John Whittaker is a student at Wayne State University studying Nutrition and Food Science with expected graduation in 2014. He has experience in biological and chemical research labs covering areas like directed study, lab research, and increasing responsibilities. His coursework includes subjects like human metabolism, organic chemistry, and physics. He has research experience in labs studying the mTOR pathway regulation related to diet and trauma response in obese patients. John is proficient in Microsoft Office, budget planning, and various math disciplines. He has internship experience in immunology and Alzheimer's disease research and has tutored high school students.

1. John Whittaker
248-225-4052
ec5377@wayne.edu
Healthcare advocate - Peer leader - Researcher
Hardworking, punctual, Biological & Chemical science student with experience in Physics and
Mathematics, covering fields such as directed study and lab research, with increasing responsibilities.
Able to receive instruction, willing to learn, and respectful.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Nutrition and Food Science Expected graduation, 2014
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI USA
Coursework includes:
Human Metabolism Organic Chemistry Mechanical Physics
Nutrition & Disease Microbiology Electromagnetic Physics
Laboratory Techniques Statistics Computer science
Research Opportunities/Seminars
-mTOR pathway regulation/diet suppression in mice (A. Heydari) (MI)
-Trauma response in obese patients (L. Diebel, D. Liberati) (MI)
Skills
-Proficient with MS-Word, Excel, Project, Outlook.
-Knowledge of group coordination (organizing interns, conducting tours), personalized instruction,
education/demonstration, and marketing.
-Knowledge of budget planning, factoring assets and liabilities, rudimentary computer science and
various math disciplines (Algebra, geometry, calculus)
-Generating calculations, structured/compiled basic computer programs, systematized strategies and
tactics for research.
Internship Experience(s)
Wayne State University Medical School, Scott Hall (Volunteered in immunology laboratory with D.
Liberati, Dr. Diebel conducting trauma research. Objectives were to understand tissue response to
environmental stressors and trauma.
Lahser Hills Care Centre (Volunteered in Alzheimer's ward, individualized care for patients) (Summer
2013)
Experience tutoring high school age students in Mathematics, Biology, Organic Chemistry and Spanish

2. (2008-2013)
Experience:
Research experience in Biology, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry laboratories. Knowledge of how to
perform column chromatography, TLC, IR, NMR, gas chromatography experiments, use microscopes and
microscopic equipment, glassware, distillation machinery, pH meters, etc. Experience with preparing
solutions, performing extractions (synthesis, decomposition, single and double replacement reactions),
using scales and other laboratory equipment.
Research experience in Nutrition lab. Worked on protein assays for testing dietary impact on mTOR
pathway in cell proliferation, tumorigenesis. Learned how to analyze protein samples. Prepared
biological samples for testing, solutions/solvents for analysis, and received training in performing
Bradford protein assays and Western blot procedures. Also received information on using
spectrophotometry (IR, NMR, UV) and gas chromatography units. Apprenticeship under Dr. Ahmed
Heydari.
Research experience in Immunology lab. Learned cell culturing techniques, maintenance of tissue
culture flasks, and media preparation. Also learned how to gauge cellular response to various
environmental insults, such as hypoxia, induction of toxins, enzymes, etc. Experience with microscopes,
hemacytometers, spin cytometers, ELISA assays, apoptosis assays, gene expression assays and
fluorescence cytometry.
Research experience in bioinformatics. Learned techniques for data normalization, searching for gene
expression pathways, and preparing scientific presentations. Also acquired skills in R programming and
computational biology.
Work experience in a clinical/nursing home setting. Studied patients with dementia during summer
volunteer hours at Lahser Hills Care Centre. Received instruction on exercising with patients, using lifts,
bed supports, sphygmomanometers, etc.
Experience in urban farm setting (tours, demonstrations)
Work experience simulating crop plans, studying field-to-table economics, researching plants and their
growing conditions (pH, soil texture, shade vs. sunlight conditions). Studied soil remediation practices.
Strong interest in raising awareness about balancing diet and lifestyle in modern society. Acute
understanding of preventable issues emerging in urban communities, and the risks they present to
youth. Advocate for expanding knowledge of global food systems, medicine, and statistical analysis.
Volunteer Projects
Provided local food access to urban communities
Greening of Detroit - Environmental rehabilitation , key team member with respect to farm maintenance
and management.
Brightmoor Youth Garden - Taught inner city kids the importance of learning to grow food and eating a
balanced diet.
Lahser Hills Care Center - Worked with patients in a rehabilitative setting.