Tyra Goodluck

I am a dedicated and motivated individual with a strong academic background and a passion for biological sciences. I obtained a Bachelor's in Biological Sciences from The University of Northern Colorado in December 2022. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biological Sciences with a focus on reproductive biology.

During my undergraduate studies, I gained valuable experience as a Laboratory Assistant, where I researched plant-animal interactions, specifically studying how alfalfa plants respond to stress induced by pea aphids. Additionally, I honed my laboratory skills in a Cellular and Molecular Lab course, where I worked with various techniques such as sterilization, PCR, RT-qPCR, microscopy, gene expression analysis, and cell culture.

As a Laboratory Mentee/Assistant, I focused on bovine mixed luteal cells. I have experience with primary bovine cell culture, PCR, RT-qPCR, cytokines, and gene expression analysis. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in laboratory techniques and data analysis for mammalian cell cultures.

As a Graduate Research Assistant, I am conducting research for my thesis, analyzing steroidogenic cells, specifically analyzing mitochondrial health under hypoxic conditions when exposed to omega-3 fatty acids. I work with luteal cells collected from the bovine corpus luteum, using sterile or aseptic techniques I can perform confocal microscopy and utilize tools like imageJ, Excel, and Prism for data analysis. Additionally, I have contributed to performing PCR, RT-qPCR, blood sample collection, RNA extraction, and cDNA synthesis. I also have experience with mentoring high school and undergraduate students.

I have been recognized for my academic achievements and received the Stryker Institute for Leadership Development Scholarship, Denver Scholarship Foundation, recipient of the Dr. Albert M. Winchester Graduate Fellowship in Biology, and have presented my research at various conferences and symposiums, including the University of Northern Colorado Student Showcase, Summer STEM-IEC program, Biology Seminar, ABCRMS, Rocky Mountain Reproductive Science Symposium, and the Society for the Study of Reproduction Conference.

Overall, my experiences have shaped me into a detail-oriented, proactive, passionate and accomplished researcher in biological sciences. I am eager to continue expanding my knowledge and contributing to advancements in the field.

I have valuable experience as a Laboratory Assistant, I honed my laboratory skills in a Cellular and Molecular Lab course, where I worked with various techniques such as sterilization, PCR, RT-qPCR, microscopy, gene expression analysis, and cell culture.

As a Laboratory Mentee/Assistant, I focused on bovine mixed luteal cells. I have experience with primary bovine cell culture, PCR, RT-qPCR, cytokines, and gene expression analysis. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in laboratory techniques and data analysis for mammalian cell cultures.

Additionally, I work with luteal cells collected from the bovine corpus luteum and an immortalized cell culture, using sterile or aseptic techniques I can perform confocal microscopy and utilize tools like imageJ, Excel, and Prism for data analysis. Additionally, I have contributed to performing PCR, RT-qPCR, blood sample collection, RNA extraction, and cDNA synthesis. I also have experience with mentoring high school and undergraduate students.

I have been recognized for my academic achievements and received the Stryker Institute for Leadership Development Scholarship, Denver Scholarship Foundation, recipient of the Dr. Albert M. Winchester Graduate Fellowship in Biology, and have presented my research at various conferences and symposiums, including the University of Northern Colorado Research Day, Summer STEM-IEC program, Biology Seminar, ABCRMS, Rocky Mountain Reproductive Science Symposium, and the Society for the Study of Reproduction Conference.

As a master's student, my most relevant educational experiences include extensive laboratory training in Cellular and Molecular Biology. I have developed strong skills in laboratory techniques such as sterilization, PCR, RT-qPCR, microscopy (including confocal microscopy), gene expression analysis, and cell culture, particularly focusing on primary bovine mixed luteal cells and immortalized cell cultures. My expertise extends to sterile techniques, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, cytokine analysis, and data analysis using tools like ImageJ, Excel, and Prism. Additionally, I have experience mentoring high school and undergraduate students, enhancing my leadership and instructional abilities.