Experience

Priority One Services

• Biotechnology Research
• 100 - 200 Employee

• NEI Research Specialist

  • Jul 2021 - Jun 2023

  Bethesda, Maryland, United States Mouse colony management with the NEI Veterinary Research and Resources Section (VRRS), specializing in gnotobiotics. Performed general animal husbandry procedures for gnotobiotic mice maintained inside sterile flexible-film isolators, as well as setting up breeding pairs, taking ear punches for identification and genotyping, and collecting fecal samples. Responsible for daily operations and management of gnotobiotic isolators, including inventory of supplies, isolator maintenance, and… Show more Mouse colony management with the NEI Veterinary Research and Resources Section (VRRS), specializing in gnotobiotics. Performed general animal husbandry procedures for gnotobiotic mice maintained inside sterile flexible-film isolators, as well as setting up breeding pairs, taking ear punches for identification and genotyping, and collecting fecal samples. Responsible for daily operations and management of gnotobiotic isolators, including inventory of supplies, isolator maintenance, and autoclaving of supply cylinders. Planned isolator openings, mouse movements between isolators, supply replenishment, and deliveries of mice and samples, dependent on needs of the colony and investigators’ experimental schedules. Served as primary health tech for all gnotobiotic animals, reporting directly to facility veterinarian. Maintained up-to-date colony information in SoftMouse for both gnotobiotic and conventionally housed mice, and utilized this data to advise on colony management for 10-12 investigators. Performed tail biopsies, ear tagging, timed matings, and hormone injections for lines in need of cryopreservation.

• Research Support Specialist - Behavior

  • Sep 2020 - Jul 2021

  Bethesda, MD Promoted the welfare of NIH DVR animals by providing opportunities to engage in species-typical behaviors with environmental enrichment, positive reinforcement training, and other refinement strategies. Performed regular behavioral monitoring of NHPs to document and analyze abnormal behaviors and assess effectiveness of interventions. Managed social housing introductions for NHPs, pigs, and rabbits. Coordinated with husbandry, veterinarians, vet techs, facility staff, and PIs to ensure… Show more Promoted the welfare of NIH DVR animals by providing opportunities to engage in species-typical behaviors with environmental enrichment, positive reinforcement training, and other refinement strategies. Performed regular behavioral monitoring of NHPs to document and analyze abnormal behaviors and assess effectiveness of interventions. Managed social housing introductions for NHPs, pigs, and rabbits. Coordinated with husbandry, veterinarians, vet techs, facility staff, and PIs to ensure quality of care for each animal. Updated and maintained social and behavioral database entries. Kept informed of current research and advancements in laboratory animal welfare.

• Animal Care Technician II

  • Jan 2020 - Sep 2020

  Bethesda, MD NIH DVR - Small Animal Group Interfaced with colony manager and animal users as primary caretaker for a colony of ~3000 mice, including knockout and transgenic lines. Performed daily animal observations and reported any health or behavior concerns to vet techs. Provided food, water, and clean caging to animals following NIH SOPs. Assisted with the restraint, handling, and manipulation of mice, rats, and rabbits. Received, examined, and properly housed incoming animal… Show more NIH DVR - Small Animal Group Interfaced with colony manager and animal users as primary caretaker for a colony of ~3000 mice, including knockout and transgenic lines. Performed daily animal observations and reported any health or behavior concerns to vet techs. Provided food, water, and clean caging to animals following NIH SOPs. Assisted with the restraint, handling, and manipulation of mice, rats, and rabbits. Received, examined, and properly housed incoming animal shipments. Maintained a daily/weekly animal census in assigned animal rooms, as well as appropriate logs, forms and cage card information. Followed SOPs, safety procedures, and quality assurance guidelines for animal care at BSL-1 and BSL-2+.



Chuy's Restaurants

• United States
• Restaurants
• 1 - 100 Employee

• To go, Host, Expo

  • May 2017 - Mar 2020

  Rockville, Maryland, United States Answered all customer questions over the phone, packaged orders, ensured accuracy. Served as primary point of contact between kitchen and front-of-house staff. Monitored status of orders and ticket times. Confirmed correct preparation of special requests. Maintained presentation standards and visual appeal of every dish. Restaurant closed as a result of COVID-19.



SoBran BioScience

• United States
• Biotechnology Research
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Animal Care Technician II

  • Aug 2018 - Jan 2020

  Bethesda, Maryland, United States NIH DVR - Small Animal Group (contract changed to Priority One Services starting January 1, 2020)



Smithsonian National Zoological Park

• Volunteer Keeper Aide

  • Aug 2017 - Jul 2018

  Small Mammal House Assisted with diet prep for 35+ species. Cleaned exhibits and holding areas on a regular schedule. Created appropriate enrichment for all species in the collection. Observed and documented animal behavior during introductions of new animals. Answered questions from guests about species in collection.



Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Kitchen Assistant

  • Jun 2016 - Jul 2016

  Camp Crossed Arrows, Floral, AR Prepared meals for up to 120 campers/staff. Organized and maintained kitchen, dining hall, and food storage areas. Assembled ingredients for group cookouts. Led campers in weekly cooking classes.



Pilot Flying J

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Sandwich Artist

  • Sep 2014 - May 2016

  Russellville, AR Overnight shift lead. Responsibilities included food preparation, ensuring sanitation standards, receiving weekly deliveries and confirming with invoices, operating POS system, taking orders both in person and over the phone.



Lake Dardanelle State Park

• Aquarist intern

  • May 2011 - Aug 2011

  Russellville, AR Aided aquarist with husbandry duties for visitor center's aquariums featuring native fish from the lake, the Arkansas River, and its tributaries, as well as native snake and turtle species. Assisted in holding and release of bass after weigh-in at fishing tournaments.