Amelia L. Alonso

Responsibilities include:

• Creating and executing production schedule for the various fungi species
• Working in sterile conditions under a laminar flow hood during inoculations and when working with agar plates
• Monitoring and recording inventory levels
• Keeping a production log to ensure compliance with certifications (including Oregon Tilth Organic and Kosher)
• General maintenance and problem-solving
• Communicating effectively with supervisor about expected production schedule

• Aided with inoculation of substrate bags under sterile conditions (approx. 128 per day)
• General cleaning and maintenance
• Creating and mixing substrate for fungi (approx. 64 bags per day)
• Harvesting and packaging fungi
• Researched growing techniques and ways to streamline processes

• Lab assistant to Dr. Norma Velazquez-Ulloa as part of the Early Research Program for first-generation college students
• Conducted experiments with Drosophila melanogaster to study genetic mutations caused by nicotine exposure
• Documented experimental progress and observations, compiled data, and organized findings for analysis in Excel
• Assisted in general lab maintenance

• Worked in Dr. Kenneth Stedman's lab, the Center for Extreme Life, at PSU as a part of a Scientific Research Methods class
• Conducted research on a novel virus to determine the structure and function of its genes
• Extracted DNA from cell colonies using alkaline lysis prep
• Ran gel electrophoresis on samples to screen for mutants

• Responsible for a group of 15 sixth graders
• Ensured campers made it to workshops and meals on time
• Supervised campers around the clock
• Taught rotating workshops on Ethnobotany