Cienna Billingsley

Detail-oriented and compassionate University of Michigan Biology student with hands-on clinical volunteering, laboratory research, and patient-facing customer service experience. Seeking a Medical Assistant position to contribute to exceptional patient care while developing clinical skills in a healthcare setting.

Hospital Volunteer at Michigan Medicine (2026-01 – Present)

• Assist patients and visitors with wayfinding, answering questions, and navigating hospital services
• Support clinical staff to enhance patient care flow and overall hospital operations
• Maintain compassionate, professional communication with patients in high-stress medical environments

Research Assistant at U-M Dept. of Molecular & Integrative Physiology (2025-09 – Present)

• Support research on how the brain regulates fertility via gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion
• Perform animal handling and blood sampling with transgenic mouse models
• Assist with imaging and viral/chemogenetic approaches; contribute to PCOS-related infertility studies
• Maintain precise records and follow strict laboratory safety and compliance protocols

Research Assistant at U-M Life Sciences Institute (Xu Lab) (2024-12 – 2025-09)

• Conducted bench research on C. elegans stress responses with implications for sensory neuroscience
• Prepared growth media, maintained live cultures, and performed routine lab technician tasks
• Attended weekly lab meetings and journal clubs to stay current with evolving research literature
• Awarded Rosen Fellowship to fund summer research at the Life Sciences Institute

Marina Dockhand at Safe Harbor Marina (2024-05 – 2024-08)

• Attained TIPS certification for safe handling and service of alcohol in compliance with regulations
• Managed customer service, event planning, and administrative tasks independently and as part of a team
• Responded to complaints and questions in person and by phone with professionalism and calm under pressure

Front Desk Receptionist at The Finishing Touch Salon (2019-06 – 2024-08)

• Greeted clients, answered multi-line phones, and routed inquiries — directly transferable to clinical front-desk roles
• Resolved patient/client concerns professionally, de-escalating issues with empathy and poise
• Maintained organized, welcoming environment; handled scheduling and administrative interruptions with flexibility

Tutor & Mentor at Opportunities to Educate Children (2025-08 – Present)

• Tutor and mentor local K-12 students at the Peace Neighborhood Center

Board Member at Students for Reproductive Rights & Justice (2024-08 – Present)

• Serve as the advocacy chair to facilitate sexual health education and patient-centered reproductive rights through community events and legislative outreach

Hygiene Drive Coordinator at Muskegon Community (2022-09 – 2023-06)

• Advocate for sexual health education and patient-centered reproductive rights through community events and legislative outreach
• Partnered with the Hope Project of Muskegon to educate and support women escaping sexual violence

B.S. in Biology – University of Michigan (2023-08)

High School Diploma – Mona Shores High School (2019-09 – 2023-05)