Open to opportunities

Francesca Kristal Martini

@francescakristalmart

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Biology student and research assistant with hands-on lab and bioinformatics experience.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek lab-focused roles where I can apply molecular techniques and bioinformatics, grow research experience, contribute to publications, and work within collaborative, learning-oriented teams.

I am a Biology major at the University of South Florida with concentrated experience in wet-lab techniques and bioinformatics, having contributed to phage annotation and experimental research that was published and presented.

I have performed PCR, isothermal assembly, serial dilutions, E. coli transformations, TEM preparations, and cytotoxicity/defense assays while following safety and green chemistry practices, and I have used instruments such as gas chromatographs and spectrophotometers.

I blend technical lab skills with digital and creative abilities — from HHpred, NCBI BLAST and DNA Master to Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop — and I have experience in tutoring, outreach, club marketing, and illustration work that demonstrates strong communication and project delivery.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Marketing & PR Coordinator

Current

Italian Club at University of South Florida

Aug 2025 - Present (4 months)

Managed club social media (Instagram, GroupMe), improved visibility and member retention, and contributed to event planning and executive board discussions.

Social Media Marketing Instagram GroupMe Event Planning PR Team Collaboration

Current

Illustrator

Current

Takeoff Tales

May 2024 - Present (1 year 7 months)

Illustrated sprites, backgrounds, and a 10-page comic for web and YouTube releases, meeting creative briefs and delivery deadlines.

Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Comic Art Sprite Design Visual Storytelling

Botanical Gardens Aide

USF Botanical Gardens

Apr 2024 - Apr 2025 (1 year)

Assisted in planting and conservation tasks, removing invasive species to support native plant and insect biodiversity in the gardens.

Horticulture Assistance Conservation Volunteer coordination

Research Ambassador

University of South Florida

Aug 2024 - Dec 2024 (4 months)

Represented USF research community at tabling events and conferences, increasing student awareness of high-impact practice courses and research opportunities.

Outreach Event Tabling Student Engagement Public Speaking Research Promotion Communication

Tutor

Starting Right, Now

Jul 2023 - Aug 2024 (1 year 1 month)

Tutored high-school students in Algebra, Geometry, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, SAT English prep, and world history via one-on-one Zoom sessions, improving exam readiness and supporting credit recovery.

online tutoring Algebra Geometry Marine Biology Zoom

Research Technician

University of South Florida

Jan 2024 - May 2024 (4 months)

Performed PCRs, isothermal assembly, E. coli transformations, serial dilutions and defense/cytotoxicity assays to generate qualitative data for phage Azira contributing to GenBank and a peer-reviewed paper.

PCR Isothermal Assembly E. Coli Transformation Phage Biology Lab Safety Data Collection Serial Dilutions

Teacher's Assistant

University of South Florida

Aug 2023 - Dec 2023 (4 months)

Supported Biology I students by clarifying class concepts, assisting during office hours, grading assignments and tests, and maintaining grades in Canvas.

Grading

Event Staff

Pumpkin Patch at Hyde Park

Oct 2023 - Oct 2023 (0 months)

Supported event setup and assisted visitors with directions and information during a seasonal pumpkin patch event.

Customer Service

Bioinformatics Researcher

University of South Florida

Jan 2023 - May 2023 (4 months)

Annotated the Azira phage genome using HHpred, NCBI BLAST, DNA Master and PECAAN, contributing to GenBank submission and co-authoring a published annotation and paper.

HHpred DNA Master PECAAN Genome Annotation Bioinformatics GenBank Submission

SEA Phage Hunter

University of South Florida

Aug 2022 - Dec 2022 (4 months)

Isolated and characterized bacteriophages through serial dilutions and TEM prep, resulting in phage deposit to PhagesDB (TrojanHorse).

Phage Isolation TEM Preparation PhagesDB Serial Dilutions

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of South Florida

Bachelor of Science, Biology (Animal Concentration)

2022 -

Activities and societies: Honors College courses (Natural Sciences, Geographical Perspectives, Pilgrimage of Purpose); relevant labs: Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Biology, Physics; SEA-Phages research and bioinformatics involvement

Undergraduate Biology major with an Animal Concentration enrolled in the Honors College, completed relevant labs and research-focused coursework while participating in phage research and bioinformatics projects.