R&D Lead Crop Specialist

• Sep 2022 - Present

Research Associate III

• Mar 2022 - Sep 2022

At Plenty, I collaborated with other departments including Engineering, Data Science, Operations, and Project Management to manage trials from initiation to completion. During trials, I monitored, collected, analyzed, and reported on experimental data regularly. I also supervised lab technicians to assist in data collection. In this role, reviewing literature and recent discoveries relevant to controlled environment agriculture and conceptualizing how they can benefit Plenty was vital to reaching company goals. I also developed new research and operations Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), while updating SOPs based on research findings and industry standards. I trained and kept colleagues up to date on new protocols. Show less

Controlled Environment Agriculture Lab Technician

• Sep 2019 - Dec 2021

Research work at the University of Florida in commercial greenhouses and nurseries by gathering data and collecting and documenting results in technical reports. I performed a variety of standard laboratory and greenhouse tests and analyses, such as soil testing and measurements of plant growth. I operated and maintained laboratory equipment, including pH, electrical conductivity, data loggers, and sensors. I worked as part of a team of undergraduate student assistants, graduate students, and other staff. I conducted plant care, including irrigation and fertilization, sanitation, pest monitoring, and pesticide application. I was also responsible for greenhouse, growth chamber, and indoor grow room maintenance and renovation. Show less

Greenhouse associate

• Jan 2019 - Sep 2019

I performed daily crop maintenance of medicinal cannabis plants, harvest preparation, and trimming. I was responsible for crop rotation, planting, stock plant maintenance, and ensuring the cleanliness of the production area. I performed daily crop maintenance of medicinal cannabis plants, harvest preparation, and trimming. I was responsible for crop rotation, planting, stock plant maintenance, and ensuring the cleanliness of the production area.

Laboratory Technician

• Apr 2016 - Aug 2018

I assisted all graduate students in conducting primary research. This included culturing various species of fungi on agar plates or water plugs, and independently conducting DNA extractions and PCR analysis. I also worked independently on my own research project which focused on describing and genotyping new species of fungi. I assisted all graduate students in conducting primary research. This included culturing various species of fungi on agar plates or water plugs, and independently conducting DNA extractions and PCR analysis. I also worked independently on my own research project which focused on describing and genotyping new species of fungi.

Farm Hand

• Aug 2016 - Apr 2017

I worked in the field learning all aspects of food production and networking with community organizations and industry partners. Fieldwork responsibilities included field preparation, planting, fertilizing, and installing irrigation lines. I lead the harvesting process with included washing, packaging, and delivering produce to local food pantries. I worked in the field learning all aspects of food production and networking with community organizations and industry partners. Fieldwork responsibilities included field preparation, planting, fertilizing, and installing irrigation lines. I lead the harvesting process with included washing, packaging, and delivering produce to local food pantries.