Caroline Mouton Email & Phone Number

Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand

Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa

I handle daily management of the lab, and manage the following tasks:• Identifying and counting nematodes• Ensuring nematode samples are entered correctly• Making specific correct extraction procedures are followed• Performing stock control of lab consumables and quality system maintenance• Designing and conducting regular training for all staff• Referencing extractions (samples with fixed nematode numbers) are regularly included • Ensuring extractions are performed… Show more I handle daily management of the lab, and manage the following tasks:• Identifying and counting nematodes• Ensuring nematode samples are entered correctly• Making specific correct extraction procedures are followed• Performing stock control of lab consumables and quality system maintenance• Designing and conducting regular training for all staff• Referencing extractions (samples with fixed nematode numbers) are regularly included • Ensuring extractions are performed according to standard• Holding the daily meeting with lab assistants to ensure expectations are alignedKey Achievements: • Implemented standard operating procedures and required all personnel to read, understand, and sign the procedural handbook.• Formed partnership with BEMLAB and became the official subcontractor for all nematode analyses received by them. BEMLAB is a SANAS accredited test laboratory for chemical analyses of soil, leaves, fruit, and water. In addition, it is an independent analytical laboratory that provides a full agricultural testing service.• Involved staff in discussions on of treatment-related questions and empowered them to express their thoughts and opinions, which built a relationship of open communication and interest in the field of Nematology.• Set goals for delivery of a Nematode community profile analysis, which involved a needs assessment, plan for how analyses would be performed, correct training of personnel in the identification of free-living nematodes, and a drafted report. The analysis in BEMLAB's service profile was delivered on time and within budget. • Expanded business to include bud mite and bud fertility analyses in the Northern Cape environment, ensuring the lab no longer conducted seasonal work but had a steady income of samples throughout the year. Show less

Calendon, South Africa

I performed weekly and monthly reporting on quality control by testing raw milk upon delivery through conducting smell and taste tests, and collecting the following products for bacteria:• Milk samples from different points on the production line• All batches of pasteurized milk products• All batches of other milk products such as cultured milk, yoghurt, drinking yoghurt, cream, and cheeseKey Achievements:• Conducted a variety of tests including Resazurin test, test for… Show more I performed weekly and monthly reporting on quality control by testing raw milk upon delivery through conducting smell and taste tests, and collecting the following products for bacteria:• Milk samples from different points on the production line• All batches of pasteurized milk products• All batches of other milk products such as cultured milk, yoghurt, drinking yoghurt, cream, and cheeseKey Achievements:• Conducted a variety of tests including Resazurin test, test for antibiotic traces, coliform and E. coli bacteria, fat content, protein content, water content (using automated equipment), and temperature control from collection to reception including pH.• Recorded and reported monthly the litres of raw milk received daily from each producer including the average measurements of fat, protein, bacterial counts, and somatic cell counts to calculate compensation to farmers. Show less

South Africa

I was responsible for inspecting and sampling of plant material for the presence of insects, mites, and nematodes as well as:• Maintaining of reference resources• Optimising of diagnostic procedures• Maintaining of the quality management system• Supervising and evaluating of employeesKey Achievements:• Detected and identified insects, mites, and nematodes involving:o Application of correct extraction methodso Preparation of insects, mites, and nematodes for… Show more I was responsible for inspecting and sampling of plant material for the presence of insects, mites, and nematodes as well as:• Maintaining of reference resources• Optimising of diagnostic procedures• Maintaining of the quality management system• Supervising and evaluating of employeesKey Achievements:• Detected and identified insects, mites, and nematodes involving:o Application of correct extraction methodso Preparation of insects, mites, and nematodes for identificationo Identification of nematodes up to genus levelo Consultation with taxonomists for species identification of nematodes• Took on the responsibility to assist in the under-staffed Entomology Department during training of new personnel. I assisted at the sample reception desk. I also utilised my skills in Microsoft Access to efficiently and effectively capture new samples and uploading to the database before distributing to the respective departments. Show less

Masters Of Science, Nematology

Bachelor Of Science - Bsc, Nematology, With Honours

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Nematology And Entomology

Biology, General