Dina Constantinides
State College,PA
Summary
Forward-thinking and versatile scientist with a background in Ecology and experience with field and wet lab work.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Technologist
Penn State University
08.2023 - Current
- Working to enhance materials for Discover the Microbes Within! The Wolbachia Project
- Developing a new lab series focused on microbiome sciences
- Assists with planning and outreach for the One Health Microbiome Center
- Utilizes molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, and MinION sequencing
Field Service Technician/Contractor at U.S. EPA
Serco
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Traveled to assist with environmental sampling and field chemistry on Superfund and RCRA projects
- Conducted PM2.5 air sampling according to standard operating procedures
- Communicated effectively with team members, community residents, and industrial site managers
Virtual Intern
ETIVdoBrasil
07.2021 - 12.2021
- Developed a citizen-science friendly monitoring plan for an existing mangrove restoration initiative
- Wrote educational blog posts involving wildlife conservation in both English and Portuguese
- Planned environmental education classes for children from underrepresented communities
- Designed images for social media posts highlighting environmental issues
Research Assistant
The Altizer Lab At UGA
05.2021 - 09.2021
- Assisted with field collection of adult and larval mosquitoes from different microclimates in the Atlanta, GA area
- Helped identify mosquitoes at the species level using a taxonomic key
- Communicated with homeowners regarding the presence of mosquitoes around their homes
Server, Bartender, Hostess
Taqueria Tsunami Downtown
05.2018 - 08.2022
- Utilized multi-tasking skills to serve high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Worked effectively as a team to create a positive work environment.
- Demonstrated strong judgement skills to provide high quality, personalized customer service.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Ecology; Portuguese Minor
University of Georgia
Athens, GA12.2021
Skills
- Molecular biology
- Arthropod field sampling and identification
- Science communication
- Graphic design
- Lab safety
- Soil, water, and PM25 air sampling
- Drinking water analyses
- Hazardous waste handling
- Technical writing
Languages
Portuguese
Professional Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Accomplishments
- Presented a research paper in Portuguese concerning mangrove forest conservation in Brazil
- Traveled to São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais (Spring 2020) and Florianópolis, Santa Catarina (Summer 2018), attending Brazilian Federal Universities and studying Ecology and Portuguese
- Completed extensive coursework focusing on Portuguese language as well as weekly private tutoring sessions
- Completed courses in Modern Greek Language, Cypriot History, and Greek Dance
- Toured ancient archaeological sites and historical landmarks
Portuguese Flagship Program
Athens, GA Fall 2017- Fall 2021
NEPOMAK Discover Cyprus Program
Nicosia, Cyprus July 2019
Published Media
Constantinides, D. (2024, January 5). The stories that defined 2023 for the One Health Microbiome Center. Penn State University. https://www.psu.edu/news/huck-institutes-life-sciences/story/stories-defined-2023-one-health-microbiome-center/
Constantinides, D., & Bordenstein, S. (2024, January 26). Introduction to laboratory equipment. The Wolbachia Project. https://wolbachiaproject.org/laboratory-equipment/
Constantinides, D., & Ginnan, N. (n.d.). We are... the one health microbiome center. One Health Microbiome Center | The Huck Institutes (en-US). https://www.huck.psu.edu/institutes-and-centers/microbiome-center/we-are-the-microbiome-center
Constantinides, D. (n.d.). 2024 One Health Microbiome Symposium . One Health Microbiome Center | The Huck Institutes (en-US). https://www.huck.psu.edu/institutes-and-centers/microbiome-center/2024-one-health-microbiome-center-symposium
Constantinides, D. (2021, July). World Mangrove Day. ETIV do Brasil. https://etivdobrasil.org/world-mangrove-day/
Timeline
Research Technologist
Penn State University
08.2023 - Current
Field Service Technician/Contractor at U.S. EPA
Serco
08.2022 - 07.2023
Virtual Intern
ETIVdoBrasil
07.2021 - 12.2021
Research Assistant
The Altizer Lab At UGA
05.2021 - 09.2021
Server, Bartender, Hostess
Taqueria Tsunami Downtown
05.2018 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Science - Ecology; Portuguese Minor
University of Georgia
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