Zachary Gardner is a 2014 magna cum laude graduate of Colorado Mesa University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. He has worked as a teaching assistant for plant biology and principles of biology courses. His undergraduate research includes projects on mitochondrial dynamics and cancer, and phylogenetic classification of tamarisk beetle species using genome sequencing. He has published an abstract comparing mitochondrial morphology in breast cancer models.

1. Curriculum Vitae
PERSONAL
Zachary V. Gardner
address 2120 I Road
Grand Junction, CO 81505
phone 970.433.0687
email zgardner@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
zgardner127@gmail.com
EDUCATION
B.S. in Biological Sciences, Department of Biology, Colorado Mesa University, Grand
Junction, Colorado. Date of Graduation: May 2014. Magna cum laude graduate.
Undergraduate Thesis: Enzymes involved in semiconservative replication. Advisor: M.
Becktell. Fall 2013.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Teaching Assistant, Plant Biology. Department of Biological Sciences. Colorado Mesa
University. Assisted in teaching a Botany Lab course. Advisor: M. Becktell. Spring
2013.
Teaching Assistant, Principles of Biology. Department of Biological Sciences. Colorado Mesa
University. Assisted in teaching a Principles of Biology Lab course. Advisor: K. J. Craig.
Spring 2015
Relevant Coursework
BIOL 301 Principles of Genetics Fall 2012
BIOL 301L Principles of Genetics Lab Fall 2012
BIOL 496 Human Genetics Spring 2013
BIOL 483 Senior Thesis Fall 2013
CHEM 311 Organic Chemistry Fall 2013
CHEM 311L Organic Chemistry Lab Fall 2013
BIOL 387 Structured Research Fall 2013
BIOL 425 Molecular Genetics Spring 2014

2. MATH 151 Calculus Spring 2014
CHEM 312 Organic Chemistry (II) Spring 2014
CHEM 312L Organic Chemistry Lab (II) Spring 2014
BIOL 387 Structured Research Fall 2014
BIOL 496 Protein Chemistry Fall 2014
BIOL 387 Structured Research Spring 2015
BIOL 350 Microbiology Spring 2015
BIOL 350L Microbiology Lab Spring 2015
GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND HONORS
Distinguished Scholar Award. Colorado Mesa University. Grand Junction, CO, 2010, 2011,
2012 & 2013.
Covers full tuition and fees.
Dean’s List Award. Colorado Mesa University. Grand Junction, CO, Fall 2010, Spring 2011,
Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014.
Maintained a 3.5 GPA or higher for the semester.
President’s List. Colorado Mesa University. Grand Junction, CO, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Summer
2013, Fall 2014.
Maintained a 4.0 GPA for the semester.
Magna cum laude. Graduated with a cumulative 3.83 grade point average.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Mitochondrial Dynamics and Their Impact of Breast Cancer. Advisor: K.J. Craig. Fall
2013 – present.
Utilized confocal microscopy to visualize cancerous and noncancerous cells.
Maintained mammalian tissue cultures. Utilization of western blot analysis to observe
protein expression in the cancerous and noncancerous cell lines. Introduction to
immunocytochemistry. Presentation of progress and findings at the end of the
semester. Measurement of mitochondrial chains using ImageJ program. Assess stages
of induced apoptosis. Analysis of colocalization of mitochondria and proteins using
MetaMorph.
Phylogenetic Classification of Diorhabda Species Using Genome Sequencing. Advisor: Z. A.
Ozsoy. Fall 2014 - present.
Utilization of DNA isolation and gel electrophoresis to determine genome size in various
tamarisk beetle species. Use of multiple primers with PCR to amplify and sequence
several “barcode” genes as a species identification method. Use of quantitative PCR to
determine concentration of DNA in samples used for sequencing.

3. PUBLISHED WORKS/ABSTRACTS
A Comparison of Mitochondrial Morphology in Human Breast Cancer Models. Z. Gardner,
E. Roberts, K.J. Craig. May 2014.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Fitness Assistant. Recreation Center. Colorado Mesa University. Grand Junction, CO.
2012 – present.
Responsibilities: maintained equipment in the facilities. Ensure safety of all gym
patrons. Must be trained in CPR and First Aid.
Customer Service Associate. Cabela’s Inc.. Mesa Mall. Grand Junction, CO. 2010-2012.
Responsibilities: ensure quality service for customers. Work with and transition
between multiple computer systems. Handle returned and exchanged merchandise,
point of sale, and manage inventory. Must have essential math skills and personable
attitude. Organization is essential for scheduling and inventory management.