Abigail Berns
4998 Battery Lane, Apt 304, Bethesda, MD 20814 • 585.747.4774 •
Education
Smith College, Northampton MA
Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences May 2012
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Honors: Awarded STRIDE research scholarship with Dr. Steven Jackson
King’s College London, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1/2012-6/2012
Junior Semester Abroad
Research / Laboratory Experience
Research Fellow, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, NIH, Bethesda, MD 8/2013-present
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Recipient of Intramural Research Training Award
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Manage care and treatment of 40 rats, including injection and assistance during MRI
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Quantitative analysis of experimental data
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Develop rat infection model for Taenia crassiceps
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Perform steriotaxic neurosurgery on rats to implant Taenia crassiceps metacestodes
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Design and present academic and experimental results
Research Assistant, Summer Research Fellows Program
Biology Department, Smith College 5/2011-12/2011
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Developed test to quantify biofilm formation of UTI-causing E. coli
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Trained and supervised first year research student
Community Health Experience
Intern, Communicable Disease Control Division, Boston Public Health Commission 6/2013-8/2013
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Adjusted state response survey to meet cultural needs of specific immigrant community during
epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of foodborne illness
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Interacted with wide range of multi-ethnic, low-income patients while performing intake at free
tuberculosis clinic
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Researched and created fact sheets for general public on pandemic influenza in infants and children
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Developed focus group oral questionnaire and written survey on community health practices
surrounding pandemic flu
Intern, Clinical Serology Lab, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY 6/2012-8/2012
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Handled HIV-positive sera, confirming accuracy of rapid HIV kits
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Tracked confidential patient records for a New York State HIV study
Publication
White, C. A. L. Berns, and S. Smith 2012. Low temperature (15 °C) increases expression of biofilm-, cold-shock-
and RpoS-dependent genes in Escherichia coli. Microbiology; 150: 130-142.
Leadership Experience
Co-Chair/Religious Co-Chair, Smith College Hillel 9/2010-5/2013
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Conducted weekly meetings, delegated board member responsibilities, coordinated communications,
organized guest speakers and holiday events for 200 people
Sample Science and Technical Resumes – Smith College Lazarus Center for Development