MEAGAN TROYER
Indianapolis
Summary
Detail-oriented second-year PhD student in musculoskeletal biology, investigating sexual dimorphism in femoral fracture healing and associated pain using preclinical murine models. Skilled in in vivo imaging (X-ray, DXA), ex vivo imaging (microCT), as well as primary cell culture, and immunofluorescence staining. Strong foundation in experimental design, troubleshooting, and collaborative research, with effective time management and organizational skills.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
PhD Student in Musculoskeletal Health Sciences
Indiana University School of Medicine
Indianapolis, IN
08.2024 - Current
- Investigate sexual dimorphism in fracture healing and associated pain using Four Core Genotype (FCG) murine model.
- Aid with survival surgeries of long bone femoral fracture induction and post-operative care in mice.
- Perform ethical animal handling and administer compounds via subcutaneous injections.
- Conduct in vivo imaging including: X-ray and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) whole body scans of mice.
- Perform gross necroscopy of mice to obtain tissues such as: brain, long bones, hips, lungs and spleen.
- Conduct ex vivo imaging of murine femur and L5 vertebrae through microCT and ex vivo DXA.
- Primary cell isolation and culture to differentiate and isolate megakaryocytes (MK) for collection of conditioned media.
- Perform immunofluorescence staining to optimize antibody dilutions for multiplexed imaging (CODEX), including evaluation of signal-to-noise and specificity.
- Analyze experimental data using GraphPad Prism and present findings orally.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team and contribute to experimental design and troubleshooting.
Research Technician
IU School of Medicine, Nephrology Department
Indianapolis, IN
10.2023 - 05.2024
- Experience in conducting scientific experiments and collecting accurate data for analysis.
- Proficient in utilizing laboratory equipment and techniques for various research projects.
- Skilled in analyzing and interpreting experimental results to draw meaningful conclusions using R Program.
- Familiarity with maintaining lab equipment, ensuring safety protocols, and keeping detailed records.
- Setting up, organizing, and maintaining lab environment.
- Processing kidney tissue for cell culture.
Medical Assistant
Health and Wellness of Carmel
Carmel, IN
06.2022 - 09.2023
- Prepared examination rooms and assisted three licensed healthcare providers with plan of care for patients ranging all ages.
- Assisted with patient intake, including vital signs and medical history, for 25 patients weekly.
- Educated patients on daily plan of care, specialty therapies, lab work and specialty testing per provider instructions.
- Assisted providers in adjunct cancer care.
Student Researcher
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Independently completed assigned lab work in a timely manner.
- Maintained safe work environment through cleanliness and properly discarding hazardous materials.
- Collaborated and presented data to other lab members.
- Conducted and executed experiments, collected and analyzed data using statistical software ImageJ and FIJI.
- Altered MS Media conditions with NaCl and/or sucrose.
- Presented research findings in thesis paper.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN05.2021
Skills
- Murine handling, restraint, and subcutaneous injections
- Post-operative monitoring and care of mice after survival surgeries in femoral fracture models
- In vivo X-ray imaging and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
- Ex vivo micro-computed tomography (microCT) of murine femur and L5 vertebra
- Primary cell isolation and culture (bone marrow, spleen, megakaryocytes, osteoclasts, kidney tissue)
- Immunofluorescence staining
- Standard and fluorescent microscopy
- R programming
- Image analysis with FIJI
- Troubleshooting and protocol optimization
- Microsoft word and excel
Timeline
PhD Student in Musculoskeletal Health Sciences
Indiana University School of Medicine
08.2024 - Current
Research Technician
IU School of Medicine, Nephrology Department
10.2023 - 05.2024
Medical Assistant
Health and Wellness of Carmel
06.2022 - 09.2023
Student Researcher
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
08.2019 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis