Environmental scientist at a premier environmental lab in Illinois, specializing in technical analysis of soil, water, and other miscellaneous samples, ensuring accurate and efficient assessment of environmental quality. Brings expertise in state-of-the-art laboratory techniques and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards in environmental analysis.• Execute organic preparation techniques to enhance concentration of samples for the ultra-trace analysis of pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and other semi-volatile compounds. • Select and prioritize environmental samples for daily testing based on client and colleague needs, documenting them in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), where notations are made, and data collection occurs.• Utilize laboratory equipment such as class A precision volumetric glassware, hot blocks, soil extraction cells, Boekel water baths, top pan balances, Soxhlet extractors, pipettes, Pensky Martens Apparatus (flashpoint) and more. • Systematically organize environmental samples according to the chain of custody to ensure the samples are stored in the correct location at the appropriate temperature to maintain compliance with EPA standards.• Prepare water and soil samples for organic compound concentration using rigorous methods.• Process environmental samples to analyze and report on the concentration of oil and grease content.• Implement quality control measures for each sample set as well as other relevant laboratory procedures.• Adhere to good laboratory practices such as safe operation of fume hoods and management of hazardous materials and chemicals such as bases, acids, and solvents.

Experienced water analysis technician with specialized expertise in water chemistry. Consistently delivered accurate and reliable results to customers who were seeking comprehensive water quality assessments and product recommendations. • Used specialized equipment to measure and analyze various factors that affect water quality and sanitation such as total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium hardness, pH, Alkalinity, chlorine or bromine, and cyanuric acid levels. • Performed water analysis tests on swimming pool water samples to ensure water safety and quality standards and confirm that all key parameters of pool water balance were in the ideal range. Offered advice and guidance to clients in the form of product recommendations as well as equipment settings and maintenance when key parameters were not within the ideal range chemically or if there were visible issues such as algae or water mold infestation.• Collaborated with colleagues and vendors to implement corrective measures in special cases of water chemistry and pool maintenance issues. • Maintained accurate records of test results, chemical usage, and any additional actions taken to address water quality or sanitation issues.

Engaged in a transformative internship at the Morton Arboretum, actively participating in ecological research and honing skills in plant identification and conservation. Contributed to environmental initiatives, gaining practical experience in a dynamic botanical setting.• Prepared delicate botanical specimens for preservation by carefully pressing, drying, and mounting them on museum grade herbarium stationary, demonstrating attention to detail and maintaining the integrity of the specimens. • Digitized specimens for the online database with the use of Adobe Lightroom and EOS utility. • Accessioned and logged in specimen then databased the individual specimens using the BRAHMS system. • Organized and filed botanical specimen based on their taxonomy. • Engaged in field work through the planting of the Burr Oak research plot as well as collection of botanical samples on the grounds of the Arboretum. • Engaged in educational opportunities by enrolling in online courses offered through the Arboretum to expand my knowledge on subjects such as forest ecology, plant identification, and poisonous plants.

Conducted undergraduate research within the biology department, investigating bacterial inhibition strategies and disease/fungal transmission. Explored the interplay between microbial interactions and disease pathways, contributing valuable insights to the field of bacterial/fungal pathogenesis.• Conducted research on fungal infections in planktonic crustaceans, specifically Daphnia, investigating the impact of invasive mussels on the filtration of fungal spores and its subsequent influence on infection rates. • Performed experiments to assess the inhibitory effects of extracts from Maclura pomifera, the Osage orange, on bacterial growth, focusing on strains such as E. coli, S. aureus, MRSA, etc.

• Assisted with preparation of materials for student labs, laboratory cleanliness and organization, and ensured that all materials, equipment, and supplies were available for students and instructors. • Acquired hands-on experience employing aseptic technique, utilization of an autoclave, and operation of pH meters, incubators, water baths, spectrophotometers, and other various laboratory equipment. • Prepared and sterilized laboratory equipment, glassware, and instruments while following established protocols and procedures. • Prepared solutions, reagents, a variety of agar media plates, and conducted calibration on all necessary laboratory equipment.• Maintained and managed inventory for various laboratories within the biology department on a weekly basis, communicating to the program administrator if materials needed to be ordered and if any laboratories needed further maintenance. • Drafted protocols and standard operating procedures for development of laboratory media.