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ALEXANDRA COOK
85 29th St. Apt. T-4 Newport News VA 23607 Telephone: 843-812-9589 [email protected]
Academic Background:
Old Dominion University
B.S. in Science
Major in Biology
Fall 2015 – Spring 2017
Emphasis: Molecular Biology and Genetics, with concentration in biotechnology and research
applications. Bachelor’s degree intended to continue in graduate studies in Molecular Genetics.
Tidewater Community College
A.S. in Science, May 2015
Emphasis: Biological Sciences, core education to transfer to 4-year Bachelor program.
GPA 3.58, Completed 62 Credits, 23 Science Credits, National Honors, Presidents Honor Roll, Graduated
Summa cum Laude
Aiming Arrows Academy Homeschool
HS Diploma, June 2009
Emphasis: Concentration in advanced Biological Sciences
AP courses in Biology and Chemistry, independent study in Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, and
Clinical Studies, extensive laboratory experience, independent laboratory research, graduated GPA 4.0.
Technical and Specialized Skills:
Technology Skills: Applications, Business and Database Analytics, Coding, Communication, Internet,
Web design, Social Media
Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and
Word, Intermediate HTML, Java, and Python Language Skills
Technical Platforms: Windows XP, Windows Professional, Windows 8, Mac OS
Personal Skills: Logical Thinking, Problem Solving, Self-Motivating, Teamwork, Time Management,
Work Independently, Creative Thinking, Public Speaking, Report and Research Presentation
Related Research and Laboratory Experience:
6/2015 – Independent Sampling and Bacterial Inhibition Techniques
Sampled hoses from local hookah lounge and observed bacterial growth in Nutrient Agar. Ruled out
endospores and I introduced Essential Oils, comparing results to traditional cleaning supplies in order to
determine a more effective method of cleaning. I then presented my findings to the local business for use.
12/2014 – Identification of Unknown Bacterium through Culture Techniques
Determined identification of unknown bacterium using bacterial culture techniques. Tests included
MacConkey agar, Eosin Methylene Blue, and Hektoen Enteric Agar plates, Sulfur Indole Motility (SIM)
deeps, Methyl-Red Voges-Proskauer (MR-VP) and Phenol-Red Carbohydrate broths, Gram-staining, and
Enterotube diagnostics. Unknown bacterium was identified as Enterobacter aerogenes.
12/2014 – Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) HIV Testing
Performed ELISA well test for unknown patient serum in order to detect HIV antibodies. Resulted in a
positive HIV testing.
11/2014 – Investigated Ovipositional Bean Preference of Female Bean Beetles
Observed female bean beetles and their bean choice preference for laying eggs. Experiment included
performing a chi-square statistical analysis to determine validity of observational results and hypothesis.
10/2014 – Parasite Diagnosis and Treatment
Utilized microscopic techniques to identify unknown parasites, as well as tested the effects of different
antibiotics on these parasites.
10/2014 – Antibiotic and Antiseptic Inhibition
Tested the effects of various antibiotics on Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium,
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the Kirby Bauer method, as well spice vapor inhibition using garlic,
clove, onion, and cinnamon testing. Also tested the effects of different antiseptics on the same bacterium,
including the inhibition effects of household bleach, Lysol, Listerine, and hand sanitizer.
02/2014 – Chemical Analysis Testing
Determined molecular structures and identification of unknown chemicals and chemical compounds by
performing various laboratory techniques. Techniques used in identification included: substance
weighing, testing binding properties, precipitation reactions, and spectrophotometry.
11/2013 – DNA Extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Electrophoresis
Extracted DNA from patient, included denaturing DNA and making it visible. Integrated PCR method for
DNA replication and shotgun sequencing, and also utilized DNA in gel electrophoresis testing and
analysis.
11/2009 – Independent Research
Obtained and grew bacterial samples from multiple surfaces, including door handles, trash cans,
computers, and underneath fingernails. Observed growth on Niger Seed Agar (NSA) and Tryptic Soy
Agar (TSA) plates and recorded results. Applied different essential oils to bacterial growths and observed
inhibition properties and effectiveness.
Other Experience and Work:
2015 – Current Member Services Representative, PETA Foundation – Norfolk, VA
Membership services, database entry, member correspondence and
communications, major gift and Vanguard Society relations, problem-solving
skills, international conferencing, caging, keying, and creating financial reports.
2014 – 2015 Barista, Starbucks – Suffolk, VA
Customer service, problem-solving skills, implement practical work environment
solutions, cash handling, beverage crafting.
2012 – 2013 Shift Manager, Burger King – Iron Mountain, MI
Managed closing shift, lead night crew team, counted and ordered inventory and
stock, cash handling and company safe counting, problem solving, customer
service, record keeping.
2011 – 2012 Client Service Professional, H&R Block – Lancaster, CA
Telecommunications, customer service, appointment and database management,
tax filing, problem solving.
2010 – 2011 Communications Specialist, Israel Restoration – Lancaster, CA
Door-to-door representative, telecommunications, surveys, database research and
management with Microsoft Access.
Academic Awards and Recognitions:
05/2015 Graduated Summa cum Laude
Awarded based on excellent academic performance and GPA of 3.6 and above.
02/2014 Phi Theta Kappa National Honors Society
Member of the Alpha Zeta Lambda Chapter through Tidewater Community
College of Chesapeake. Awarded based on excellent academic performance and
GPA of 3.5 and above.
12/2013 President’s Honor Roll
Awarded through Tidewater Community College based on consistent semester
GPAs between 3.6 and 4.0.
Volunteer and Service Experience:
2015 Community Animal Project
Prepared straw proportions and structural doghouses to be delivered to outside
dogs within the community during the cold winter months. Continuous animal
shelter care, including fostering and socializing animals to prepare for adoption.
2013 – 2015 Personal Academic Tutoring
Personal tutoring in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics at both high school and
college level.
2010 – 2011 Lancaster Orchestra
Performance in public concerts and orchestrations. Piano performance numbers,
choral arrangements, orchestral conducting, and hand-bell choir performance.
2006 – 2009 Homeschool Group Coordinator
Assistant coordinator in field trips, programs, and meeting for Jacksonville
county homeschool groups. Participated in teaching, tutoring, public speaking,
music performance, crafts, and won South Carolina state homeschool spelling
bee championship.
Areas of Research Interest:
Molecular Genetics
My particular interest of study is in molecular genetics. I wish to study and research gene expression and
regulation in my future career. It is my hope to work with gene therapy research in order to continue
advances in biotechnology and discover effective treatment for cancer and genetic disorders through gene
therapy. By participating in research of the human genome at the molecular level and the processes of
gene expression, I hope to experiment with methods of regulating gene expression and solve the problems
faced with gene therapy.
Microbiology & Virology
My interest in Microbiology is studying the chemical and biological interactions of infectious diseases on
the human body. I am interested in researching details of how different pathogens infect their hosts, as
well as how the host might attempt to defend itself. I am particularly interested in learning more about
viruses and how they affect the host’s DNA and replication. By understanding more about viruses and
other pathogens, I would like to research experimental treatments for infections and diseases that are
currently untreatable. Interested in researching the HIV virus and studying the properties of surface
proteins gag120 and gag41 and how they work together to prevent Nab binding. This research could be
enlightening to the developmental process of viral gene therapy, since target cell selection and therapeutic
DNA replication is major obstacle in therapeutic genetics.
Professional References:
Professor Katina Harris-Carter – 757-822-2305; [email protected]
Lead Faculty for Introductory Microbiology (Tidewater Community College)
Jennifer McCloud –508-813-0038; [email protected]
Financial Coordinator for PETA Foundation
