I gained wet lab and genomics data analysis experience during my graduate studies, before beginning as a Research Associate at Insight Genetics, Inc. I started at IGI conducting lab work for next-generation sequencing library preparation, and over the subsequent four years, gained more experience and responsibilities in the project management and bioinformatics effort. I began overseeing day-to-day sequencing operations as well as all bioinformatics needs in the genomics department as a Research Scientist. I gained an intimate understanding of Illumina NGS sequencing technologies, which gave me an edge when troubleshooting sequencing and bioinformatics issues. I am now a Field Application Scientist for Illumina in the Southeast region.
The Field Applications Scientist partners with customers to provide technical training, troubleshooting, and complaint resolution. This position serves as a scientific consultant during pre- and post-sales activities. This role requires troubleshooting, communication, time management, situational awareness, poise under pressure, and collaboration.
Next-generation sequencing project manager that oversees and participates in NGS library prep, sequencing, quality control, LIMS management, and bioinformatics development, training, and operations. Participates in assay verification and validation studies, including NGS CLIA validation. Participates in contract research for academic and pharmaceutical groups. Builds NGS analysis pipelines and troubleshoots all bioinformatics issues as they arise.
Shaw J, Shafer HJ, Leonard OR, KovachMJ, Schorr M, Morris AB. Chloroplast DNA sequence utility for the lowest phylogenetics and phylogeographic inferences in angiosperms: the tortoise and the hare IV. American Journal of Botany 101 (11):1-17. 2014
Fernandez JRE, Eckhardt BL, Jangsoon L, Lim B, Pearson T, Seitz RS, Hout DR, Schweitzer BL, Neilson T, Leonard OR, Wang Y, Rao A, Ueno NT. Defining the most molecularly stable triple-negative breast cancer cell lines using a simplified algorithm. In prep. 2019.
The course introduces basic computer programming topics including logic, flow control, functions, and data structures. It also includes a broad survey of Computer Science topics such as algorithms, computational complexity, and software engineering.
GPA: 4.0
GPA: 3.5
I have a wonderful husband, two lovely stepchildren, and a German Shephard named Luna. We are often found at a concert or on the lake.
We welcomed a baby girl, Ruby, in 2022. My hobbies during the newborn days include quilting (all by hand) and watching Christmas movies.
I regularly obsess over the science of cooking, and read too many fantasy novels (urban fantasy is my guilty pleasure).