Nathan Zivi
Uppsala
Summary
Detail oriented, early career scientist who is passionate about how genetic processes and environmental conditions influence anatomical development. Skilled in conducting common molecular biology techniques and quick to master and integrate new techniques. Adept at organizing workflows so that the patterns in data and developmental processes can be described and analyzed. Proven ability to communicate intricate and specific tasks in the lab and field so that inexperienced workers can perform tasks in a uniform manner.
Searching for opportunities to build on the firm research foundation built during doctoral study.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Industrial Ph.D.
SLU/Skogforsk
08.2018 - 01.2025
- Investigated the genetics of initiation and development of female reproductive structures and organs in the conifer Picea abies (Norway spruce).
- Analyzed and described the anatomical development of vegetative, female, and mutant Picea abies buds.
- Performed standard molecular biology laboratory techniques including PCR, RT-qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, cloning, bacteria culture, transformation etc.
- Proposed new experiments and analysis then applied for and secured funding to perform them.
- Organized and led multiple collection trips for both wild growing and planted material to be used in experiments.
- In cooperation with SciLifeLabs in Stockholm: completed a Spatial Transcriptomics experiment on developing vegetative and reproductive buds. Responsible for the laboratory work, data analysis, and writing.
- In cooperation with Skogforsk: conducted field work collecting data and material from seed orchards and field trials. Presented results to the Skogforsk breeding department and at stakeholder meetings with the breeding departments of national and international forestry companies.
- Provided support and advice to lab and department members. Helped others to understand processes and techniques and to have the confidence to work independently.
Plant Breeding Seasonal Worker
Lantmännen Lantbruk
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Selected and scored breeding plots of wheat and triticale.
- Responsible for maintianing plant uniformity in elite fields by removing off type plants.
- Inspected and reported pests and disease found in plots and fields.
- Organized long term seed storage.
Horticulture Intern
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
08.2012 - 08.2013
- Helped manage the American Orchid Society collection
- Maintained, planted, and improved the fruit pavilion and the new butterfly exhibit
- Researched and presented a project on Cacao pollination and production
- Became familiar with Caribbean plants and nursery management
- Cataloged Bahamian orchids at Gemini Botanic Garden
- Interacted with and gave tours to visitors at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Education
Ph.D. - Biology
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
Uppsala, Sweden01-2025
Master of Science - Plant Sciences
Lund University/SLU
Lund, Sweden12-2016
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Milligan College
Milligan College, Tennessee12-2011
Skills
- DNA and RNA extraction from plant tissue and bacteria
- Transcriptome analysis and description
- PCR, reverse transcription, RT-qPCR, and gel electrophoresis
- Library preparation for and running Illumina sequencing
- Sequence analysis and primer design using Geneious
- Microscopy and anatomical descriptions
- Bacterial transformation and culture
- Paraffin and cryo sectioning
Publications and Manuscripts
Akhter, S.*, Westrin, K. J.*, Zivi, N.*, Nordal, V., Kretzschmar, W. W., Delhomme, N., Street, N. R., Nilsson, O., Emanuelsson, O., & Sundström, J. F. (2022). Cone‐setting in spruce is regulated by conserved elements of the age‐dependent flowering pathway. New Phytologist, 236(5), 1951–1963. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18449 (*Authors contributed equally)
Saarenpää, S.*, Zivi, N.*, Masarapu, Y., Herrera-Foessel, S. A., Orozco, A., Englund, M., Sundström, J. F., Giacomello, S. Spatiotemporal gene expression dynamics reveal the reproductive signaling regulators in Norway spruce (*Authors contributed equally; under peer review at Cell)
Mishra, L.*, Yadav, S.*, Zivi, N., Westrin, K. J., Almqvist, C., Emanuelsson, O., Sundström, J. F. Natural variation in cone-setting ability in Norway spruce (*Authors contributed equally; Manuscript)
Additional Information
Citizenship:
USA
Sweden
Languages:
English - Native
Swedish - B2
Timeline
Industrial Ph.D.
SLU/Skogforsk
08.2018 - 01.2025
Plant Breeding Seasonal Worker
Lantmännen Lantbruk
05.2017 - 08.2017
Horticulture Intern
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
08.2012 - 08.2013
Ph.D. - Biology
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
Master of Science - Plant Sciences
Lund University/SLU
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Milligan College
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