Los Angeles, California, United States
I am a second-year PhD student at the University of Southern California studying geomicrobiology. I work in the Steen lab studying extracellular enzymes in polar regions interacting with their environment and its consequences on the biogeochemical cycling of carbon. My research spans into computational science, various laboratory methods, and field sampling in both marine and terrestrial settings.
Performed regular operation and maintenance of a Q-ICP-MS and chemical preparation of samples for assessing mineral content (i.e. Mg, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) and trace heavy metals (i.e. As, Cd, Hg, Pb) of raw materials and finished products. Completed daily quality-control methods that include wet chemistry (e.g. titrations, USP identification tests) and instrumental analysis (e.g. UPLC quantification of vitamins). Additionally, reviewed analysts' work for Good Documentation Practices and result verification.
Organized and administered staff training to over 50 employees by oral presentation, ensuring that supervisors are prepared to manage a classroom and other staff are performing to program expectations. Implemented an effective communication system among 8 subgroups by requiring all staff to use Google Hangouts, leading to timely transfer of information and rapid resolution to rising issues. Advised academic staff through circulating, observing, and providing detailed evaluations of their performance, allowing staff members to improve their performance and professional skills.
Tutored students in numerous subjects at a resource center exclusive to JBMSHP alumni. Subjects included math (up to linear algebra), chemistry (up to physical chemistry), and lower division physics. Managed office environment and supplies.
Overlooked an 8-week summer session for Calculus I by collaborating with ASU teaching faculty, managing a tutoring staff of peers, and leading a classroom of excelling high school students. Planned daily homework assignments and created quizzes to evaluate students’ knowledge. Led daily professional learning community (PLC) meetings to address staff and student concerns.
For the fall semester, led laboratory sections for general chemistry students that involved briefing them on the experiment, enforcing safety protocols, and provoking scientific thinking. Graded lab reports to best provide feedback for accuracy and formatting. For the spring semester, graded discussion-based assignments for a “Chemistry and Society” course as well as responses to lab activities.