- Conduct whole genome and amplicon sequencing using long and short-read sequencers (Illumina - Miseq & Nextseq1000 and Oxford Nanopore).- Perform DNA/RNA extraction, library synthesis, and preparation.- Execute gene expression analysis through RT-qPCR and RNA-seq.- Utilize automated liquid handlers - Beckman Biomek FXP, Labcyte Echo 525, Hamilton STAR V, Integra viaflo- Involvement in the automation of qPCR assay setup and execution through development of a robotic work cell

- Verification of product efficacy through various greenhouse/grow room assays- Custom PLC grow chamber automation- Genomic DNA extraction and qPCR

- Excelled at adapting to the changing dynamics of a research & development site by continually accepting more responsibility- Led day-to-day operations ensuring tasks are executed according to specAdditional responsibilities included:- New Product Development research (cultivar selection, growth monitoring and optimization, etc.)- CEA grow systems maintenance

Mastered all aspects of day-to-day operations at a highly automated, vertical, hydroponic farm with strict food safety standards (SQF, GAP, GMP, HACCP, etc.)

Managed every aspect of the small farm business, including but not limited to: - Coordinating with chefs to develop diversified and highly seasonal crop plans- Bi-weekly field walks to assess crop health & availability- Maintenance and development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and plant disease programs • Development and implementation of sanitation SOPs- Assessment of soil health and nutrient profile; subsequent adaptation of amendment plan- Advertising and oversight of the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and website/ online ordering system- Hiring of farm crew- Tractor field work and mechanical maintenance- General farm maintenance: plumbing/irrigation/water tank issues, implemented pond aeration & beneficial bacteria to reduce algae pressure on the irrigation/filter system- Accounting & budgeting using Quickbooks- Delegated/supervised/participated in daily farm duties (propagation, weeding, harvesting, etc.)

Took a lead role in a wide variety of on-farm tasks under supervision of the Farm Manager including, but not limited to: Seeding, greenhouse propagation, transplanting, weeding, irrigation, harvest/ storage/packaging, and delivering of produce. Aided in miscellaneous farm tasks including: irrigation upkeep, maintenance/monitoring of soil/plant health, building and insulating a custom walk-in cooler utilizing a Cool Bot & A/C unit, tractor field work in addition to mechanical upkeep & repair, etcCrops ranged from mixed lettuces/baby greens, strawberries, tomatoes, eggplant, summer squash, winter squash, herbs, cut-flowers, and more.

Aided post-doctoral and doctoral-candidate researchers with the design and implementation of their respective experiments surrounding the Rhizosphere Priming Effect (RPE) - assessing the microbial activity and subsequent decomposition of soil organic matter and resulting C/N nutrient cycling. Performed in-situ sampling at Konza Prairie to asses microbial biomass and activity, with C isotope analysis in the KSU Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometry Lab.Concurrently conducted an independent thesis research project and received the Dean's Undergraduate Research Award. Utilized resources at KSU, Konza Prairie Biological station, and the UCSC Soil Ecology lab to determine how animal behavioral patterns and burn frequency effect soil properties, plant species composition, and as a result C/N cycling in grassland prairies.

Built a chicken coop from reclaimed lumber and raised 12 chickens from hatchlings. Sold the eggs to local customers.

Habitat restoration, seed collection, invasive species control, research into aiding rehabilitation of native flora/fauna

-Learned culinary skills in a fast-paced environment while working with Certified Organic foods-Worked with Certified Organic Prepared Foods-Customer service experience in a high-stress environment (Prepped Foods Deli/Sandwich Counter)