STEM Research Skills Workshop Series

The undergraduate research team in the Office of Societal Impact is offering the STEM Research Skills Workshop Series at the request of numerous faculty and students. The workshops will enhance students' preparedness to thrive in research experiences by developing essential skills and knowledge.

For students who:

  • are planning to participate in a summer research program,
  • want to improve their competitiveness for research jobs, or
  • want to strengthen their skills to support success in lab sciences courses. 

Workshop 1: Professionalism in the Lab

This workshop will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in a laboratory setting. This workshop is designed to empower you to set yourself up for success, navigate ethical dilemmas with confidence, and master the art of professional communication. Upon successful completion of the workshop, participants will receive a certificate in lab culture professionalism, ethical decision-making, professional communication, and proper documentation processes.

Upcoming Dates: 

  • Saturday, September 14, 2024, 9:30am-2pm (30-minute break included & food provided)
  • Sunday, September 15, 2024, 11am-3:30pm (30-minute break included & food provided)
  • Saturday, September 21, 2024, 9:30am-2pm (30-minute break included & food provided)

Learn more about the workshop and register to attend HERE. 

Workshop 2: Molecular Biology Laboratory Skills - From DNA Extraction to PCR Mastery

This 2-day workshop is designed to equip students with essential laboratory skills and techniques necessary for success in molecular biology research and related disciplines. There will be an opportunity for participants to take a proficiency test and gain a certificate stating they received training in micropipetting, DNA extraction, sterile technique, PCR, and gel electrophoresis. 

Upcoming Dates:

  • Saturday, October 19, 2024 - Sunday, October 20, 2024; 9am-5pm each day (breaks included & food provided)
  • Saturday, October 26, 2024 - Sunday, October 27, 2024; 9am-5pm each day (breaks included & food provided)
  • Saturday, November 16, 2024 - Sunday, November 17, 2024; 9am-5pm each day (breaks included & food provided)
  • Saturday, November 23, 2024 - Sunday, November 24, 2024; 9am-5pm each day (breaks included & food provided)

Learn more about the workshop and register to attend HERE. 

Check this page for updates, and contact Courtney Leligdon at cleligdon@arizona.edu with any questions you may have. 

 

Meet the instructor: Dr. Demetra Skaltsas 

Dr. Demetra Skaltsas, Ph.D.

Dr. Demetra Skaltsas obtained her Ph.D. in Plant Sciences from the University of Maryland and is now an Assistant Professor at Diné College in the School of STEM. Her research focuses on fungal evolution and ecology; Dr. Skaltsas studies pinyon decline and big sagebush resiliency, and her team recently initiated research in fungal remediation for uranium contamination on Navajo Nation. In addition to her research endeavors, Dr. Skaltsas actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, including students in the Bridge to STEAM program at Diné College. She has played a key role in establishing the Land Grant Office Research Lab at Diné College's Tsaile Campus. 

Dr. Skaltsas' comprehensive background includes conducting research in systematics, taxonomy, and fungi; coordinating international sampling efforts; managing large teams of technicians and students; and contributing to various research areas such as postharvest physiology, food safety, and genetics. 

In addition to her work at Diné College, Dr. Skaltsas works as the Inclusive Research Training Specialist in the Office of Societal Impact at the University of Arizona. Her focus is on developing and hosting a faculty community of practice to support an inclusive lab and research culture across campus and to implement lab practices that provide Native, BIPOC, first-generation, and transfer students a positive and meaningful research experience that recognizes and incorporates their cultural capital.

Email: dnskaltsas@arizona.edu 

Education:

  • Ph.D., University of Maryland, Plant Science
  • B.S., University of Maryland, Plant Science