I take samples of bulk raw materials and manufactured materials to confirm that they meet specific requirements. I use routine chemistry and microbiology techniques to ensure that they meet the customer’s specifications. The tests and equipment that I use according to laboratory procedures include pH, conductivity, FTIR, titrations, KF, and UV. According to procedure, I also analyze water samples from the plant. The data that is collected from testing the raw materials and final products is entered into SAP. I also perform daily calibrations of lab equipment.

At Sherwin-Williams, my Commercialization group was in the process of changing the current Valspar formulas into Sherwin-Williams formulas by changing the order of addition and some raw materials. After the paint was complete, I tested it using various methods to make sure that it meets specifications. The testing that I documented included checking the viscosity, pH, weight per gallon, and checking the tint strength. When the formula was perfected, I completed performance testing using our prototype against the control. Performance testing includes scrubs, washability, wet adhesion, burnishing, and more. As per company policy, I was scale-up certified, which means that I could make a large batch of paint akin to what our plants make. I also followed daily safety protocols and maintained a clean work area.

I answered incoming phone calls for the small local business. They were a very small electronics manufacturer, so I helped to populate the printed circuit boards with through-hole parts, like diodes, resistors, ferrite beads, amongst many others. When the products were completed, I helped pack them, ship them to the client and handled incoming packages. In the office, I used QuickBooks to create and manage invoices and purchase orders as well as printing biweekly payroll checks.

I worked with quotes from the clients and changed the formatting to be what TT Electronics needed for the rest of the quoting group, like Materials, Labor, and Costing. I used programs that converted PDF files into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets at times. I also kept the filing cabinets neat and organized and archived old files.

I performed the daily tasks of caring for the Congo Expedition animals, which included gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, red river hogs, okapi, and duiker. I also helped prepare the diets and supplements twice a day and provided enrichment as needed.

I completed the exams of incoming native Ohio wildlife that were sometimes injured. I also prepared the diets and administered medications to both the permanent residents and animals being rehabilitated. As needed, I would go on rescues and release animals that were successfully rehabilitated. I also answered questions from visitors and assisted with education programs.

I rotated between the many facets of this organization like restoration ecology and animal management. With restoration ecology, I removed invasive species, like Autumn Olive. With animal management, I helped with the daily husbandry of their exotic animals, mostly endangered species, like cheetah, two species of rhino, many species of deer, zebra, amongst so many more. I also conducted a transect bird survey in the newly restored wetlands including other transects in a forest and grassland.