Joyce Pieretti
Permanent Address: 5114 S. Greenwood Ave. Apt 3  Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: 908-283-4590  E-mail: jpieretti@uchicago.edu
Education
Ph.D. University of Chicago, Department of Organismal Biology & Anatomy (2015)
B.A.
Barnard College, Columbia University, Biology May 2009
Research Experience
• University of Chicago
o
Graduate Student, Advisor: Dr. Neil Shubin

Researching the functional diversification of a
Sonic Hedgehog regulatory element in fins.

Performing Danio rerio transgenesis using
microinjection and fluorescent microscopy to assess
reporter expression.

Performing in situ hybridizations and bead
implantations in a non-model organism, the skate,
Leucoraja erinacea.

Performing D. rerio care & mating.
• Hunter College, CUNY
o
June 2009 – July 2010
Laboratory Technician

Researched regulatory elements controlling classswitch recombination in transgenic Mus musculus.

Analyzed antibody switching using B cells
collected from spleens, cell culturing, and flow
cytometry.

Maintained laboratory conditions in compliance
with university and NY State mandates.

Mentored rotating graduate students.
• Barnard College, Columbia University
o
September 2010 – Present
Hughes Science Pipeline Research Intern

Researched the molecular evolution of Clavata 2 in
Arabidopsis thaliana and related species.

Cloned clv2 orthologs using DNA extraction, PCR,
transformation, and gel electrophoresis.

Assisted in laboratory maintenance by preparing
media plates, stock solutions, and plant propagation
& care.
June 2008 – June 2009
Joyce Pieretti
Page 2
Teaching Experience
• Upward Bound Tutor
o
Assisted high school students from Chicago Public Schools
in biology, mathematics, and Spanish homework
assignments.
o
Edited students’ writing for college applications.
• Supplemental Instruction Leader
o
Developed and provided useful study strategies for
students.
o
Promoted understanding of lecture material by generating
discussion questions, posters, and assignments.
o
Provided a relaxed, but productive atmosphere for students
to study with classmates and comfortably ask questions.
• Classroom Assistant
o
As part of a Science in the City course, assisted a thirdgrade teacher in P.S. 76 in teaching the science curriculum
specified by NY State, three hours a week.
o
Developed engaging bilingual science activities for
students.
• Introductory Biology Lab Assistant
o
Graded weekly lab quizzes.
o
Assisted students in understanding proper lab safety
procedures.
o
Presented the lab protocol for students and demonstrated
helpful techniques.
Publications/Presentations
• Li, F. Yan, Y., Pieretti, J., Feldman, D.A., Eckhardt, L.E. (2010).
Comparison of Identical and Functional Igh Alleles Reveals a
Nonessential Role for Eµ in Somatic Hypermutation and ClassSwitch Recombination. Journal of Immunology.
doi:10.4049/jimmunol.0902992.
• Yan, Y., Pieretti J., Christin J., Bah, F., Eckhardt, L.E. (2011).
Homologous elements hs3a and hs3b in the 3′ regulatory region of the
murine immunoglobulin heavy chain (Igh) locus are both dispensable
for class-switch recombination. The Journal of Biological Chemistry
286: 27123-27131.
September 2010 – December
2010
September 2008 – May 2009
September 2007 – December
2007
September 2006 – December
2006
Joyce Pieretti
Page 3
• Hughes Science Pipeline Project. 17th Annual Student Research
Symposium, April 21, 2009. Barnard College, NY, NY.
Skills/Personal Aspects
• Knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Fluent in Spanish.
• Work well independently and as a member of a group.
• Comfortable with teaching biology to others.
Miscellaneous Experience
• City Park Counselor for Perth Amboy Department of Recreation
July 2006 – August 2006
o
Supervised young children while participating in activities such as playing board games,
sports, and water-sprinkler recreation.
o
Distributed lunches to young children.
o
Filled out appropriate paper work for lunch deliveries.