Oxana Chernyavskaya received her Master's degree from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. She completed her Master's thesis under the supervision of Martin F. Hohmann-Marriott, developing molecular tools for genetically manipulating Nannochloropsis. Oxana mastered various laboratory techniques and was instrumental in establishing procedures for a new flow cytometer. She performed growth experiments and developed methods for genetically manipulating Nannochloropsis using molecular biology techniques such as designing plasmids, PCR, and cloning. Oxana worked hard and showed troubleshooting skills and enthusiasm despite technical issues during her thesis work.

1. Trondheim, June 1, 2015
Letter of Reference
for
Oxana Chernyavskaya
Oxana Chernyavskaya has receiced a Master degree from the Department of Biotechnology at the
Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
I was the supervisor of her Master thesis, which she completed after working for one year in my
laboratory. Her thesis topic was “Developing molecular tools for the genetic manipulation of
Nannochloropsis”.
During her Master thesis Oxana has become a very capable scientist. She has demonstrated the ability
to quickly acquire a variety of laboratory skills. After a brief introduction to the relevant techniques,
she worked independently, including the design and execution and analysis of experiments, as well as
planing and writing her thesis.
Oxana mastered general sterile bacterial and microalgal cultivation techniques. She was instrumental in
establishing procedures and parameters for a new flowcytometer that the lab acquired. I was very
impressed, that she not only established these techniques, but also showed interest and acquired
knowledge of the underlying physical principles of the different spectroscopic-based cell-counting
modes. She presented these insights to other members of the laboratory during a seminar. In addition
Oxana performed gowth experiments that she evaluated with a custom made software package.
A main part of Oxana's Master thesis was the development of methods for the genetic manipulation of
the heterokont microalgae Nannochloropsis. For this she used molecular biology techniques, including
the design of plasmids, PCR, restriction digest, and cloning. Oxana performed a large number of
electroporation and particle bombardment experiments. It is of particular note, that Oxana remained
very enthusiastic about her work, although many technical issued arose. She overcame these obstacles
using excellent trouble-shooting skills, patience and very hard work.
Oxana is a delight to have in the lab, as she is generous in helping other students. She is energetic, kind
and possesses a very good sense of humor. Her conversational and technical English is very good.
Please let me know if I can provide you with any further information concerning this excellent student.
Sincerely,
Martin F. Hohmann-Marriott, PhD
Associate Professor
phone: +47 735 93309
email: martin.hohmann-marriott@ntnu.no
Department of Biotechnology
NTNU
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
N-7491 Trondheim, Norway