Paul Dougall
Experience
Research Experience
Applications of Machine Learning in Bioinformatics Jan 2021 – Present
Clarkson University CMI Lab | Potsdam, NY
- Comparative analysis of phenotypic predictions using ML algorithms and whole genome sequencing data. More specifically, determining ideal ML algorithm selection based on the feature space of the given data
- Academic review of machine learning algorithms being developed, adapted, and applied to antimicrobial prediction
- In depth analysis of the Set Covering Machine developed by Mario Marchand and John Shawe-Taylor
- Coding data processing and ML algorithms in Python to apply current methods in the field
- Extensive use and troubleshooting of WSL as well as various bioinformatics software
- Study of mathematical foundation of ML algorithms including: SVM, NN, SCM, and Decision Trees
- Extensive experience processing and analyzing ONT sequencing data
- Usage and understanding of various bioinformatics software including SPAdes genome assembler, ONT’s Guppy and Bonito basecallers, Integrative Genomics Viewer, SAMtools, and KOVER AMR prediction
- Familiarity and understanding of both the biological aspects to the data and its generation as well as the mathematical and coding knowledge required to perform in depth analyses
COVID-19 SIR Modeling Aug 2020 – Aug 2021
Clarkson University | Potsdam, NY
- Studied the biological mechanisms by which COVID-19 functions
- Coded MATLAB PDE models to determine the difference between various testing, social distancing, and “super spreader” scenarios
Comparative Analysis of Parkinson's Disease Patient Profiles Jan 2020 – Aug 2020
Clarkson University | Potsdam, NY
- Comparative analysis of the Parkinson's patient population via the two publicly available databases: the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS)
- Collected and cleaned the survey data determing variables of interest to further analyze
- Looked for statistically significant difference amongst the Parkinson's patients as well as differences distinguishing the Parksinson's patients from the other patients
Internships
Bioinformatics Intern Jun 2022 – Aug 2022
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. | San Rafael, CA
- Utilized Flask and Python to develop a user friendly next generation sequencing dashboard nearly completely independently for internal usage throughout the company which allowed for Biologists with little to no coding experience to be able to quickly and easily process their sequencing data using Nextflow pipelines
- Quickly and efficiently taught myself how to use Flask, JavaScript and HTML having had no prior experience prior to the start of this internship
- Employed the use of a HPC server to host the completed dashboard
- Performed numerous informational interviews with the more experienced scientists within the company to make the most of the connections and opportunities available
- Initiated intern cohort interaction and community building by starting an intern Discord Server with permission from Human Resources
- Provided numerous undergraduate interns with advice in regards to my experience applying and being accepted to graduate schools
- Attended a weekly seminar featuring BioMarin employees in senior positions throughout the company
Digital Marketing Analytics Intern May 2019 – Aug 2019
Saratoga Performing Arts Center | Saratoga Springs, NY
- Analyze data and create and monitor reports for email marketing campaigns and social media utilizing MailChimp, Sprout Social, and Google Analytics
- Recommend and implement test strategies to improve social and email campaign performance
- Evaluate the webpage and make recommendations to increase traffic and ease of use
- Use logical reasoning to determine new possible markets to advertise towards
- Work with an analytics consultant to identify and implement data-driven strategies to improve e-commerce performance
NAMM Trade Show - Intern for Zoom North America Jan 2018
National Association of Music Merchants | Anaheim, CA
- Explained and described products to attendees and persuaded potential distributors to purchase products
- Researched various products on display as well as developed an understanding of entire product catalog
Marketing Intern Jan 2018 – Jan 2019
Crane Institute of Music Business and Entrepreneurship (CIMBE) | Potsdam, NY
- Assisted with project development by collaborating with faculty for event planning of numerous events
- Designed CIMBE's logo and marketing materials utilizing Adobe Creative Suite
- Coordinated CIMBE's first Professional Development Day resulting in the development of an annual event with increased participation each year
- Provided IT support during events to insure performance with minimal complication
- Initiated content creation by collaborating with the chair of the department to further market the program
- Increased CIMBE's Facebook page usage and interaction from nearly nothing, increasing the average total reach by 2,350% using near weekly posts regarding events, reminders, music industry news, and exclusive content such as faculty interviews
Work Experience
Graduate Research Assistant Aug 2021 – Present
Clarkson University | Potsdam NY
- Extensive experience processing and analyzing ONT sequencing data
- Usage and understanding of various bioinformatics software including SPAdes genome assembler, ONT’s Guppy and Bonito basecallers, Integrative Genomics Viewer, SAMtools, and KOVER AMR prediction
- Familiarity and understanding of both the biological aspects to the data and its generation as well as the mathematical and coding knowledge required to perform in depth analysis and form informative hypotheses
- Academic review of ML algorithms being developed and applied to AMR
- Coding data processing and ML algorithms in Python to apply current methods in the field
- Extensive use and troubleshooting of WSL as well as various bioinformatics software
- Study of mathematical foundation of ML algorithms including: SVM, NN, SCM, and Decision Trees
IMPETUS Graduate Fellow Aug 2022 – Present
GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT AUG 2020 – AUG 2021
Clarkson University Department of Mathematics | Potsdam NY
- Delivered weekly lectures to Calculus I and Calculus II recitation classes working through problems relating to course material
- Held office hours to assist students struggling with homework, projects, and course concepts
- Graded weekly quizzes in addition to exams, projects, and finals providing feedback to the students about where and why points were taken off
RESIDENT ASSISTANT AUG 2018 – MAY 2020
SUNY Potsdam Residence Life | Potsdam NY
- Implemented programs to create a sense of community for residents
- Coordinated and developed a program on mental, emotional, and physical health with fellow resident assistants
- Managed administrative duties including incident reports, maintenance requests, on calls, and office hours
- Received training on emergency procedures, academic support, community development, and diversity
Math Tutor Aug 2018 – May 2020
SUNY Potsdam Math Lab | Potsdam, NY
Provided Tutoring Service for all 200 level math course and below including:
Provided Tutoring Service for all 200 level math course and below including:
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Excursions in Mathematics
- Elementary Education Mathematics
- Statistics
TRIO One on One Peer Tutor Feb 2018 – May 2019
SUNY Potsdam Student Support Services | Potsdam, NY
Courses for which tutoring services were offered:
Courses for which tutoring services were offered:
- Accounting I
- Accounting II
- Calculus I
Shop Help / Construction Field Help May 2017 – Aug 2017
Wainschaf Associates Inc. | Rensselaer, NY
- Sheet-rocking, Light Weight Framing, Door Installation, Painting, Basic Carpentry
- Picking up & delivering materials and equipment to and from stores and sites
- Clean trucks, organize garage storage, mow and weed wack property
- Clear large area of 50-foot trees. Larger pieces cut into firewood, smaller pieces wood chipped
Store Keeper / Groundskeeper / Sales Associate Aug 2012 – Aug 2016
Decker’s Pondscapes | Pattersonville, NY
- Helped lead pond building workshops with the owner, Alan Decker
- Built and maintained landscape displays, mowed lawn, weed whacked, fed fish
- Made recommendations to customers on what plants and supplies to buy
- Watered plants, tested fish tanks, cleaned ponds, shop and greenhouses
Takeout Cashier / Salad Maker / Dishwasher Jun 2014 – Jul 2016
Canali’s Italian/American Restaurant | Schenectady, NY
- Asked to work take out because of communication skills and work ethic
- Worked two positions on numerous occasions filling in for shortage of staff
- Relied on by owners to come in when other workers did not
- Dish washed without training when another worker did not show up