Amber Shaffer

Experience

• 

  University of Oklahoma

  Aug 2006 - Jun 2007

  Undergraduate Research Assistant

  I modified Matlab scripts, tested programs, assisted with a manuscript, and performed organizational tasks in a translational research laboratory focusing on fMRI/MRI image processing.

• 

  University of Alabama at Birmingham

  Aug 2007 - May 2012

  Doctoral Candidate

  I conducted research examining the involvement of endogenous opioids in bladder hypersensitivity following bladder inflammation. I utilitized a variety of techniques, including visceromotor reflex testing, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, histology, and immunohistochemistry. I received formal training in neuroscience and statistics, and taught an undergraduate Statitistical Design and Methods laboratory.

• 

  University of Pittsburgh

  May 2012 - Nov 2014

  Postdoctoral Associate

  I was interested in the mechanisms underlying chronic bladder pain. I examined the involvement of cytokines in bladder hypersensitivity using a variety of methods including single-fiber recordings from pelvic nerve bladder afferents, cystometrograms, recording electromyographic activity resulting from the visceromotor reflex, qRT-PCR, and histology. While conducting this research, I analyzed data using SYSTAT, SigmaPlot, and GraphPad.

• 

  UPMC

  Dec 2014 - Jun 2024

  I managed research staff and was involved in a host of projects during this time in various areas related to Pediatric Otolaryngology. I was engaged from start to finish, including drafting and submitting the Institutional Review Board application, maintaining IRB approval, obtaining patient lists, recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent, administering surveys, conducting medical record reviews, statistical analysis, and other work related to study management. I was involved in a host of projects during this time in various areas related to Pediatric Otolaryngology. I was engaged from start to finish, including drafting and submitting the Institutional Review Board application, maintaining IRB approval, obtaining patient lists, recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent, administering surveys, conducting medical record reviews, statistical analysis, and other work related to study coordination.

  • Research Manager

    Jan 2021 - Jun 2024

  • Research Coordinator

    Dec 2014 - Dec 2020
• 

  University of Pittsburgh

  Jul 2024 - now

  Research Assistant Professor

  I continue to execute my research management responsibilities while developing an independent research program. My research focuses on otologic health of children with cleft palate, the microbiome, and health disparities. I am especially interested in the role breast milk plays in establishing and maintaining a microbial environment that promotes middle ear health. I am also involved in projects examining the microbiome of the adenoids and paranasal sinuses in children, including those with chronic rhinosinusitis and cystic fibrosis. Show less