Featured BACE Credential Earner:
Abigail Leake
Organization:
University of South Florida
Position:
Graduate Student
> About Me:
Abigail completed her M.S. in Molecular Medicine at the University of South Florida(USF) College of Medicine in May 2022 and began her Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine at USF in August 2022. Currently, she works as a graduate research assistant in the Gulick-Gamsby Lab at the Byrd Center of Alzheimer’s Research. Her research has focused on the use of hallucinogenic drug derivatives as potential treatments for addiction, especially alcohol addiction.
> Academic/Career Preparation:
Earning the Biotechnology Aptitude and Competence Exam (BACE) credential helped Abigail excel in laboratory courses during her undergraduate studies, as she was already familiar with techniques like electrophoresis and cell culture. Her experience and skills helped her earn roles as a laboratory teaching assistant and student researcher on the USF’s chemistry research team. These opportunities not only supported her financially during college, but also strengthened her academic and research experience. Abigail credits the BACE credential with helping prepare her for acceptance into a research-focused master’s program at USF and advancing her path in science and research.
> Job Description:
As a graduate research assistant in the Gulick-Gamsby Lab at the Byrd Alzheimer’s Center at USF, Abigail contributes to both sleep and addiction research. Her work includes conducting literature reviews and performing wet-lab techniques such as, western blotting, genotyping via electrophoresis, protein isolation, animal care and handling. Abigail has also supported behavioral studies, including the elevated plus maze, PPI , forced swim test and sucrose preference tests. In addition, she assists with data management, analysis, documentation, preparation of reports, correspondence and figures. Abigail also has presented research on the long-term effects of adolescent alcohol use on sleep at conferences.
> Best Thing About My Job:
Abigail says the best part of her job is getting to work on science all the time!