

Ecology Lecturer

Saint Mary’s University*, Halifax, NS – (September 2021 - December 2021)*

• Completed extensive research in preparation for each lecture period
• Prepared written assignments and three formal examinations relevant to topics researched and presented in lecture
• Provided both class and individual academic support

Organismal and Ecological Biology Lab Instructor (CRN: 1202)

Saint Mary’s University*, Halifax, NS – (September 2020 - December 2022)*

• Created a two month course consisting of six labs that contained dissections, field work and lab reports.
• After the initial impacts of COVID-19, an area particularly affected by the lack of in-person teaching was the scientific writing abilities of students. There was a very clear lack of understanding in the importance of each section within a lab report, especially the introduction. I developed an assignment that addressed these concerns and the quality of writing increased dramatically by the end of the two months.

Fungi Assignment.pdf

Introduction to Biology Lab Instructor (CRN: 1201)

Saint Mary’s University*, Halifax, NS – (September 2020 - December 2022)*

• Successfully instructed over 30 students in both virtual and in-person labs in Molecular and Cell biology.
• Created supplementary learning resources for students to adapt to a new learning environment in light of COVID-19.

Ecology Lab Instructor (CRN: 2324)

Saint Mary’s University*, Halifax, NS – (January 2022 - April 2022)*

Ecology Field trip

• Supervised and instructed students in an in-person lab setting focussed on ecological concepts and processes
• Researched and prepared lab assignments, including two full experiments and consequent lab reports
• Successfully developed and organized a succession-based field trip experiment to Point Pleasant Park in Halifax, NS.

Microbiology Lab Technician in Water Quality

Environment and Climate Change Canada*, Dartmouth, NS – (Summers of 2016 - 2017)*

• Played an essential role in salt water quality monitoring for coli levels throughout Nova Scotia, Canada.
• Responsibilities included: receiving and inoculating water samples, preparation of various agar and media necessary for testing, daily and monthly QAQC procedures, macro-pipetting, transferring and maintaining  coli and E. cloacea cultures and consistent use and supervising of aseptic technique.
• Successfully audited locally, nationally and internationally.

Skills

Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook)

I have 10+ years experience using Microsoft Office in academics. Examples include: making powerpoint presentations for Honours and M.Sc defences and class lectures; using Word to write theses, journal articles and developing class syllabi; completing basic data analyses using Excel, maintaining whole data sets and preparing data for R studio.

R Studio

During my Honours and M.Sc I gained experience completing data analyses and developing figures using R Studio. While working for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada I participated in R Studio training events and learned how to create complex figures exhibiting multiple variables.

WHMIS

WHMIS certification has been maintained for the last 10 years. This training became especially relevant during my work with ECCC, DFO and research as I worked with various chemicals and workplace hazards.

Standard Driver’s License

Applicable since 2012.

DNA and RNA Isolation + QAQC

Isolation of DNA and RNA from homogenized plant tissue became an integral part of my Honours and M.Sc work. I now have 5+ years of experience with isolation along with completing quantity and quality checks (ie. Nanodrop, gel electrophoresis).

Cloning

In 2021-22 I spent time working voluntarily in a lab focussed on the symbiotic relationship between legume root-nodules and nitrogen-fixating bacteria. In order to determine various transporters on the permeable membrane, cloning genes into Agrobacterium rhizogenes. I gained notable experience with creating level I-III plasmids and inoculating the substrate with the altered Agrobacterium.

Public Speaking

Over the course of my academic career, I have held various positions that required exemplary public speaking skills. From 2020- present, I have instructed multiple lab programs at Saint Mary’s University and lectured a 3.0 credit Ecology (CRN: 2324) course. In each of these examples, it was required to regularly lead presentations and/or discussions for an hour or more, multiple days a week. Similarly, I was required to complete two separate theses defences that were open to the public for viewing and questioning.

Synthesizing information

When developing my M.Sc research project, I noted a potential mediator of gene expression in both animals and plants (m6A RNA methylation). However, this topic only had a handful of literature at this point. In order to both aid myself and the scientific community, I constructed two review articles highlighting all known literature to date on m6A, as well as any scientific theories I came across in my readings. My ability to synthesize information even as complex as m6A RNA methylation became a priceless tool while instructing labs or lecturing students. I am able to take information and explain it in versatile ways depending on an individual’s level of scientific comprehension.

Detail oriented and organized

Having spent the last 5+ years as a molecular and ecological plant scientist, being detail oriented and organized with admirable time management became a necessity. As any scientist knows, being able to make notes and document every necessary detail is part of the job. Whether it be keeping track of protocols, QAQC documentation, lab maintenance and equipment logs, class plans or creating exams- details and organization are what make science successful and replicable.

Dynamic leadership abilities

Academically, professionally and athletically I have always been drawn to leadership positions. Whether it be leading a lab or classroom, running the university intramurals program or captaining varsity sports teams, my integrity, self-awareness, empathy, decisiveness and resilience benefits my colleagues, students and fellow athletes. Leading others to be the best they can be increases both individual and group success.

Achievements

<aside> 💡 Published in a major high-impact journal [Biological Reviews] (2021)

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<aside> 💡 Captain of Saint Mary’s University Field Hockey (2015-2017)

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<aside> 💡 Head Coordinator of Intramurals at Saint Mary’s University (2017)

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<aside> 💡 Captain of Bernice MacNaughton Field Hockey (2012)

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<aside> 💡 Captain of Bernice MacNaughton Rugby (2011-2012)

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Volunteer Involvement

<aside> 💡 Graduate representative of the Saint Mary’s University/MSVU Animal Care Committee (2021-2022)

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<aside> 💡 Research Technician for DFO (2018-2019)

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<aside> 💡 Saint Mary’s Varsity Field Hockey Player (2012-2017)

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<aside> 💡 Sir John A MacDonald High School Field Hockey Coach (2021)

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<aside> 💡 Student Athlete Mental Health Initiative at Saint Mary’s University (2016)

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<aside> 💡 Thyroid Cancer Society Fundraiser (2015-2016)

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📄 Resume + References

Margaret Scarrow Resume 2022 .pdf