Work Experience
2012; 2018-present
Research Associate
2022-2023
Post-doctoral Research Associate
2018-2022
Teaching Assistant
Fall 2012
Science and Writing Lead
Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC)
University of Utah
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Writing
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Research, write, and edit content across a range of life-science and health topics
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Apply my scientific expertise to evaluate current research and pitch ideas to repackage it for nontechnical audiences
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Translate complex science into plain language
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Experience with a variety of media, including videos, interactives, hands-on activities, and educational games
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Collaborate with a team of illustrators, animators, and interactive content developers to bring ideas to life
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Build and maintain relationships with subject matter experts
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Iteratively revise materials based on user, subject matter expert, and/or funder feedback
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GSLC's Science Content Lead on our partnership to produce educational materials for the National Instutues of Health’s All of Us Research Program (formerly the Precision Medicine Initiative)
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Work closely with diverse community members to co-create and refine materials for All of Us
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Assist with professional development opportunities for teachers
Leadership
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Maintain awareness and communicate about projects, timelines, and goals across GSLC
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Meet with clients to pitch and coordinate work
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Edit and contribute to grant proposals and progress reports
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Manage extensive materials review process, balancing the needs of many stakeholders
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Set writing team priorities, assign work, and determine deadlines
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Provide scientific content advice and feedback on team member's drafts
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Conduct final review of all work carried out by the writing team
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Summer 2011
Eco-explorer
Utah's Hogle Zoo
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Interacted directly with guests to provide education about animals and the importance of habitat conservation
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Created presentations and performed skits in the Zoo’s “Discovery Theater”
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Led hands-on animal encounters
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Received extensive training on speaking to the public, crafting meaningful messages, and discussing controversial topics
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2008-2010
R&D Communications Intern
Dow AgroSciences (now Corteva AgriScience)
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Managed communication of research milestones to both scientists and the public
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Wrote news articles, press releases, and created scientific presentations for non-technical audiences
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Aided in the design of company tours, including designing displays, scripts for tour guides, hands-on experiences, and content for video kiosks
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Worked with company scientists to write and edit applications for scientific and industry awards
2005-2006
Summer Employee
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo​
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Gained customer service experience selling tickets and greeting guests
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Provided guests with information about the zoo and its animals
Education / Training
2011-2018
PhD Human Genetics
University of Utah - Stanfield Lab
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Thesis Title: To motility and beyond! Investigating how morphology change is regulated during C. elegans sperm development.
Description: Used a variety of genetics, imaging, and cell biology techniques to ask: how do cells respond to signals from the outside world?
2017
Writing for Impact and Influence
American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS)
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Professional writing program for scientists
2014-2017
NIH Developmental Biology Training Grant
(53T2HDO7491)
2009-2010
Research Certificate in Biotechnology
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
2005-2009
B.S. Human Biology / Minor Writing and Publishing
University of Indianapolis
Volunteer Work
2022-present
Aviculture Volunteer, Tracy Aviary
Awards
2009
Kelly Scientific Future Scientist National Essay Contest
2009
Dorlis Gott Armentrout Award
Best undergraduate writing published in Etchings, the University of Indianapolis literary and fine arts magazine
Academic Publications & Presentations
Lambert, A., Drits-Esser, D., Hamburger, S.A., Fenker, K.E., Malone, M., and Stark, L.A. When an NGSS-friendly genetics curriculum unit goes online: a naturalistic study. (Poster) NARST Virtual Conference, April 2021.
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Lambert, A., Drits-Esser, D., Hamburger, S.A., Fenker, K.E., Malone, M., and Stark, L.A. 3D Alignment between curriculum and assessments matters: results from a new genetics curriculum field test. (Selected talk, given by co-worker) NARST Virtual Conference, April 2021.
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Homburger, S.A. and Fenker, K.E. Opioids and the science of addiction: a science-based approach to classroom opioid education. (Invited talk, co-presented) PARCKA Parleys. University of Utah School of Medicine. January 21, 2020.
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Fenker, K. E. To motility and beyond! Conserved membrane proteins in the division and differentiation of C. elegans sperm. Doctoral dissertation, The University of Utah (2018).
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Fenker, K.E. and Stanfield G.M. SNF-10 connects male-derived signals to the onset of sperm motility in C.elegans. Worm 4 (2015).
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Fenker, K.E. and Stanfield, G.M. The t-SNARE syx-7 promotes cytokinesis during C. elegons sperm meiosis. (Selected talk) The Allied Genetics Conference, Orlando, FL. July 15, 2015.
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Fenker, K.E. and Stanfield, G.M. SNF-10, a Solute Carrier 6 family protein, connects male-derived protease signals to the onset of sperm motility. (Poster) International Worm Meeting, Los Angeles, CA. June 25, 2015.
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Fenker. K.E., Hansen, A.A., Chong, C.A., Jud, M.C., Duffy, B.A., Norton, J.P. Hansen, J.M., and Stanfield, G.M. SLC6 family transporter SNF-10 is required for protease-mediated activation of sperm motility in C. elegans. Developmental Biology 393, 171-182 (2014).
Fenker, K.E., Hansen, A.A., Chong, C.A., Jud, M.C., and Stanfield, G.M. The role of an SLC6 family transporter in C. elegons sperm activation. (Selected talk) International Worm Meeting, Los Angeles, CA. June 27, 2013.
Fenker, K.E., Hansen, A.A., Chong, C.A., Jud, M.C., and Stanfield G.M. SNF-10, an SLC6 transporter required for sperm activation by C. elegans males. (Poster) C. elegons Development, Cell Biology and Gene Expression Meeting, Madison, WI. June 7, 2012.