Experience

Guild Associates, Inc

• United States
• Defense & Space
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Research Specialist

  • Oct 2010 - Present

  Currently working on a couple different research projects including the development of bioluminescent reporter phage for biochemical agents and improving the thermal stability of organophosphate decontaminating enzymes. More micro and molecular and extremely interesting, kinda lost the positive marine vibe but the fact that I'm working on improving the decontamination of toxic agents or the ability to detect them, feels great. Currently working on a couple different research projects including the development of bioluminescent reporter phage for biochemical agents and improving the thermal stability of organophosphate decontaminating enzymes. More micro and molecular and extremely interesting, kinda lost the positive marine vibe but the fact that I'm working on improving the decontamination of toxic agents or the ability to detect them, feels great.



National Ocean Service

• Biologist (Environmental Genetics)

  • Apr 2005 - Feb 2010

  I was developing a suite of markers for species identification of various grass shrimp Palaemonetes species utilizing Microsatellites. Responsibilities include sample preparation, DNA and RNA extraction, amplification, generating and analyzing sequence data, cDNA library construction, EST (Expressed Sequence Tag) screening, SAGE (Serial Analysis Gene Expression) library construction, Real-Time PCR, husbandry of several stocks of grass shrimp Palaemonetes species, and maintaining all lab equipment. I instructed graduate students and employees on lab protocols and procedures as well as assisting in their research projects. I have assisted with several marine mammal live capture events from disentanglements to health assessment research projects as an animal handler, sample processor, and chase boat captain. Show less

• Archivist (Marine Forensics)

  • Oct 2002 - Apr 2005

  Responsible for maintaining the archive containing over 20,000 samples and standards used for species identification and population genetics projects. Sample preparation and extraction of DNA from different types of tissues and samples. Maintaining lab equipment, ordering supplies, and organizing the laboratory. Laboratory photographer for specimens and evidence. Research cruise experience assisting with a shark population dispersal project, long lining for sharks in the Atlantic ocean

• Biologist (Biotechnology Program)

  • Apr 1999 - Oct 2002

  Responsible for field collection of samples used in biomarker studies, from grass shrimp, mummichugs, and snails in the local salt marshes to corals from the Florida Keys. Sample preparation for protein analysis using Northern and Western blotting techniques and PAGE gel electrophoresis. PCR, polymerase chain reaction, RFLP, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis.



Lowcounry Earth Force

• Community Action Board Member

  • 2008 - 2010



Medical University of South Carolina

• United States
• Hospitals and Health Care
• 700 & Above Employee

• Research Specialist I

  • May 1998 - Apr 1999

  Responsibilities include high output DNA and sera sample allotyping. We utilize PCR or polymerase chain reaction, and RFLP or restriction fragment length polymorphism, followed by acrylamide gel electrophoresis for out DNA testing. We also performed serological immunoglobulin allotyping using Hemagglutination Inhibition. I am also responsible for training new student workers, ordering supplies, computer entry of data, mixing of stock solutions and maintenance of the laboratory. Responsibilities include high output DNA and sera sample allotyping. We utilize PCR or polymerase chain reaction, and RFLP or restriction fragment length polymorphism, followed by acrylamide gel electrophoresis for out DNA testing. We also performed serological immunoglobulin allotyping using Hemagglutination Inhibition. I am also responsible for training new student workers, ordering supplies, computer entry of data, mixing of stock solutions and maintenance of the laboratory.