Open to opportunities

Sarah Melen

@sarahmelen

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Biologist with expertise in molecular research, bioinformatics, and laboratory teaching.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek research-focused roles that leverage molecular biology and bioinformatics skills, offer collaborative teams, mentorship opportunities, and paths for professional growth.

I am a molecular and cellular biologist with graduate training and hands-on research investigating viral-host interactions, particularly neurological complications and RNA editing in SARS-CoV-2 infections. My work has been presented at undergraduate symposia and recognized with an award.

I have experience designing and defending an honors thesis, analyzing biological datasets using bioinformatics and biostatistics (SPSS), and supporting lab courses as a teaching assistant for cell biology labs. I transfered graduate work to complete an MS in Biology and served in graduate assistantship roles.

Outside the bench, I coach goalkeepers across youth and academy programs and competed professionally in Finland, demonstrating leadership, communication, and mentoring skills applicable to collaborative research teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Goalkeeping Coach

Current

No. 1 Soccer Camp

Jan 2022 - Present (4 years 1 month)

Coached campers ages 8–18 on goalkeeping fundamentals, led drills, provided feedback for improvement, and ensured participant safety.

Youth Coaching Drill Design Feedback Instruction Communication

Current

Goalkeeping Coach

Current

MGK Academy

Jan 2022 - Present (4 years 1 month)

Coached goalkeepers of all ages, developing drills, providing individualized feedback, and managing recruiting-related responsibilities stemming from collegiate playing experience.

Coaching Drill Design Recruiting Communication

Professional Soccer Player

Åland United

Feb 2025 - Nov 2025 (9 months)

Played as a professional soccer player in Finland's top league, contributing to team performance and participating in competitive league seasons.

Teamwork Competitive Play Fitness Training Discipline Communication

Graduate Research Assistant

Louisiana Tech University

Feb 2024 - Feb 2025 (1 year)

Conducted molecular biology research on SARS-CoV-2 host editing and neurological complications, authored honors thesis and presented posters at undergraduate research symposiums, receiving an award.

Molecular Biology SARS CoV 2 Research Bioinformatics Biostatistics Data Analysis Presentation

Graduate Assistant

Kent State University

Aug 2024 - Dec 2024 (4 months)

Served as a graduate assistant in cell biology and molecular genetics, supporting laboratory courses and research activities while enrolled in the graduate program prior to transfer.

Cell Biology Research Support Data Analysis Biostatistics

Cell Biology Lab Teaching Assistant

Kent State University

Sep 2023 - Dec 2023 (3 months)

Assisted a 24-student cell biology lab, supervising experiments, providing instructional support, and evaluating student performance during the fall term.

Lab Instruction Student supervision Grading Safety Compliance Cell Biology Communication Teaching

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Louisiana Tech University

Master of Science, Biology

Completed Master of Science in Biology, graduating in February 2025.

Kent State University

Master of Science, Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics

Activities and societies: Graduate Assistantship

Graduate assistantship in the Master of Science in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics program from August 2024 to December 2024 before transferring to Louisiana Tech.

Kent State University

Bachelor of Science, Biology (Molecular and Cellular Concentration)

Grade: summa cum laude

Activities and societies: Minor in Forensic Anthropology; Honors Thesis; Undergraduate Research Symposium; research in Dr. Helen Piontkivska’s lab

Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Molecular and Cellular concentration; graduated summa cum laude with university honors and distinction in Spring 2023.