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NICOLAS A. H. LARA

QUALIFICATION SUMMARY
  • Passion for improving data analysis and visualization techniques
  • Extensive experience in data curation, analysis, and presentation
  • Skilled in R, Ruby, Python, and command line programming for genetic analysis
  • Strong background in agricultural genetics and genomics supported by research experience in evolution and biochemistry

    • EDUCATION
    Ph.D. (in progress)
    Crop Science, N.C. State University
        - Advisor: Dr. Gina Brown-Guedira
    2020-Exp. 2025     B.A.
    Biology, Oberlin College
        - Chemistry and Spanish minors.
        - Leo S. Millar Memorial Prize recipient.
    2014-2018

    SELECTED EXPERIENCE
    See full CV. Data Science Co-op
    Advanced Analytics and Data Science
    Syngenta, Research Triangle Park, NC
        - Performed novel genetic data analysis to validate untested methods and advance the discovery breeding pipeline in maize.
    2024     Graduate Research Assistant
    Brown-Guedira Lab
    North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
        - Perform genomic analysis for QTL identification and characterization in wheat.
        - Collect, digitize, clean, and integrate phenotypic data on wheat using many visual, analogue, and digital tools and methods.
        - Implement haplotype-based tools for genomic imputation and analysis for soft red winter wheat on high-performance computer clusters.
    2021-Present     Research Assistant
    Michel Lab
    The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH
        - Characterized compost samples to support analysis reports for clients such as Bayer and the City of Toronto.
        - Developed web application to visualize microbiome community composition in compost and soil samples.
    2019-2020     Undergraduate Researcher
    Roles Lab
    Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH
        - Researched and developed procedures for A. thaliana callus culture, habituation, and plant induction to start new model system for lab.
    2017-2018     Research Intern
    Allen Institute for Brain and Cell Science, Seattle, WA
        - Performed RNA extraction, amplification, cDNA conversion, sample cleanup, PCR, and patch-Clamp for the Mouse Brain Atlas project.
    Summer 2017     NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates
    Hamilton Lab
    Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI
        - Designed an experiment to measure drivers of decomposition in flocculent sediment in freshwater.
        - Results published in Freshwater Science.
    Summer 2016     Research Assistant
    Francis Lab
    The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH
        - Performed DNA extractions, PCRs, and DNA library preparation to screen cultivars for different carotenoid pathways.
    2013-2014

    LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
    Chair
    USDA Wheat Coordinated Agricultural Project

    Planned and organized a graduate plant genetics symposium prior to PAG 32

    2025     Organizer
    USDA Wheat Coordinated Agricultural Project & NCSU

    Assisted in planning and organizing the 2023 Genomic Selection Workshop

    2023     Executive Member
    Allies in Academics, NCSU

    Invited speakers for the 2022-2023 Genes & Society: Decolonizing Human Genetic Research seminar series, in addition to organizing the events

    2022-2023     President, Treasurer
    Plant Breeding Club, NCSU

    Hosted and organized the 2022 student led Plant Breeding Club symposium

    2020-2022     Treasurer
    Earth Day Celebration Committee, The Ohio State University

    Managed funds and sought donations to host biannual Earth Day celebration at the Agricultural Research Center campus

    2020     Volunteer Assistant Manager
    Local Roots Cooperative Farmers' Market, Wooster OH

    Managed store, coordinated volunteers and vendors, and provided behind-the-scenes support such as selling used equipment

    2019-2020     Head Chef, Baker, and Operations Coordinator
    Oberlin Student Cooperative Association, Oberlin College

    Led teams of students to cook meals for 150+ diners once a week; led discussions and coordinated voting for leadership positions, budget allocations, etc.

    2015-2018

    HONORS & AWARDS
      Poster Competition Winner (1st Place) Mason Pharr Horticulture Symposium, NCSU 2024
      Travel Scholarship Plant Breeding Consortium, NCSU 2023
      Honorable Mention Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), NSF 2022
      Travel Scholarship Plant Breeding Consortium, NCSU 2022
      Doctoral Fellowship NCSU Provost's Office 2020
      Fellowship Genetics and Genomics Scholars, NCSU 2020
      Leo S. Millar Memorial Prize Oberlin College Biology Department 2018
      REU Travel Grant Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory 2017


    PUBLICATIONS
      - Yu, X., Lara, N. A. H., Carbajal, E. M., Milla-Lewis, S. R. QTL mapping of morphological characteristics that correlated to drought tolerance in St. Augustinegrass. PLoS One (2022)
      - Kincaid, D. W., Lara, N. A. H., Tiegs, S. D., Hamilton, S. K. Decomposition in flocculent sediments of shallow freshwaters and its sensitivity to warming. Freshwater Science (2019)

    For full list of experiences and presentations.