Stuart Skabo

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University of Tasmania at Hobart

• First Class Honors in Molecular Biology, 1995, resulting in novel discoveries and published as;

Skabo, S.J., Chuah, M.I. and West, A.K. (1997) Metallothioneins 1 and 2 are expressed in the olfactory mucosa of mice in untreated animals and during the regeneration of the epithelial layer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 232(1):136-42
• Bachelor of Science, life sciences degree, 1994, offered Honors position before end of degree examinations. 
• Consistently ranked in the top few students in my university course. Dux of Alanvale College and earned one of only 13 places at the National Chemistry Olympiad summer training school in 1991. 

• Earned a scholarship to attend the 1999 Queens Trust Young Leaders Forum in Sydney, as one of one hundred 25 to 30 year olds from across Australia. During this uniquely valuable forum I was priviledged to exchange ideas, experiences and knowledge with some of the most outstanding young Australians and invited guest speakers.
• Gained a deep insight into the most important economic, environmental and social challenges that face current and future Australian policy makers. 

Research Assistant      1999 -2000(June)
Royal Hobart Hospital, Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, MEN1 Research Group 

• Developed a genetic screening protocol for a disease causing single nucleotide polymorphism, found in a large Tasmanian family,  based on PCR and fluorescent cycle-sequencing.
• Successfully prepared the Royal Hobart Hospital’s Molecular Endocrine Laboratory for NATA (accreditation of its’ genetic screening and diagnostic protocols. 
• Budgeted, inventoried for and completed a loss of heterozygosity/microsatellite study on a panel of paraffin embedded tumor tissues utilising microdissection, histological and PCR techniques. 
• Carried out a mRNA fusion gene expression project in paraffin embedded tumour tissues involving technically difficult extraction and RT-PCR procedures. 

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• Undertook, co-wrote and published a population genetics study of Eucalyptus globulus utilising RAPD markers; 

S. Skabo, R. E. Vaillancourt and B. M. Potts (1998) Fine-scale genetic structure of Eucalyptus globulus ssp. globulus forest. Australian Journal of Botany. 46 (5,6): 583-594
• Designed and carried out a genetic quality control project for a forestry industry group, published as;

Vaillancourt, R.E., Skabo, S. and Gore, P.L. (1998) Fingerprinting for quality control in breeding and deployment. Australian Forestry. 61(3):207-210
• Participated in a variety of fieldwork including extensive sampling of eucalypt populations, the cloning, raising and planting of eucalypts in a trial plantation and recording the locations of previously tagged parental trees using a GPS (global positioning system). 
• Performed statistical analysis and prepared reports for the organisation, on population genetics studies, using software on both PC and Macintosh computers. 
• Created an E.globulus clonal library and used a chemiluminescent detection system to isolate novel nuclear microsatellite sequences. Designed and developed primers to amplify these sequences from genomic DNA.

• Responsible for processing fresh blood donations into a variety of blood products demonstrating the ability to work closely and flexibly with other workers under stressful, time-constrained conditions. 
• Continually maintained the strict quality control standards (ISO and NATA) and meticulous safety requirements necessary for national accreditation of the blood bank.
• Assisted with the punctual and efficient delivery of blood products to Tasmanian hospitals and interstate organisations. (Contents) | (Top) 

• Understanding of the technology and software used in modern businesses and the ability and desire to ensure that the potential of such technology is fully realised in the workplace. 
• Proficiency with numerous software applications on both Macintosh and Windows computers including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Netscape, Windows95/98 and Office97. 
• Excellent research skills utilising hard copy library media, computer databases (CD-ROMs, electronic catalogues and journal indices) and Internet resources (literature, sequence and other databases, science oriented Web sites and newsgroups). 

Travelled to Peru and Bolivia for two months in mid-2000, and 12 countries in North America, Europe and South East Asia during 1998 

• Developed my ability to rapidly assimilate and analyse complex information so as to make effective decisions about the allocation of time and money. 
• Proficient in everyday conversational Spanish both through after work classes and immersion in South American culture.
• Expanded my communication skills through interactions with people from other cultures, and often with limited English language skills. (Contents) | (Top) 

Vacation Scholarship Researcher 1994 -1995
Fisheries Division, CSIRO Marine Laboratories Hobart

• Initiated experimental protocols for vitamin isolation from algae and subsequent HPLC analysis. 
• Prepared and maintained sterile algal cultures in cooperation with other CSIRO officers.

• Awarded one of two scholarships during which I assisted a Ph.D. student in isolating and testing novel, biologically active compounds from marine organisms.

• Play in several social sports teams, 1997 Tasmanian foil fencing champion, enjoy hiking and camping. 
• Enjoy reading, use the Internet to keep up with current events and to communicate with friends and peers around the world, perform occasional volunteer work for environmental groups. (Contents) | (Top)