Marina Lazic
Summary
Dedicated microbiology and molecular biology instructor with extensive experience in academic teaching, research, and lab management. Proven ability to design and deliver engaging courses, mentor students, and contribute to innovative research in microbial physiology and biotechnology. Adept at translating complex scientific concepts into accessible learning experiences.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Associate
University of Alberta
05.2023 - 04.2025
- Investigated microbial responses to environmental stressors.
- Collaborated with faculty and graduate students on experimental design and methodology development.
- Trained junior researchers on laboratory techniques, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive documentation of research protocols and findings for compliance purposes.
Laboratory Coordinator
University of Alberta
01.2023 - 04.2025
- Courses: Techniques in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics (BIOL391), Advanced Topics in Biology (BIOL496/596)
- Designed and supervised lab experiments, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Coordinated laboratory operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards.
- Implemented standard operating procedures to enhance workflow efficiency and maintain accurate documentation.
- Maintained a safe and organized lab environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety guidelines and lab protocols.
- Provided technical guidance and training to undergraduate students.
- Prepared and validated buffers and in-house reagents, calibrators, and controls in advance of laboratory testing and analysis orders.
- Prioritized work assigned, maintained accurate records of work performed and initiated corrective action in case of defective records or inadequate care plans.
Academic Instructor
University of Alberta
09.2022 - 12.2024
- Courses: Microbial Physiology (MICRB311/511), Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (MICRB315), Evolution and Diversity of Microbial Life (BIOL322)
- Developed syllabi, lectures, and assessments, mentored students in research projects.
- Developed lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards to enhance student learning experiences.
- Facilitated classroom activities promoting engagement and critical thinking among students.
- Analyzed student feedback to continuously improve teaching methods and course content delivery.
- Coordinated extracurricular activities enriching students' social skills and community involvement opportunities.
- Implemented project-based learning activities within the curriculum to foster real-world connections and promote deeper understanding of course material.
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Alberta
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Specialized in molecular biology and microbial physiology.
- Developed and optimized experimental protocols for data collection and analysis.
- Mentored junior researchers, enhancing their skills and supporting their career development.
- Conducted thorough literature reviews to inform experimental design and maintain awareness of current trends in the field.
Research Scientist
University of Wyoming
01.2017 - 12.2018
- Conducted molecular biology research with applications in molecular biology and veterinary science.
- Developed and implemented experimental protocols for advanced research in molecular biology.
- Enhanced research efficiency by optimizing experimental designs and protocols.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Wyoming
08.2014 - 01.2017
- Assisted in molecular biology courses; provided one-on-one student support.
- Conducted review sessions and office hours, providing tailored support to students and improving comprehension.
- Coordinated grading processes, ensuring timely feedback and maintaining academic standards across multiple courses.
- Facilitated classroom discussions, promoting engagement and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Education
Climate Change Microbiology Lab
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB09-2022
Ph.D. - Biological Sciences (Microbiology and Biotechnology)
University of Alberta
09-2022
M.Sc. - Molecular Biology
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY08-2017
B.Sc. - Molecular Biology
University of Novi Sad
Novi Sad, RS09-2009
Skills
- Teaching: Curriculum development, student mentorship, active learning strategies
- Technical: Molecular biology techniques, bioinformatics, microbial physiology, applied and environmental microbiology, environmental service and coordination
- Leadership: Lab management, project coordination, interdisciplinary collaboration
- Scientific writing
- Literature reviews
- Data interpretation
- Ethics compliance
- Research and analysis
- Progress reporting
- Lab operations
- Data collection
- Technical report writing
- Experimental design
- Laboratory techniques
- Documentation skills
- Research planning
- Protein isolation
- Protocol development
- Lab safety
- Project management
Certification
- Project Management Certificate (in progress)
- Courses: Agile Project Management, Capstone: Applying Project Management in the Real World.
- Sustainable Development Goals, University of Copenhagen (completed).
Publications
- Sauvageau, D., Stein, L.Y., Arenas, E., Das, S., Iacobelli, M., Lawley, M., Lazic, M., et al. (2024). Industrializing methanotrophs and other methylotrophic bacteria: from bioengineering to product recovery. Current Opinion in Biotechnology.
- Lazic, M., Gudneppanavar, R., Whiddon, K., Sauvageau, D., Stein, L., Konopka, M. (2021). In vivo quantification of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) in Methylocystis sp. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.
- Sugden, S., Lazic, M., Sauvageau, D., Stein, L. (2021). Transcriptomic and metabolomic responses to carbon and nitrogen sources in Methylomicrobium album BG8. Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
- Lazic, M., Sugden, S., Sauvageau, D., Stein, L. (2020). Metabolome profiles of Methylocystis sp. in response to carbon and nitrogen sources. FEMS Microbiology Letters.
- Leonard, J., Chamberlin, S., Aryana, S., Lazic, M., Even, A. (2019). Using STEM Internships to Recruit Noyce Scholars into Elementary Education.
Awards
iGEM Golden Medal, International Genetically Engineered Machines Competition (2024), Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship (2022), Graduate Student Teaching Assistant Award, University of Alberta (2021)
Timeline
Research Associate
University of Alberta
05.2023 - 04.2025
Laboratory Coordinator
University of Alberta
01.2023 - 04.2025
Academic Instructor
University of Alberta
09.2022 - 12.2024
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Alberta
09.2022 - 05.2023
Research Scientist
University of Wyoming
01.2017 - 12.2018
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Wyoming
08.2014 - 01.2017
Climate Change Microbiology Lab
University of Alberta
Ph.D. - Biological Sciences (Microbiology and Biotechnology)
University of Alberta
M.Sc. - Molecular Biology
University of Wyoming
B.Sc. - Molecular Biology
University of Novi Sad
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