Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Leadership & Involvement
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Makenna Hamilton

Biological Science Student At The University Of South Carolina
Ellwood City

Summary

Motivated Biological Sciences student at the University of South Carolina, graduating a year early in May 2026. Aspiring physician assistant with hands-on experience as a Patient Care Technician and undergraduate researcher in the Biomedical and Drug Discovery Department. Strong foundation in patient care, research methodologies, teamwork, and communication. Passionate about combining science and service to improve patient outcomes.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

Patient Care Technician

UPMC Jameson
04.2025 - Current
  • Provide direct patient care, including bathing, dressing, feeding, repositioning, and vital sign monitoring for up to 28 patients on the Cardiac Floor.
  • Assist with medical equipment and procedures, including catheters, EKG leads, and wound care, under nursing supervision.
  • Respond promptly to Rapid Response Team activations, supporting critical care interventions as needed.
  • Collaborate with nurses, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
  • Ensure a safe and clean patient environment by adhering to infection control protocols.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified – Trained in CPR and emergency response according to American Heart Association guidelines.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

University of South Carolina
08.2024 - Current
  • Conducted biomedical research on brain stimulation techniques for psychiatric disorders.
  • Utilized slicing, staining, and microscopy techniques for sample analysis.
  • Collaborated with faculty researchers, and presented findings at lab meetings.
  • Supported faculty researchers, assisting with experiment design and implementation.
  • Recorded data and maintained source documentation following good documentation practices.

Shift Leader

McDonald's
12.2022 - Current
  • Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
  • Collaborated with other shift leaders to maintain consistent standards across all shifts, promoting a cohesive workplace culture.
  • Enforced company policies and regulations with employees.
  • Resolved customer complaints and issues and offered thoughtful solutions to maintain customer satisfaction.
  • Provided ongoing training for new hires, fostering a positive team atmosphere that encouraged growth and development.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences

University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
05-2026

High School Diploma -

Lincoln High School
Ellwood City, PA
06-2023

Skills

  • Strong focus on accuracy
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Problem Solving Skills
  • Patient services
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Strong work ethic
  • Proficient in lab equipment use
  • Adaptable to changing environments

Leadership & Involvement

Relay For Life, University of South Carolina
Member (Aug 2023 – April 2024), Executive Board Member (April 2024 – Present)

  • Contributed to team fundraising efforts and community events as a general member.
  • Promoted to Executive Board based on leadership and initiative in planning events.
  • Organized campus-wide fundraising campaigns supporting the American Cancer Society.
  • Coordinated logistics and volunteer management for major annual events.

IfYoureReadingThis.org, USC Chapter
Executive Board Member (Nov 2024 – Present)

  • Participated in mental health advocacy events and peer support programs.
  • Advanced to Executive Board to lead initiatives in outreach, programming, and social media strategy.
  • Spearheaded mental health awareness campaigns and campus engagement projects.

Alpha Gamma Delta International Fraternity
Member (Aug 2023 – Jan 2025)

  • Participated in philanthropy events and sisterhood programming focused on women’s empowerment and academic excellence.
  • Supported community service initiatives and campus involvement efforts.

Women in Healthcare Organization
Member (Aug 2024 – Present)

  • Engaged in networking events and speaker series focused on advancing women in medical and healthcare professions.
  • Collaborated with peers on workshops and mentorship activities promoting career development.

Biological Science Club 

Founding Member & Executive Board Member (Jan 2025 – Present)

  • Played a key role in launching the organization to support biology students through academic, research, and career-focused programming.
  • Led the development of club structure, event planning, and faculty collaboration from the ground up.
  • Organized speaker events, mentorship initiatives, and outreach to grow student participation.


Accomplishments

  • 3× Hoyt Foundation Scholarship Recipient – Awarded for academic merit and community involvement ((2023, 2024, & 2025)
  • 4× Ellwood City Health Foundation Scholarship Recipient – Recognized for commitment to healthcare-related studies (2023, 2024, & 2025)
  • 4× Lois Macaluso Scholarship Recipient – Ongoing award for academic excellence (2023, 2024, & 2025)
  • Westinghouse Science Lecture Series Certification Award – Completion of advanced science enrichment program (Year)
  • Personally raised $1,000+ for the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life (2024 & 2025)
  • Employee of the Month, McDonald’s – Recognized for outstanding customer service and teamwork

Timeline

Patient Care Technician

UPMC Jameson
04.2025 - Current

Undergraduate Research Assistant

University of South Carolina
08.2024 - Current

Shift Leader

McDonald's
12.2022 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences

University of South Carolina

High School Diploma -

Lincoln High School

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Makenna HamiltonBiological Science Student At The University Of South Carolina