Melissa

MELISSA WILSON - |- PROFILE I am currently completing a 2-year postbaccalaureate IRTA program through the Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience headed by Dr. Andrew Holmes of the NIAAA with the intention to transition into science communications. I have experience in translating scientific data to audiences unfamiliar with my laboratory’s work, writing an award-winning synopsis of said work, and a background in management and event organization. RESEARCH EXPERIENCE June 2023 - present Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Advisor / PI - Dr. Andrew Holmes • Our research investigates the role of endocannabinoids, specifically anandamide, in fear and anxiety. More specifically, how inhibiting the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) boosts endogenously produced anandamide levels in the basolateral amygdala and leads to fear extinction in rodent models. September 2021– May 2023 Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience (CAN) Laboratory Loyola University Chicago Advisor / PI – Dr. Robert G. Morrison • Our research involved targeting the default mode network using tDCS and α-tACS to enhance creativity on several divergent thinking tasks. We also completed a separate study on how tDCS contributes to open-minded cognition. September 2022 – May 2023 Memory and Neuromodulatory Mechanisms (MNEME) Laboratory Loyola University Chicago Advisor / PI – Dr. Stephanie L. Grella • Our research examined how memory traces change across time. More specifically, how maladaptive memory processes involved in stress-related disorders involve memory-updating impairments. We used neuronal tagging strategies combined with optogenetics and chemogenetics to develop memory modulation techniques. EDUCATION Loyola University Chicago,- Bachelor of Science with Honors in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Honors: summa cum laude (GPA: 4.0/4.0), honors thesis completion Joliet Junior College,- Associate Degree in Science with High Honors Honors: summa cum laude (GPA: 4.0/4.0), honors program completion Lincoln-Way Central High School,- High School Diploma Honors: summa cum laude (GPA: 5.3/4.0) EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • President - Loyola Women in Neuroscience Association • Member - Loyola Learning and Memory Association • Inductee - Alpha Sigma Nu • Inductee - Phi Theta Kappa • Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience Representative - Loyola’s Majors & Minors Fair • Event Organizer - 2023 Memory Messabout Meeting HONORS & AWARDS 2024 Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award 2023 Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award 2023 Trainee Professional Development Award 2023 Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience 2022 William and June Pizzi Faculty Mentors Award 2022 Loyola Grant 2022 Transfer Presidential Scholarship 2022 Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship 2021 Loyola Grant 2021 Transfer Presidential Scholarship 2021 Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship 2020 Honors Program Scholarship 2019 Ozmon L. Scholarship WORK EXPERIENCE Jul 2022 – Jun 2023 Sales Associate, UPS Store Chicago, IL • Responsibilities: Assisting customers with shipment processing, packaging fragile items, handling returns and printing orders, faxing, scanning customer files, and distributing mail • Skills: Multi-tasking in a fast-paced setting and working efficiently with a team • Additional info: Certified notary Sept 2020 – Jun 2021 Reception, New Lenox Family Eyecare New Lenox, IL • Responsibilities: Pulling insurance benefits for patients, scheduling appointments, faxing prescriptions and referrals, placing contact lens orders, and creating patient charts • Skills: Flexibility with sudden procedure changes, clear and concise communication with patients and coworkers, and maintaining a clean and orderly workspace Dec 2018 – Feb 2020 Assistant Manager, Love Culture Orland Park, IL • Responsibilities: Processing and placing new shipments to maintain a visually appealing store, supervising sales associates, assisting customers with returns or exchanges, and counting registers before and after closing • Skills: Time management, meeting sudden deadlines, team leadership, and organizational skills Aug 2018 – Dec 2018 Sales Associate, Love Culture Orland Park, IL • Responsibilities: Organizing and cleaning the store, assisting customers in fitting room and sales floor, and returning items from the fitting room • Skills: Taking direction and working in a team setting Oct 2015 – Feb 2017 Operator / Cashier, Lou Malanati’s New Lenox, IL • Responsibilities: Taking customer orders both over the phone and in person, food preparation, maintaining clean and sanitary work area, and handling money while on register • Skills: Exceptional customer service and switching tasks effortlessly to support team members SPECIALIZED TRAINING • Specialized courses: • Working with Animals in Biomedical Research • Working with Mice in Research Settings • Working with the IACUC • Human Research: • tDCS and α-tACS • Rodent Research: • Stereotaxic surgery • Immunohistochemistry • Cryostat and vibratome sectioning • Perfusions/brain extractions/cervical dislocation • Behavioral testing • Anxiety tests such as EPM, LDAT, and OF • General fear conditioning/extinction protocols • Programs: Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office, Python, Prism, and RStudio REFERENCES Andrew Holmes, PhD Senior Investigator Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience-Ozge Gunduz-Cinar Staff Scientist Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience-Robert G. Morrison, PhD Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director Loyola University Chicago-Stephanie L. Grella, PhD Assistant Professor Loyola University Chicago-Sydney Samoska Cognitive and Affective Laboratory Manager Loyola University Chicago-