Experience

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  SoDak Labs, Inc.

  • United States
  • Biotechnology Research
  • 1 - 100 Employee

  • Research Coordinator

    • Jan 2024 - Present

  • Equipment Monitoring and Calibration Coordinator

    • Jan 2023 - Present

  • Genetics Laboratory Technologist

    • May 2021 - Present

    Lead, organized and maintained electrophoresis analysis, determining accurate and diagnostic results of maize hybridity and purity. ELISA trait-purity and lateral flow strip Adventitious Presence testing for a variety of genetic traits, allergens, and toxins. Fully trained in seed health assays utilizing ELISA, RT-PCR, blotter, and dilution plating techniques. Performed method development, including inventory, SOP, and equipment monitoring documentation and validation for seed health. Additionally, lead my organization to NSHS accreditation. Performed laboratory "LEAN" to streamline and simplify methods across protein and DNA methods. Conducted relevant equipment maintenance and attendant documentation, and provide quality assurance verifying up to date, accurate documents for SOP as well as compliance throughout laboratory. Responsible for student training and organization. Also responsible for laboratory equipment monitoring and calibration documentation and maintainence.

• 

  Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge

  • Brookings, South Dakota, United States

  • Lead Waitress

    • May 2020 - Feb 2022
    • Brookings, South Dakota, United States

• 

  SGS

  • Switzerland
  • Professional Services
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Analytical Scientist

    • Jul 2020 - Jun 2021

    Responsible for managing all pipette calibrations, maintenance, and repair. Fully trained in the use of Deeter Protein analysis spectroscopy for detection and quantification of total protein content, as well as ADF and NDF (Acid/Neutral Detergent Fiber) digests, amino acid analysis and quantification using HPLC and reduction extraction methods, and various other analytical methods, including titrations and proximates assays.

  • Seed Protein Technologist

    • Jul 2019 - Sep 2020

    ELISA trait-purity and lateral flow strip Adventitious Presence testing for a variety of genetic traits, allergens, and toxins. Fully trained in seed health assays utilizing ELISA, and quantification via spectrometry. Experienced with DNA extraction and PCR for GMO testing. Conducted relevant equipment maintenance and attendant documentation

• 

  South Dakota State University

  • United States
  • Higher Education
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Graduate Research Assistant

    • May 2018 - Aug 2019

    Dr. Adam Varenhorst, Advisor. M.S. Thesis: “Pollinators in South Dakota: A deeper look into species composition and influence on sunflower yield”. o Insect identification o Designing and implement small-plot field crop experiments o Supervising, training and managing hourly employees o South Dakota insecticide applicators license; endorsements to apply herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides; endorsements for demo and research pest control o Statistical analysis, interpretation of dat

  • Undergraduate Research Fellow

    • May 2016 - May 2018

    Dr. Kelly Tillmon, Advisor. Research Project: Determining aphid resistance in Glycine max, Brookings County. Skills developed: o Understanding of the scientific method o Insect collection and curating o Understanding of scientific protocol o Interpersonal communication

  • Biological Science Technician Assistant

    • May 2015 - May 2018

• 

  Ecdysis, LLC. Blue Dasher Farm

  • Estelline, SD

  • Biologicial Technician- Summer Intern

    • May 2017 - Sep 2017
    • Estelline, SD

    Dr. Jon Lundgren, Advisor. Research Projects: Honey Bee Health, No-Till on the Plains, Thiamethoxam seed treatments reduce foliar predator and pollinator populations in sunflowers (helianthus annuus), and extra-floral nectaries as a route of exposure for seed treatmets to affect the predator, Coleomegilla maculata (coleoptera: coccinnellidae), Predicting both obvious and obscure effects of pesticides on bees. o Insect identification o Data documentation o Propagation of various plants o Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy o Hive pathology identification o Collection and identification of field, hive, and soil insects o Maintaining time sensitive schedules o Maintaining Lady Beetle, Monarch, and Skipper colonies o Various farm operations - Garden trellis, Chicken care, and Sheep care