Marissa R. Fessenden
1818 Camden Ave. Apt. 105
Los Angeles, CA 90025
marissa.fessenden@gmail.com
creativecrescendo.wordpress.com
c: 607.342.4867
Education
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies, emphasis in Biology and Science Writing, Dean’s List
May 2009
Experience
University of California Los Angeles
David Geffen School of Medicine
June 2010-Present
Staff Research Associate II, Los Angeles, CA
 Conducted and assisted flow cytometric acquisition and analysis of samples for life sciences research, such as work in
immunology, clinical research, cancer research, and bioengineering. Assisted users with questions about flow
cytometry, machine operation, sample preparation and data analysis.
 Learned new techniques and protocols for use in flow cytometry.
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science
Accelerating Excellence in Translational Science (AXIS)
June 2010-Present
Independent Contractor- Writer, Los Angeles, CA
 Wrote articles and profiles of faculty members for AXIS, a center for translational and clinical research.
 Collaborated with faculty member in writing presentation and grant application in informatics science and
translational health research.
University of California Los Angeles
Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior
September 2009-May 2010
Lab Assistant III, Los Angeles, CA
 Assisted an Associate Researcher focused on stem cell biology, cell signaling and ROS production, as well as the
investigation of environmental and genetic causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
 Learned techniques including quantitative real time RT-PCR, RNA extraction, DNA purification/preparation, cell
culture of neural stem cells and human embryonic cells; differentiation and immunocytochemistry of neural stem
cells; fixation, cryostat sectioning and immunohistochemical staining of mouse tissue.
Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences,
Office of Alumni Affairs, Communication, and Development
May 2008-March 2010
Writer – Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY
 Wrote, edited features, short articles, profiles, newsletters, and press releases on life sciences research, faculty,
programs and students for university news service.
 Generated story ideas, pursued leads independently, interviewed experts as a freelance writer.
 Researched and organized information from various sources, scientific, agricultural and educational.
Cornell University Department of Animal Science,
May 2006-September 2006
Lab Assistant, Ithaca, NY
 Aided research in the protein requirements of growing dairy cattle and the effect of accelerated pre-pubertal growth on
first-lactation yield.
Expertise
Languages: Basic Italian, Basic Spanish  Proficient with: Windows and OSX; MS Office; Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop;
Internet research, Pubmed, NCBI Blast, PCR primer tools such as qPrimerdepot and PrimerBank  Painting, Portraiture,
Charcoal, Pen and Ink, Collage, and Photography