Dedicated and detail-oriented laboratory technician with two years of professional experience in the plant industry. Proficient in molecular biology techniques, sample management, data organization, and record-keeping.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Plant Industry Laboratory Technician, Plant Pathology
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Harrisburg, PA
03.2025 - Current
Contact growers and organize / conduct field work for bureau-specific surveys
Log in plant, soil, and water samples in department and bureau data files
Keep records and maintain database results for plant inspectors and bureau programs
Inspect and test plant samples submitted to the lab for plant pathogens
Participate in proficiency tests provided by APHIS USDA to perform nucleic acid extractions, real-time PCR, and conventional PCR for regulatory samples
Plate cultures for bacterial isolation
Organize samples and clean PCR product using ExoSAP prior to submitting for sequencing
Prepare reagents, media, and solutions to use for laboratory testing and analysis
Use Geneious Prime software to analyze raw sequence data from sequencing plates
Use ArcGIS to make maps of survey locations for official reports
Train and organize work for laboratory assistants
Research Assistant, PA Department of Agriculture, Plant Pathology
Pennsylvania State University
Harrisburg, PA
01.2025 - 03.2025
Extracted DNA from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's phytophthora culture collection
Performed conventional PCR on extracted DNA for quality control
Cleaned PCR product using ExoSAP to be sent out for sequencing
Used Geneious DNA software to analyze raw sequence data from sequencing
Laboratory Assistant, Plant Pathology
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Harrisburg, PA
05.2024 - 01.2025
Performed field surveys to detect and prevent introduction of exotic plant pathogens in Pennsylvania
Received, logged, and processed plant, water, and soil samples for detection of plant pathogens
Received professional certificate from APHIS USDA and performed DNA extractions and real-time PCR analysis for regulated plant pathogens such as Phytophthora ramorum
Performed ELISA immunostrip, conventional PCR, and gel electrophoresis testing
Applied microbial isolations, culturing, and other aseptic techniques
Performed lab inventory and general lab maintenance tasks
Processing Analyst
Eurofins Built Environment Testing
Marlton, NJ
03.2023 - 03.2024
Logged, processed, and analyzed samples for bacteria (HPC SimPlate, Total Coliform / E. Coli)
Performed bacterial and fungal isolations and maintained reference cultures
Performed real-time PCR
Performed data records and reports in LIMs
Performed lab maintenance lab inventory
Sample Receiving Technician
Eurofins Built Environment Testing
Marlton, NJ
01.2023 - 03.2023
Verified incoming environmental sample integrity, ensuring proper preservation, containerization, and adherence to chain-of-custody protocols
Logged and processed incoming samples into sample database
Used LIMs for data records
Biology Research Assistant
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA
08.2021 - 12.2022
Conducted field research to gather hydra from aquatic environments in South Central Pennsylvania
Oversaw maintenance and care of hydra colonies within laboratory environment
Utilized microscopy, DNA extraction, PCR analysis, sequencing, and BLAST to identify hydra species
Delivered research findings at Pennsylvania Academy of Science
Animal Care Technician
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA
05.2022 - 12.2022
Prepared brine shrimp to support the dietary needs of hydra species for research and instructional purposes
Prepared hydra medium to optimize habitat conditions
Conducted thorough cleaning of habitats to maintain optimal living conditions for aquatic life including the removal of excess food and algae build up
Campus Tour Guide
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA
05.2022 - 12.2022
Conducted engaging campus tours, showcasing academic programs and facilities to prospective students and families
Trained new tour guides on effective communication techniques and campus knowledge for improved guest experiences
Student Wellness Advocacy Group
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA
08.2021 - 12.2022
Promoted health and well-being for students and faculty on campus by implementing campus wide programs for the school year
Supported school health initiatives by ensuring readily accessible, organized health supplies and OTC medications as needed
Organized events for student organizations, promoting engagement and community involvement
Restaurant Server
Woodstown Diner
Woodstown, NJ
05.2021 - 08.2021
Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs
Performed routine cleaning tasks in dining spaces, ensuring tables were wiped down, trash was collected, and napkin dispensers were fully stocked.
Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest
Managed incoming phone calls and processed takeout orders
Server
Chianti Italian Restaurant
Mullica Hill, NJ
05.2019 - 01.2021
Maintained customer satisfaction by conducting timely table check-ins to evaluate food and beverage needs
Performed routine cleaning in dining areas, ensuring tables were wiped, trash was emptied, and napkin dispensers were fully stocked
Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, helping customers make informed decisions based on taste and interests
Amazon Fulfillment Center Employee
Amazon
Logan Township, NJ
06.2020 - 08.2020
Worked effectively in fast-paced environment
Demonstrated capability to lift and transport loads weighing up to 50 pounds
Executed box scanning to ensure accurate pallet number alignment with corresponding box numbers
Organized and stacked boxes to a height of 70 inches for optimal space utilization.
Applied plastic wrap to pallets to maintain the stability of stacked boxes during storage and transport
Executed tasks requiring sustained standing for five-hour intervals, contributing to overall productivity
Restaurant Hostess
Chianti Italian Restaurant
Mullica Hill, NJ
01.2019 - 01.2020
Welcomed customers upon arrival and facilitated seating arrangements
Managed guest reservations and seating arrangements to optimize table turnover
Answered phone calls and received takeout orders and reservation inquiries
Arranged and delivered an array of desserts to patrons, ensuring timely service and satisfaction
Assisted servers and food runners in maintaining an inviting and organized dining environment