User:Erin Walsh
Research Interests The role of integrins in osteosarcoma lung metastasis. My work focuses on identifying integrin cellular adhesion molecules that influence osteosarcoma lung metastasis. I am currently investigating integrin expression in human osteosarcoma samples from primary (bone) tumors and lung metastases. I am also using a cellular model of osteosarcoma that consists of related metastatic and non-metatastic cell lines to determine the effects of genetically altered integrin expression on metastatic potential in vitro and in vivo.
EDUCATION
Penn State University College of Medicine
Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Molecular Biology, expected graduation 2012
Thesis Advisor: Timothy Ritty, Ph.D.
Thesis Project: The role of integrins in osteosarcoma lung metastasis. My work focuses on identifying integrin cellular adhesion molecules that influence osteosarcoma lung metastasis. I am currently investigating integrin expression in human osteosarcoma samples from primary (bone) tumors and lung metastases. I am also using a cellular model of osteosarcoma that consists of related metastatic and non-metatastic cell lines to determine the effects of genetically altered integrin expression on metastatic potential in vitro and in vivo.
Binghamton University, State University of New York
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Completed 2007, Summa cum laude. Cumulative GPA: 3.986 out of 4.0
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Graduate Research Assistant, Penn State University Department of Orthopaedics 2007-Present
<brSupervisor: Timothy Ritty, Ph.D.
Work involves completion of thesis project and support of Dr. Ritty’s research in the fields of sarcoma and proteomics.
Undergraduate Independent Researcher, Binghamton University 2006-2007
Advisor: Dennis McGee, Ph.D.
Honors Thesis: An immunofluorescence study of integrin signaling components in intestinal epithelial cell lines. At invitation of professor - and under minimal supervision - conducted immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscope analysis of intestinal epithelial cells in order to gain an understanding of integrin-mediated cellular inflammatory response pathways.
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Binghamton University
Summer 2006
Supervisor: Dennis McGee, Ph.D.
At invitation of Dr. McGee designed and implemented flow cytometry laboratory protocols for the Principles of Flow Cytometry laboratory course.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Binghamton University Cellular Biology Laboratory, Spring 2006 & 2007 At invitation of and in cooperation with Dr. Dennis McGee, supervised laboratory and oversaw experiments of approximately 12 students per period during laboratory coursework; fielded student inquiries regarding relevant scientific principles and safety.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Binghamton University Principles of Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Fall 2006 At invitation of and in cooperation with Dr. Dennis McGee, supervised laboratory and oversaw student laboratory coursework; independently instructed students on proper and effective use of flow cytometer; fielded student inquiries regarding relevant scientific principles, safety, and use of flow cytometer.
Operating Room Administrative Intern, New York Presbyterian Hospital Summer 2004 Performed data collection in support of operating room quality assurance studies. Observed numerous major medical procedures.
INVITED PRESENTATIONS Cellular and Molecular Biology Annual Research Day October 9, 2009 Title: Investigations of cellular adhesion molecules and tumor microenvironment alterations in sarcomas. Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Musculoskeletal Sciences Seminar May 8, 2009 Title: Investigation of Molecular Mechanisms in Osteosarcoma Lung Metastasis
HONORS/AWARDS Karl H. Beyer, Jr. M.D./Ph.D. Award, Penn State Univeristy. 2009 recipient. Scholarship award granted to a Ph.D. candidate with the highest grade point average upon completion of graduate curriculum.
Penn State University Graduate Fellowship Award. Single 2007 Cell and Molecular Biology recipient. Competitive award that provides payment of tuition and stipend to eighty incoming graduate students university wide. Selection is at the college level to prospective students.
James H. Wilmuth Award For Excellence in Biological Sciences, Binghamton University. Single 2007 recipient. Awarded to one or two graduating students in biology or biochemistry for outstanding academic record and involvement in special experiences in biology (such as teaching assistantships and independent research).
Award for Distinguished Independent Study in Biology, Binghamton University 2007 recipient. Awarded to undergraduate students who partake in independent research for at least one year and complete an Honors thesis detailing their research work and results.
Golden Key International Honour Society, inducted 2005. Academic honor society that recognizes students based on scholastic achievement and excellence in college. Membership is by invitation to top 15% of college sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Phi Eta Sigma Binghamton University National Honors Society, inducted 2004. National honor society for first year college students. Awarded to college freshman with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5-4.0 who are also in the top 20% of their class.
RELEVANT SKILLS Cellular and molecular biology techniques including PCR, recombinant DNA methods for protein expression, vector based siRNA gene silencing (knock down), electrophoresis, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, cell culture. Experienced in Vector NTI bioinformatics software, NCBI BLAST search database, UCSC Genome Browser.
