Maria Clara Araujo
Davis
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Researcher
Lowe-Power Lab, UC Davis
Davis
01.2026 - Current
- Conduct independent genome analysis for an assigned Ralstonia strain as part of a course-based undergraduate research experience.
- Analyze Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing data using KBase, including quality control (FastQC, NanoPlot), read filtering (Filtlong), and genome assembly.
- Assemble and compare bacterial genomes using Flye and Unicycler, evaluating contiguity and quality metrics (contig count, N50/L50, genome size, GC content).
- Maintain detailed, reproducible computational lab notebooks following research documentation standards.
- Contribute genomic data and analyses to an ongoing collaborative research project, with potential for co-authorship.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Swett Lab, UC Davis
Davis
04.2025 - 12.2025
- Responsible for preparing PCR products for sequencing, including ExoSAP purification and quality checks, during my first quarter in the lab.
- Produced validated PCR amplifications confirmed by gel electrophoresis and generated qPCR data, contributing to 700+ documented sample-processing steps across DNA extraction, amplification, ExoSAP cleanup, and validation stages.
- Enabled accurate species identification by analyzing BLAST results from fungal and bacterial sequencing data.
- Took primary responsibility for Fusarium oxysporum haplotyping during my final quarter, performing single-hyphae tipping, DNA extraction, PCR of three gene regions, gel validation, sequencing preparation, and BLAST-based sequence analysis.
- Trained three new lab members, enabling them to independently complete DNA extraction and sequencing preparation.
- Created and maintained a comprehensive lab notebook and digital tracking system, enabling diagnosticians to clearly follow sample status, protocols, and troubleshooting outcomes.
- Reduced contamination risk and workflow errors by enforcing clean lab practices and organized sample management.
Participant
Princeton AI for ALL
07.2020 - 09.2020
- Explored applications of artificial intelligence in genomics through the Genome 1000 Project.
- Learned introductory Python programming and data analysis for biological datasets.
- Applied computational approaches to understand gene variation and population data.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Genetics & Genomics
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA06.2026
Skills
Laboratory: DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, ExoSAP purification, dilution preparation, solution making, sterile technique, pipetting, sample handling, field sampling, following safety protocols, and record keeping
Computational & Analytical: BLAST, phylogenetic tree analysis, data interpretation, writing experimental reports, developing investigative methods, basic Python, and data visualization
Languages: English (Fluent), Portuguese (Native)
Timeline
Undergraduate Researcher
Lowe-Power Lab, UC Davis
01.2026 - Current
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Swett Lab, UC Davis
04.2025 - 12.2025
Participant
Princeton AI for ALL
07.2020 - 09.2020
Bachelors of Science - Genetics & Genomics
University of California, Davis