Maria Athanasopoulos

Works well both in a team and as an individual, is a fast learner and excited to gain additional knowledge in this field. Experienced in scientific research writing, statistical analysis and laboratory techniques from related courses and experiences. 

Genetics Laboratory Assistant, Athens, Greece                               Jun – Aug of 2019 and 2021

• For two summers, I volunteered at Dr. Kyriakos Mitsakos-Barbayiannis’ genetic diagnosis laboratory at the REA Maternity Hospital in Athens, Greece, where I performed laboratory procedures required for genetic testing. 
• In 2019, I was responsible for purifying and amplifying DNA from patients’ blood and urine samples. 
• In 2021, I was also responsible for sequencing our patients’ DNA, and performing PCR-restriction enzyme assays to help the geneticist identify mutations in their genomes.
• Techniques used: DNA purification, RT-qPCR, Next-generation sequencing, PCR-restriction enzyme assays, and gel electrophoresis.

Research Assistant, University of Toronto (remote)                                   May 2021 – Aug 2021 

• Conducted the screening procedure and qualitative data collection and analysis for Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish’s published review article at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
• The article discussed the genetic and socio-pathological causes and triggers of hatred and included how these have biomedical and psychological effects on different individuals.
• Skills used: scientific research writing, research screening, statistical analysis

Job Shadowing Mentee, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto            Jan 2021 – Feb 2021

• Observed the procedures performed in a medical laboratory by an LMP Ph.D. candidate, Dakota Gustafson, and attended meetings concerning scientific research. 
• The research involved cardiotoxicity that occurs during cancer treatment with chemotherapeutics, and cerebrovascular dysfunction induced by type II diabetes.

Research Assistant, University of Toronto                                                   Feb 2019 – Apr 2019

• I volunteered as Veronica Chong’s research assistant, as I aided in carrying out genetic experiments involving plant growth and resistance to pathogens for her thesis as a master’s student in the program of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
• Techniques used: pipetting, DNA isolation techniques, PCR, gel electrophoresis, light microscopy, and statistical analysis.

University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada                                             Sep 2018 – April 2022

Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) 

Double major: 

• Molecular Genetics and Microbiology 
• Human Biology: Health and Disease