Amanda Venturino

Experience

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  University of Calgary

  Sept 2013 - Jan 2017

  Graduate Student

  Thesis: Identifying Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis genes essential for survival in dairy calves. Activities included developing a library of mutant Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and infecting dairy calves to determine essential genes necessary for survival. The long-term objective is to use this information to develop a better vaccine for the prevention of Johne’s disease in dairy cattle.  Acquired extensive experience culturing MAP on solid and liquid media. Developed a library of transposon mutants of MAP bacteria using a mycobacteriophage. Organized and managed an infection trial consisting of 16 dairy bull calves: o Designed and implemented all aspects of this trial, including setup, sample collection, protocols, and developing standard operating procedures for animal handling, sample analysis, and waste disposal. o Purchased and retrieved newborn calves and provided animal husbandry.o Trained husbandry staff in unique methods and protocols required for caring for animals in a Biosafety Level 2 facility.o Trained 2 interns and 1 graduate student in tissue collection methods, calf handling, and protocols for necropsy. o Performed all necropsies, became familiar with gastrointestinal anatomy, collected samples, and processed tissues for MAP collection. Communicated extensively with dairy farmers. Processed and cultured MAP from various tissues.  Optimized several protocols and methods for bacteria and DNA extraction. Determined the most virulent genes necessary for infecting dairy calves. Assisted fellow graduate student Caroline Corbett in a MAP infection trial involving group-housing dairy calves (assisted with sample collections and necropsies). Show less

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  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Jun 2016 - Jan 2018

  Research Assistant

   Organized and coordinated vaccination/challenge infection trials for small and large ruminants to study the pathogen Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.  Composed and managed all animal care protocols through the Application Review for Research Oversight at Wisconsin (ARROW).  Performed immunodiagnostic procedures such as ELISA for the evaluation of samples. Synthesized cDNA from RNA for qPCR to screen for essential proteins pre- and post- infection from a clinical trial in goats.  Organized a goat trial which includes pre-screening of dams, procurement of the goat kids, and the administrative tasks to obtain permission and scheduling. Collected samples including feces, saliva, serum, and whole blood from goats. Wrote and maintained Institutional Animal Care and use Committee protocols for approval to perform animal trials. Performed DNA extractions on tissue samples and Next Generation Sequencing on the gut microbiome of infected cattle. Show less

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  Northwestern University Center for Talent Development

  Nov 2017 - Nov 2021

  Center for Talent Development Instructor

   Designed and developed curriculum for gifted and talented students on a particular topic to inspire creativity and introduce them to new topics and experiences. Instructed 2-day Accelerated Weekend Experience courses for students at specific grade levels.Forensic Science: Madison Country Day, Madison, WI Nov 10-11, 2017 Ellis Middle School, Elgin, IL Nov 18-19, 2017 Thrugood Marshall School, Rockford, IL Apr 7-8, 2018 Explored the different fields associated with forensic science for 5th and 6th grade students.  To discover Biology, students performed blood typing experiments and fingerprint analysis. To investigate the field of Chemistry I allowed them to develop their own thin layer chromatography experiment and test a method for detecting a specific drug in a sample.Epidemiology: Ellis Middle School, Elgin, IL Feb 24-25, 2018 Thrugood Marshall School, Rockford, IL Feb 23-24, 2019 Explored the different types of immune cells found in the human body with 7th and 8th graders. Students were divided into groups to prepare a presentation on a historical infectious disease outbreak.  Developed an experiment in which an indicator chemical in a test tube was used to demonstrate how easily diseases spread.Animal Science: Ellis Middle School, Elgin, IL Feb 9-10, 2019 Covered the topic of animal welfare and domestication with 3rd and 4th graders by designing their own housing units and creating alien species ideal for domestication. Students presented group presentations on different livestock species and their uses. Discussed the successes of Temple Grandin, an animal scientist who revolutionized the livestock industry. Show less

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  Promega Corporation

  Feb 2018 - Dec 2018

  Scientific Trainer

   As the project manager, developed and implemented a new program to perform live web demonstrations for a key large instrument, the Maxprep liquid handler, for customers globally. Created documentation, training resources, forms, and developed guidelines for how these live web demos should be undertaken for the specific instrument. Trained colleagues on how to use the Maxprep and how to undertake the demos effectively for customers. Managed the project for 3 training branches globally. Performed scientific applications experiments surrounding key chemistries for the Maxprep. Evaluated the needs and future direction for science applications related to this program. Show less

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  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Mar 2020 - now

  Animal Research Safety Specialist

  Assisting IACUC with protocol review and inspecting vivariums and laboratory spaces that house animal for biosafety requirements as specified by AAALAC. Developing online interactive safety training courses using Articulate Storyline 360 for new employees regarding hazards around animals in a research setting.