Miranda Burke Email and Phone Number

I have been contracted for two research assistant positions within the Plant and Soil Ecology research group at Lancaster University. These roles were assisting the experimental work for three projects. The techniques that were required included the processing of UK and international soil samples: Milling, seiving, and weighing before performing digestive extractions. I conducted total phosphorus, organic phosphorus and ammonium and nitrate digestive extractions. These samples were then run using an automated segmented flow analyser. Additionally, I was also responsible for processing and running of soil samples for carbon quantification on a carbon analyser, including using acid fumigation leaving water soluable carbon. I was responsible for processing international soil samples for particle size analysis which required digestion to remove organic material and use of particle size analyser.

Can we reduce food waste in the supply chain from fark to fork? I use attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to identify important chemical biomarkers in the spoilage of popular fruit crops inlcuding tomatoes and peppers. This project aims to contribute to applied techniques for supply chain management for efficiency and improving environmental impact by reducing food waste in the supply chain pre-farmgate.

Teaching undergraduate students in the fields of environmental sciences and biological sciences. This generally involves assisting in laboratory demonstrations and experiments, classroom based activities and the marking of assessments. I aim to drive critical thought, active participation and aid in student understanding of the module and session core teaching points. I have taught in a wide variety of different modules and year groups.

As part of the Commercialisation of Research from Social Sciences (CRoSS) initiative and the Engagement Academy Development Programme (EADP). My role was to work with a Lancaster University social sciences academic, providing guidance and help in developing their business project. This work required creating a business plan and devising methods for developing their business and making it a viable, profitable and primarily a tool for contributing to society. I provided guidance in creating a social media presence and its successful management and promotion going forward. I also provided records for future business contacts, advised on their business running and provided avenues for alternative funding.

Working within a new government department, liaising between government departments discussing and scrutinising their existing evaluation methodology for the purpose of analysing the effectiveness of existing and new polices. Preparing departments for the annual spending review, preparing business cases, researching existing evaluation and their accessibility. Investigating transparency of government evaluations and their associated documentation.

General retail worker, shop floor duties including stock management, customer service, due diligence, food service counters. This required attention to strict compliance regulations, excellent communication skills, with partners and customers and the ability to learn new technical and business skills quickly and to a high standard

Working with three research projects. The first with bumblebees, Bombus terrestris; this involved working after dark, collecting data from up to 50 colonies, identifying and counting the different components of the nests whilst working with unpredictable live bees. This also involved collecting daytime foraging data. The second and third projects were with European Honey Bees, Apis mellifera, investigating into the social communication and cognition. This involved training the bees to forage at manmade feeders, marking the individual bees and collecting data, including taking samples for genetic assays.

A panel of students who represent the cohort, researching opinion of the student body regarding services, processes and opportunities which are available to students throughout their student experience. This involves collecting opinion and voices these within large meeting groups with the panel and members of staff.

Research project investigating the engagement of students within the university and what methods, structures and processes the university and staff has in place to promote and encourage engagement, The research was carried out through methods including interviews, surveys, investigating written documentation and working groups with students, staff and academics. A formal report was produced which demonstrated the findings and recommendations in accordance with the Quality Assurance Agency for higher education. These best practice recommendations are now being used by the board of directors and actioned throughout the University.

Moderating content on personals websites, maintaining security for customers and safe usage of the sites. Working quickly to targets, customer service and sales were also secondary roles within the job.

Creating new telecommunications business, working directly with consumer and business customers. Multiple roles within the company throughout my employment, this included; Sales and Customer Service Representative, Retention Representative and I also had temporary supervisory roles including; Sales Coach, Training and Cover Management roles. High pressure, target and sales based roles with direct customer contact.