ABIGAIL LYEW
Lake Elsinore
Summary
Microbiology M.S. graduate with experience in environmental microbiology, microbial genomics, molecular biology, and undergraduate instruction. Skilled in culturing, DNA extraction, PCR, comparative genomics, and bioinformatics with a research focus on extremophiles and LPS biosynthesis.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Faculty Shadowing Intern
Mt. San Jacinto College
01.2026 - Current
- Microbiology | Biology Lab & Lecture
- Observing instructional methods across multiple science courses weekly to develop pedagogical skills
- Studying classroom management, student engagement strategies, and course delivery at the community college level
Graduate/Undergraduate Researcher
Dr. Emma Aronson Lab, UC Riverside
01.2022 - Current
- Conducted DNA soil extractions, dust suspensions, filtrations, and gel electrophoresis processes.
- Performed DNA quantification using NanoDrop and Qubit instruments.
- Executed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, including colony PCR and basic computational genomic analysis.
- Completed an honors project examining soil depth's effect on microbial community composition in Gran Paradiso soils, Italy.
- Characterized microbial diversity at various depths while assessing survival rates relative to soil content.
- Produced a master's thesis identifying culturable extremophiles from Salton Sea, focusing on lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis in Halomonas alkaphilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Assembled a genomic library of isolated microbes and performed endotoxin detection procedures.
Teaching Assistant
University of California, Riverside
01.2025 - 03.2026
- Microbiology Lab (MCBL121L) | Microbiology Lecture (MCBL 121) | Introduction to Comparative Virology (MCBL 123)
- Instructed undergraduate students in fundamental microbiology laboratory techniques including culturing, pipetting, microscopy/staining, DNA extractions, and antibiotic susceptibility testing
- Led four weekly discussion sections reviewing lecture material and facilitating exam preparation for midterms and finals
- Managed an independent weekly review session to address student questions and reinforce core concepts
- Evaluated lab reports, presentations, and assignments with constructive, timely feedback
Biochemistry/Immunology Laboratory Intern
Nittobo America
04.2024 - 10.2024
- Purified antigens via column chromatography; prepared buffers, antigen fills, and separation gels
- Performed Ouchterlony double diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) assays
- R&D Department
Research Student
Mt. San Jacinto College
01.2020 - 01.2022
- CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing of the LacZ Gene in E. coli
- Conducted CRISPR experiments to genetically edit LacZ gene, examining phenotypic and genotypic outcomes to assess gene function
- Investigated repair gene systems, characterizing CRISPR-induced mutations to understand gene editing mechanisms
- Presented findings at HTTC Conference at UC Irvine, sharing insights on CRISPR applications and outcomes
Education
Master of Science - Microbiology
University of California, Riverside
06-2026
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
University of California, Riverside
06-2024
Associate in Science - Biology
Mt. San Jacinto College
05-2022
Associate in Arts - Liberal Arts & Mathematics
Mt. San Jacinto College
05-2022
Skills
- Teaching and Student Engagement
- Curriculum Development and Lesson Planning
- Laboratory Instruction and Safety
- Student Mentoring and Academic Support
- Assessment and Communication
- Gel electrophoresis
- PCR
- DNA extractions
- Nanodrop
- Qubit
- Agar media preparation
- Streak/spread plating
- Microscopy
- Laboratory organization
- Educational support
Timeline
Faculty Shadowing Intern
Mt. San Jacinto College
01.2026 - Current
Teaching Assistant
University of California, Riverside
01.2025 - 03.2026
Biochemistry/Immunology Laboratory Intern
Nittobo America
04.2024 - 10.2024
Graduate/Undergraduate Researcher
Dr. Emma Aronson Lab, UC Riverside
01.2022 - Current
Research Student
Mt. San Jacinto College
01.2020 - 01.2022
Master of Science - Microbiology
University of California, Riverside
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
University of California, Riverside
Associate in Science - Biology
Mt. San Jacinto College
Associate in Arts - Liberal Arts & Mathematics
Mt. San Jacinto College