Veronica Aili Seifert is a research scientist studying zoonotic diseases using ecological, molecular, and public health methods. She has a M.S. in Integrated Biological Sciences from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a B.A. in International Studies. Her past research includes novel methods for surveying reservoirs and vectors of Lyme disease in Minnesota using fieldwork, molecular techniques, and citizen science engagement. She has over 10 years of research experience and has published papers, presented posters, and taught courses in biology and biomedical topics. Currently she facilitates a Native American medical pipeline program and advocates for science education outreach.

1. Veronica Aili Seifert, M.S.
1140 Sunset Drive  Fairmont, WV 26554  (304) 841-5476  veronica.a.seifert@gmail.com
RES EARCH S CIENTIS T
Studying zoonotic diseases using ecological, molecular, and public health methodology
Achieving through translational research, integrating methods in ecology and molecular biology, in
addition to championing education outreach in the interest of forging citizen science research
collaborations, fostering science-competent citizens, and inspiring future scientists.
Education
University of Minnesota – Duluth, MN
M.S. Integrated Biological Sciences,2015
University of Minnesota-Duluth – Duluth, MN
B.A. International Studies,2010
Research Experience
University of Minnesota – Duluth, MN
Master’s Thesis, 2010 to 2015
Novel methods for surveying reservoir hosts and vectors of Borrelia burgdorferi in Northern Minnesota.
Research Project Highlights:
 Conducted fieldwork at multiple sites in northern Minnesota, collected biological samples from
live-caught mammals, and then processed these samples in the laboratory using molecular
methods.
 Forged and executed a citizen science lesson plan on Lyme disease and fieldwork for Ixodes
specimen collection. Collected over 300 Ixodes ticks.
 Presented on Lyme disease at 7 educational institutions, to over 2,000 students.
Pathways to Advanced Degrees in the Life Sciences, University of Minnesota-Duluth – Duluth, MN
Science Intern, 2009 to 2010
Gained research training on corticosteroid project, extracted lymph nodes from lab mice, maintained
dendritic cell culture. Completed problem-based learning exercises on various topics.
Large Lakes Observatory, University of Minnesota-Duluth – Duluth, MN
Research Assistant, 2008 to 2009
Measured multiple fluorescein dye emissions in water, and respective rates of degradation under UV
exposure. Used fluorometers and input data into Microsoft Excel for analysis.
Skills & Techniques
 RNA/DNA isolation
 cDNA
 primer design
 q RT-PCR
 touchdown PCR
 HRM analysis
 gel electrophoresis
 t-vector cloning
 FITC-labeling
 confocal microscopy
 ELISA
 GenBank searching: BLAST

2. Veronica Aili Seifert, M.S.
(304) 841-5476  veronica.a.seifert@gmail.com
2
Publications
1. Veronica A. Seifert, Benjamin L. Clarke, Janet P. Crossland, Lynne T. Bemis. A novel method to
distinguish the morphologically similar species, Peromyscus leucopus from Peromyscus maniculatus
using high-resolution melt analysis. (Submitted, 2016 to Journal of Analytical Biochemistry.)
2. Veronica A. Seifert, Shane Wilson, Samantha K. Toivonen, Benjamin L. Clarke, Amy Prunuske.
Community partnership designed to promote Lyme disease prevention and engagement in citizen
science. (Accepted, 2015 Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education.)
3. Elizabeth C. Minor, Elizabeth James, Jay A. Austin, Veronica A. Nelson*, Ryan Kenneth Mopper.
"A preliminary examination of an in situ dual dye approach to measuring light in lotic systems"
Limnology and Oceanography Methods, 2013.
*Nelson is my maiden name.
Posters
Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research, Minneapolis, MN 2015
“Undergraduate Engagement with the Local Community to Increase Awareness of Lyme Disease
Research and Prevention Strategies.” Samantha K. Toivonen, Veronica A. Nelson*, Shane Wilson,
Benjamin L. Clarke, Amy Prunuske.
Undergraduate Research Symposium, Duluth MN 2015
“Undergraduate Engagement with the Local Community to Increase Awareness of Lyme Disease
Research and Prevention Strategies.” Samantha K. Toivonen, Veronica A. Nelson*, Shane Wilson,
Benjamin L. Clarke, Amy Prunuske
Aufderheide Research Symposium, Duluth, MN 2014
“Novel methods for detecting Borrelia burgdorferi in species of mice in Northern Minnesota.” Veronica
A. Nelson*, Dr. Lynne T. Bemis, Ph. D., Dr. Benjamin L. Clarke, Ph. D.
RICH Indigenous Health Summit, Duluth, MN 2013
“Lyme Disease Awareness Workshop and Citizen Science Project.” Veronica A. Nelson*, Lynne T.
Bemis, Ph. D., Benjamin L. Clarke, Ph. D.
Ocean Sciences Meeting, Portland, OR 2010
“Using fluorescent dyes to characterize the light environment of a partially shaded stream.” Jay Austin, E.
C. Minor, V. Nelson*, and E. Schminkey.
University of Minnesota Medical Students Symposium, Minneapolis, MN 2009
“Miinens” (Little Seed), Planting Nutrition & Tradition in Native American Communities.” Veronica A.
Nelson*, Bonnie Lafromboise.
*Nelson is my maiden name.
Presentations
1. River Watch Congress, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Cloquet, MN 2014
“Moose, Ticks and Climate Change”
2. Wild Ones – Arrowhead Chapter,Hartley Nature Center,Duluth, MN 2011
“Educational Tick Talk: Landscape management to ward off infection from Ixodes.”

3. Veronica Aili Seifert, M.S.
(304) 841-5476  veronica.a.seifert@gmail.com
3
Professional Experience
Native Americans into Medicine Program, Center for American Indian & Minority Health – Duluth, MN
Program Facilitator, Educator 2012 to present
Formulated and managed calendar of events and lessons in partnership with physicians,
professionals, and University departments.
Professional Highlights:
 Organized physician job shadows for 20 post-secondary students.
 Designed curriculum and lectured on math, research, scientific writing, and independent research
and scientific posters to 20 - 25 students at a time.
 Led exercises in lab practices and methods for more than 20 students and instructed students on
DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
 Created and administered a problem-based learning case study on Lyme disease.
Minnesota Future Doctors, University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic – Duluth, MN and Rochester MN
Intern 2007 to 2009
Professional medical preparatory summer program. Shadowed physicians. Intensive writing and reflection
component. Volunteer and networking opportunities.
Native Americans into Medicine, University of Minnesota-Duluth Medical School – Duluth, MN
Intern 2004, 2006
Six-week summer program doing pre-medicine coursework. Independent research component.
Teaching Experience
The Biology Department, University of Minnesota-Duluth – Duluth, MN
Graduate Teaching Assistant 2010 to 2013
Guided lab exercises for Biology in Society, Genetics and Anatomy. Evaluated 70 - 250 students per
course, graded lecture exams, lab assessments,lab exams, lab notebooks and lab reports.
The Biomedical Department,University of Minnesota-Duluth – Duluth, MN
Mentor 2012 to 2015
Advised 2 undergraduate students in University of Minnesota-Duluth Biomedical lab experiences.
Developed protocol and trained mentees on lab techniques: Ixodes dissection, cryostat, FITC staining,
confocal microscopy, cell culture, PCR. Supervised Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program
(UROP) projects resulting in the realization of a science outreach website: http://www.d.umn.edu/lyme/
Kirby Knowledge Center, University of Minnesota-Duluth – Duluth, MN
Technology Instructor, Analyst 2007 to 2010
Instructed professors, medical students, graduate student fellows, and undergraduate peers on
instructional technology. Designed course-specific templates to be administered through ePortfolio
educational technology.
Upward Bound Vision Quest – Duluth, MN
Tutor, 2007
Provided STEM support and assistance on any subject-matter to Native American secondary students.

4. Veronica Aili Seifert, M.S.
(304) 841-5476  veronica.a.seifert@gmail.com
4
Awards
University of Minnesota – Duluth, MN
Research Fellow, National Science Foundation GK-12 Fellowship 2011
Designed and conducted lesson plans, lead Biology and AP Biology courses for one day every week for
one year. Completed action research investigating the decline of ACT scores in Cloquet, MN.
University of Minnesota – Duluth, MN
American Indian/Alaska Native Community Volunteer Scholarship 2009
The work of the recipient is characterized by exceptional personal commitment to the American
Indian/Alaska Native communities, as well as exhibit scholastic excellence.
University of Minnesota – Duluth, MN
College ofLiberal Arts Scholarship 2008
Awarded for exemplary dedication, academic performance and leadership in my degree.
University of Minnesota – Duluth, MN
Harry Oden Scholarship 2008
Financial need scholarship for underrepresented ethnic populations.
University of Minnesota – Duluth, MN
Raymond W. Darland Scholarship 2007
Nominated and awarded for academic achievement and leadership contributions to the college.
University of Minnesota – Duluth, MN
Belote Family Scholarship 2007
Provides funds to female students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds, who are pursuing careers in
a health field.
University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota’s Future Doctors Independent Research Grant 2007
Proposed a study on incorporating cultural practices to combat health disparities. Held a focus group on
the meaning and importance of tradition in healthy eating and exercise with members of the Fond du Lac
Band of Minnesota Chippewa.
Professional Memberships
 Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians Foundation. Voting member.
 Northern Women In Science, Lake Superior Chapter. Host, Writer for newsletter.
 Spirit Mountain Recreation Authority Board. Voting member, Chair of Tribal & Environmental
Subcommittee.
 American Indian Student Organization, University of Minnesota-Duluth. President. Headed First
Annual United Schools Powwow.
 College of Liberal Arts Affairs Committee, University of Minnesota-Duluth. Student representative.
 Lake Superior Binational Forum. Representative for Lake Superior Chippewa.

5. Veronica Aili Seifert, M.S.
(304) 841-5476  veronica.a.seifert@gmail.com
5
Volunteer Activities
ChiefPlanner, Descendants of Chief Osaugie Annual Family Reunion. Organized and coordinated the
annual through the annual reunion, including writing a press releases,coordinating food, and meeting
with tribal chairwoman Karen Diver, of the Fond du Lac Band of Minnesota Chippewa. Attendance of 20
to 50 people.
Founder, Day of Science. Founder, program developer. Organized a day of science-related activities and
tutorial sessions on campus. Directed faculty, staff and volunteers. Recruited guest speakers. Coordinated
with 3 different high schools. On one occasion, oversaw up to 50 students visiting 4 different activities, 2
guest speakers, and 7 volunteer presenters from 7 different science departments, as well as provided lunch
and a music act.
Coordinator, BOREAS Leadership Program in Duluth. Aided in disseminating press releases, posted
signage, reserved lecture spaces, and helped with accommodations for attendees from Minneapolis, MN.
Science Fair Judge, for American Indian Science and Engineering Students Organization, and Northern
Women In Science. 2011 to 2012
Teacher of “Brain Awareness.” Neuroscience presentations to GK-5. Lead discussion on and provided
several activities on reflexes, eyesight, and brain physiology, size and fun facts.

6. Veronica Aili Seifert, M.S.
(304) 841-5476  veronica.a.seifert@gmail.com
6
References
Lynne Bemis, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Biomedical Sciences
University of Minnesota Medical School-Duluth campus
1035 University Drive, SMed 223
Duluth, MN 55812-3031
ltbemis@d.umn.edu
office: 218.726.6775
cell: 720.560.0278
Amy J. Prunuske, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor,
Department of Biomedical Sciences
University of Minnesota-Duluth
1035 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
aprunusk@d.umn.edu
office: 218.726.6748
Benjamin L. Clarke, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Biomedical Sciences
Director, Bridges to the Baccalaureate Degree Program
Director, Pathways to Advance Degrees in the Life Sciences
University of Minnesota Medical School
bclarke@d.umn.edu
office: 218.726.6587
Jeannette Lang
Faculty Affairs/Biomedical Sciences
University of Minnesota Medical School-Duluth
1035 University Drive, SMed 221
Duluth, MN 55812
jlang2@d.umn.edu
office: 218.726.8611
Mary J. Owen, M.D.
Director, Center of American Indian and Minority Health
University of Minnesota Medical School
1035 University Drive, SMed 182
Duluth, MN 55812
caimh@d.umn.edu
office: 218.726.7235