AARON CATER
THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI
Oxford,MS
3
years of professional experience
Knowledgeable Research Associate with robust background in conducting and analyzing scientific studies. Contributed to significant research projects and collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive innovative solutions. Demonstrated critical thinking and proficiency in data analysis and research methodologies.
Work History
Biology Research Associate
1 Year 5 Months- Field Collection of soil, sediment, water, and biological samples.
- Regular use of chemical procedures in making reagents, standard solutions, and the processing of samples while maintaining necessary laboratory standards and ensuring quality control.
- Prepare samples and reagents for dissolved and total nutrient concentration analysis in water and soil samples using the LACHAT flow-through autoanalyzer and the SEAL AQ400 autoanalyzer instruments.
- Calibrate, deploy, and download environmental sensors at field and experimental sites.
- Assist and lead in transport, set-up, maintenance and troubleshooting of a Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometer (MIMS).
- Proficiently use and train fellow peers and students on the Phyto-Pam-II compact field fluorometer instrument for analysis of chlorophyll a in water samples.
- Assists with scientists, USDA technicians, PhD candidate students, and Post-Doctoral researchers with field GHG flux measurements using a field gas analyzer: Licor smart chamber with analyzer tandem.
- Assists in complete experimentation processes of large-scale outdoor mesocosm experiments.
- Maintains attention to detail in laboratory experiments, enhancing reliability of results through careful sample processing and instrument use.
- Clean glassware, materials, etc., to maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Biological Science Technician, USDA-ARS
11 Months- Collected soil, sediment, water, and biological samples for analysis.
- Maintain and use field water quality meters.
- Prepared solutions for soil and water nutrient analysis to support research objectives.
- Set up and run a membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS) for dissolved gas analysis in water samples and normal gas samples using a 'chickadee' gas analyzer attachment.
- Conduct laboratory incubations to estimate dissolved gas and nutrient fluxes at the sediment-water interface.
- Perform digestion protocols using an autoclave for total nitrogen and total phosphorus analysis.
- Clean glassware, materials, etc., to maintain a clean and organized work and lab environment.
USDA-ARS Fellowship Intern
5 Months- Acquired knowledge of federal laboratory practices, field work protocols, and training standards for federal employees.
- Enhanced organizational and time management skills by managing multiple tasks concurrently.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently on assigned projects.
- Developed strong organizational and time management skills by completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Gained experience, exposure and knowledge of career-specific procedures and systems (federal laboratory practices, field work for school, government, and state, and completing training per federal employee standards.
- Proactively pursued opportunities to learn new skills and address challenging tasks.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Chemistry
Skills
Laboratory Skills
Chemical process knowledge
Operating Laboratory Instruments
Following protocols
Following procedures
Problem Solving
Organizational Skills
Heavy Labor
Personal Information
Title: Biology Research Associate
Timeline
Biology Research Associate
THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI
2025.06 - CurrentRead More
Biological Science Technician, USDA-ARS
NATIONAL SEDIMENTATION LABORATORY
2024.07 - 2025.06Read More
USDA-ARS Fellowship Intern
NATIONAL SEDIMENTATION LABORATORY
2024.02 - 2024.07Read More
University of Mississippi
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Chemistry
Read More