My current position is a Clinical Laboratory Technician at Sinochips Diagnostics, functioning out of Kansas University Medical Center (KUMC). Sinochips is a well funded start-up that I am very excited to be apart of. As my first position out of college, this will be a huge learning opportunity for myself and also serve as a great next step in my scientific career. My current responsibilities are limited as I complete my training, but I expect to widen my role within the company quickly.Currently, I preform RNA extraction, reagent preparation, and sample handling. Furthermore, I am learning first-hand about the science and methods behind the Covid-19 response. The biggest challenge I face I think will be time-management: operating efficiently but with great skill and a focus on quality. All-in-all, this job will push my knowledge and skills of working in a laboratory setting but I am confident that my past experiences at the USDA and KSU will help me succeed.I will be updating this section of my profile as I learn, improve, and expand my role at Sinochips.

While pursing my undergraduate degree in Biology, I had the honor to work for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for three years. My function during this time was that of a Biological Science Aid for the USDA's Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research Unit (HWWGRU). The focus of this unit was to research and provide sources of genetic resistance for a fungal wheat pathogen known as Rust. It was here that I mastered many of my most useful skills while also getting to work with an incredible team. Indeed, the work done by the HWWGRU is very important for many of the Midwest's wheat growers so, naturally, the tasks assigned to me were of considerable responsibility. My responsibilities at the USDA included a variety of assignments with a wide range of application and setting - most often taking place in either the lab or the field. In-lab work included: genetic sampling, running PCR, analyzing genetic mapping populations, keeping a well organized lab-book and notes, maintaining expensive government equipment, and interacting/working with a team of well experienced research leaders. Being well organized and detailed orientated are essential in many labs - the USDA being no different. Furthermore, keeping a positive attitude and sharp focus during extensive lab work certainly contributed to my success in this area. Likewise, my ability to work long hours in harsh field environments was also showcased during my time there. My field duties were carried out exceptionally well as I enjoy working outdoors and am well apt at working long hours. These duties included, but are not limited to, taking highly detailed notes, inspecting and analyzing experimental plots, and operating agricultural equipment. Even still, my role at the USDA taught and honed many important intangibles such as perseverance, self-motivation, reliability, flexibility, understanding, patience, and organization. All-in-all, this was my biggest learning experience to date.

Though my employment with Prairie Stone Landscape was brief (I only worked there for one summer between semesters) I thoroughly enjoyed the work and the company culture. I found the work very fulfilling - as I have always enjoyed working outdoors - and also very satisfying. Landscaping was a surprisingly challenging job - mostly due to the demands of working outside in a Kansas summer - but it was always a pleasure seeing the final result of your craftsmanship. Most of my 'craftsmanship' revolved around yard maintenance: mowing, trimming, leaf removal, weed removal, edging, and cleaning. These tasks are simple enough in your own, personal yard, but satisfying the desires of the customer is another thing. This required excellent listening skills, attention to detail, and the motivation to improve ones' quality of work. Other responsibilities are most often implied in the title of landscaper: stone laying, turf installment, irrigation installment, working knowledge of a suite of machinery, and so on. As a whole, preforming these services taught me the value of hard work. This is indeed a cliche, heard and read by every manager or interviewer, but it is true nonetheless. My take away is this: hard work is not just the effort exerted for a given duration; instead it is the effort exerted to ensure that the job is finished and finished correctly. This is perhaps the most important skill landscaping taught me.

Foxx Equipment Company specializes in all aspects of the beverage dispensing industry. It is an astonishingly diverse and expansive industry that is much more complex than would meet the eye. As my first 'real' (that is to say, taxed) form of employment, this low-key world of liquid dispensing devices came as a real surprise to my high-school self. My employment with Foxx was on a sort of 'as available' basis - meaning I worked in the warehouse during my summer and winter breaks. That being said, I was assigned a fair amount of responsibility and work load within the company. My main task was the manufacture and assembly of various mechanical devices such as liquid or gas regulators; dispensing hoses; dispensing machines; and so on. Doing this in a timely manner required a lot of practice and, to some extent, problem solving. Likewise, being well organized, on-task, and diligent were helpful in getting the job done. Quality assurance was also a part of the job - each assembly or appliance had to be quality control tested. Even still, each product required parts and pieces from around the warehouse - this meant that well composed records were necessary to maintain an adequate inventory. Outside of the assembly process, I was also responsible for packaging and shipping in the warehouse. This was my first real exposure to Standard Operating Procedures and regulations regarding shipping hazardous materials. Overall, this was an excellent experience and I met some very cool and interesting people. I can't emphasize enough how jobs like these contest the notion of a "low skilled job." This term is simply nonsense - many of the duties carried out within the warehouse require a great deal of skill, experience, and expertise. My position as a Warehouse Clerk taught me how to work with efficiency and also gave me a certain level of understanding and appreciation for crafts like this. To this day, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work at Foxx Equipment.