Stephen Gift Email & Phone Number

Tigard, Or

-Organized daily batches of extractions of soil, water, and solid samples in coordination with analysts and other extractions technicians to ensure a smooth workflow and optimized instrument runtimes and sample turnaround time.-Perform EPA method 3546 microwave extractions on soil and solid samples as well as silica gel slurry, silica gel column, sulfuric acid, florisil slurry, and copper sample clean-up methods. (Analytes include: Diesel range organics, oil range organics, PAHs… Show more -Organized daily batches of extractions of soil, water, and solid samples in coordination with analysts and other extractions technicians to ensure a smooth workflow and optimized instrument runtimes and sample turnaround time.-Perform EPA method 3546 microwave extractions on soil and solid samples as well as silica gel slurry, silica gel column, sulfuric acid, florisil slurry, and copper sample clean-up methods. (Analytes include: Diesel range organics, oil range organics, PAHs, pesticides, and other case-specific organics)-Performed EPA method 3510C separatory funnel liquid-liquid extractions on water samples as well as silica gel slurry, and silica gel column clean-up methods. (Analytes include: Diesel range organics and oil range organics)-Accurately transfer and vial concentrated sample extracts using pipettes, syringes and volumetric flasks down to 1 mL.-Organized and clean lab glassware and equipment throughout the day to ensure a smooth transition between batch preparation and extractions-Processed daily and evening rush samples in batch sizes that range from 12 to 24 (Including LCS, MB, Duplicates, MS, and replicates of necessary control samples)—often extracting multiple batches at once with the highest being around 50 samples working with another extractions technician.-Performed dry weight analysis on soil samples using overnight drying or same-day infrared drying to determine percent dry weight.-Used Element LIMS software to create and maintain bench sheets of all batches of extractions performed as well as review them for correct reagent lots, data entry, signatories, clarity, QC compliance, and completeness-Created sequences for fuel sample extracts on 4 GC/FID instruments each night to process the 24 - 150 daily fuel extracts after running CCVs and initial QC and verifying the validity of the current calibration curve while performing essential maintenance with analyst guidance (syringe replacement and reporting diagnostics). Show less

Forest Grove, Or

Worked with a team of undergraduate researchers under the supervision of Dr. Julie Layshock to carry out research extracting industrially significant phthalates and bisphenols as well as total copper from water, sediment, and vegetation samples were taken from a constructed wetland used for wastewater treatment in order to determine the environmental fate of the compounds.Responsibilities and tasks included:-Method validation of predetermined literature methods-QA/QC… Show more Worked with a team of undergraduate researchers under the supervision of Dr. Julie Layshock to carry out research extracting industrially significant phthalates and bisphenols as well as total copper from water, sediment, and vegetation samples were taken from a constructed wetland used for wastewater treatment in order to determine the environmental fate of the compounds.Responsibilities and tasks included:-Method validation of predetermined literature methods-QA/QC implementation using field, method, and solvent blanks as well as a variety of matrix spikes and laboratory control samples using clean proxies-Sampling logistical planning-Experimentation with elution solvent schemes-Environmental sample preservation and storage-Extraction of phthalates and bisphenols using sonication and solid phase extraction-Analysis of bisphenols on HPLC/UV-Vis and phthalates on GC/MS-EPA method 200.7 extractions of copper from environmental samples followed by analysis using an ICP/AES-Trouble-shot method deficiencies by devising experiments to isolate sources of error to later rework in order to improve extraction efficiencies-Presented results and progress to lab mates and supervisor on a weekly basis using powerpoint-Reported and managed data for review and reporting in online drives using excel, sigma plot, powerpoint, and word Show less

Forest Grove, Or

Performed method confirmation and optimization tests on prepared methods for testing freshwater samples for glyphosate and total trihalomethanes. Methods included the application of reagents, working with pipettors, magnetized tube racks, and a photo-spectrometer.Was responsible for contact with a community committee from the town of Rockaway Beach to coordinate sample site planning and collection.Was responsible for lab upkeep and organization as well as monitoring stock and… Show more Performed method confirmation and optimization tests on prepared methods for testing freshwater samples for glyphosate and total trihalomethanes. Methods included the application of reagents, working with pipettors, magnetized tube racks, and a photo-spectrometer.Was responsible for contact with a community committee from the town of Rockaway Beach to coordinate sample site planning and collection.Was responsible for lab upkeep and organization as well as monitoring stock and orders of relevant reagents and supplies for the two types of analysis.Held weekly meetings with an academic supervisor about progress, problems, and communications from the committee from Rockaway Beach. Show less

Bachelor'S Degree, Environmental Science, 3.787

Activities and Societies: El Centro Bilingual Math and Science Tutor, Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, Cross Country, Track & Field.

High School Diploma, 4.00 (Unweighted) / 4.33 (Weighted)

Activities and Societies: National Honor Society, Cross Country, Track and Field, Symphonic Band, and Musical Theatre