Rheanna Bhola
Hamilton,ON
Summary
MSc candidate in Biology (Astrobiology) at McMaster University with interdisciplinary training in molecular biology, immunology, and computational genomics. Experienced in both wet-lab experimentation and bioinformatics pipelines, with current research focused on early sex chromosome evolution using genome-wide sequencing data. Interested in space medicine and astrobiology, particularly how biological systems adapt to extreme environments and the implications for human health and life beyond Earth.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Animal Handler and Educator
The Zoo Crew
Ottawa, Canada
05.2022 - 08.2025
- Acquired expertise in care for diverse animal species, addressing specific behavioral and physical needs.
- Delivered educational programs to engage audiences of all ages in wildlife appreciation.
- Independently led Mini Vet programming for teenagers interested in veterinary careers.
- Facilitated safe, interactive animal experiences while prioritizing animal welfare and audience safety.
- Transported animals to offsite events while ensuring adherence to care and handling protocols.
- Conducted end-of-shift inspections of enclosures to confirm animal health and essential provisions.
Laboratory Technician
VBI Vaccines
Ottawa, Canada
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Executed biological assays, including Western Blot, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, ELISPOT, and Flow Cytometry.
- Isolated PBMCs from clinical leukopaks and cryopreserved cells for future research.
- Processed murine spleens, lymph nodes, and blood to obtain splenocytes, lymphocytes, and serum.
- Performed flow cytometry with sample compensation and intracellular and surface staining.
- Maintained laboratory equipment while adhering to sterilization protocols.
- Conducted experiments within sterile environments utilizing a Biosafety Cabinet.
- Analyzed Western Blot and ELISPOT data, presenting findings to over 30 team members.
- Developed Excel-based quality control tool for ELISA and ELISPOT data.
Education
Master of Science - Biology (Astrobiology)
Mcmaster University
Hamilton, Ontario09-2027
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON05-2025
Skills
Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
- High-throughput sequencing analysis (RRGS, GWAS)
- GATK (variant calling, joint genotyping workflows)
- PLINK (genome-wide association analysis)
- R (statistical analysis, data visualization)
- Unix/Linux (HPC workflows, scripting)
- BLAST, NCBI tools
Molecular Biology & Wet Lab Techniques
- PCR, Gel electrophoresis
- Western blot, SDS-PAGE
- ELISA, ELISPOT
- Flow cytometry (intracellular/surface staining, compensation)
- Cell culture (aseptic technique, cryopreservation)
Laboratory & Analytical Techniques
- Biological sample processing (PBMCs, murine tissues)
- Sterile technique & biosafety cabinet use
- Solution and buffer preparation
- Cell counting (manual & automated)
Software & Tools
- PyMOL
- ChemDraw
- FlowJo
- Microsoft Office
- Image analysis (ImageJ, ImageLab)
Scientific and Professional Skills
- Scientific communication (oral presentations, written reports)
- Poster development and scientific presentation
- Data analysis, visualization, and interpretation
- Experimental design and troubleshooting
- Laboratory documentation and record keeping
- Collaborative research and team-based problem solving
- Time management and organization
Research
MSc Research: Sex-chromosome evolution in Xenopus boumbaensis
Investigating the genomic basis of sex determination in a non-model amphibian using reduced-representation genome sequencing (RRGS) and genome-wide association approaches. Developed and implemented a high-throughput bioinformatics pipeline (GATK, joint genotyping, PLINK, R) on an HPC cluster to identify sex-linked variants and candidate genomic regions across multiple contigs.
This work aims to characterize the evolution of sex-determining systems and genome architecture, contributing to broader questions of genetic adaptation and evolutionary innovation in complex biological systems, relevant to astrobiology and life in extreme or changing environments.
Candidate regions will be validated through targeted PCR amplification and sequencing, with longer-term functional validation using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to assess their role in sex determination.
4th Year Honours Thesis
Analyzed fat accumulation in different muscle cross sections in a rabbit model following rotator cuff tear to understand the effects of injury on muscle degeneration. Evaluated adipocyte distribution in proximal, middle, and distal regions at multiple time points (4, 8, 12 weeks) to determine patterns of fat infiltration and identify factors contributing to muscle health post-injury.
Space Medicine (ESA bedrest):
Collaborated on space medicine research with Prof. Odette Laneuville, contributing to studies on immune system responses to simulated microgravity (ESA bedrest model).
Posters & Presentations
- Poster Presentation: Sex-Chromosome Evolution in Xenopus boumbaensis — Graduate Research Day, McMaster University (2025)
- Poster Presentation: Fat Accumulation Following Rotator Cuff Injury — Honours Thesis Poster, University of Ottawa (2025)
- Oral research presentations delivered to cross-functional teams at VBI Vaccines
Certification
• Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C, Canadian Red Cross, 06/22
• WHMIS (GHS) Training, Danatec, 09/25
• Worker Health and Safety Awareness, Ontario Ministry of Labour, 05/23
• Biological Safety Training, Nancy Delcellier, 10/23
• WHMIS (GHS) Training, Danatec, 09/25
• Worker Health and Safety Awareness, Ontario Ministry of Labour, 05/23
• Biological Safety Training, Nancy Delcellier, 10/23
Affiliations
Co-founder of Astronomy Club at uOttawa (2021-2025)
Managed communications to promote events and activities, fostering engagement in astronomy and space science
Managed communications to promote events and activities, fostering engagement in astronomy and space science
Timeline
Laboratory Technician
VBI Vaccines
05.2023 - 08.2024
Animal Handler and Educator
The Zoo Crew
05.2022 - 08.2025
Master of Science - Biology (Astrobiology)
Mcmaster University
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of Ottawa