Research Scientist specializing in entomology and insect behavior. Conducted research on lepidopteran pests impacting stone fruit and nut trees, integrating expertise in insect reproduction and host phenology. Delivered educational instruction in both traditional and online formats, fostering collaboration and enhancing team productivity.
Work History
Researcher
3 Years 3 Months
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | 07.2023 - Current
Coordinated laboratory spaces for Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics, ensuring optimal functionality and organization
Conducted biological research to advance understanding of key scientific principles
Developed and nurtured relationships with various vendors and maintain stock in teaching laboratories
Team Leader/Supervisor
2 Years
H&R Block | 10.2024 - Current
Led team of 10 employees, guiding and supporting to achieve timely project completion
Implemented communication strategies that enhanced collaboration and increased team productivity
Prepared and reviewed complex tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and trusts
Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations
Researched and interpreted tax laws, delivering precise advice to clients
Adjunct Professor
5 Years 4 Months
McKendree University | 06.2021 - Current
Taught laboratory and lecture courses in university, enhancing student engagement and comprehension of biological concepts
Designed and implemented lessons to develop critical thinking skills, fostering deeper understanding of biological sciences among students
Taught assigned courses using approved syllabus, learning objectives, and assessment standards.
Developed lesson plans, assignments, and classroom activities aligned with program outcomes.
Assessed student performance through exams, papers, discussions, and project feedback.
Adjunct Professor
9 Months
Southwestern Illinois College | 08.2022 - 05.2023
Designed and implemented engaging college curriculum to enhance student learning outcomes
Prepared chemicals and reagents to ensure safe and effective laboratory experiments
Prepared the environment for effective laboratory classes, ensuring all materials were in place.
Environmental Toxicologist
11 Months
Bayer | 05.2022 - 04.2023
Designed and conducted experiments in fast-paced laboratory to explore environmental toxicity effects
Analyzed radioactive materials to assess metabolism of novel chemistry compounds
Left because of commuting
Math Coach
1 Year 8 Months
Cuyahoga Community College | 12.2019 - 08.2021
Served as liaison among faculty, tutors, and students in math department to enhance communication and support
Led tutoring teams at community college to enhance student learning
Facilitated student success in testing and test prep through targeted strategies and resources
Entomology Intern
2 Months
NBCA-CLUSA Farmer to Farmer | 11.2020 - 01.2021
Actively engaged as the American representative for the NBCA-CLUSA Farmer to Farmer program, delivering outreach and assistance to organic quinoa growers in Peru.
Supported Farmer-to-Farmer program activities by organizing volunteer assignments and tracking routine deliverables.
Coordinated communication between staff, volunteers, and host farmers to resolve scheduling and information gaps.
Prepared field notes, meeting summaries, and activity reports for program review and follow-up.
Middle School Science Teacher
8 Months
Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy | 11.2018 - 07.2019
Delivered engaging science education to students in grades 6-8, fostering curiosity and critical thinking.
Enhanced science performance in preparation for Ohio state standardized tests by integrating ELA and Math skills, leading to improved overall student grades.
Designed and implemented curriculum and grading systems, showcasing effective classroom management and adaptability to diverse student skill levels.
Quality Manager
3 Months
SEMO Milling | 01.2018 - 04.2018
Ensured product safety and quality by leading team of laboratory technicians, resulting in enhanced compliance and customer satisfaction.
Wrote and enforced GMP policies while maintaining adherence to FSMA, USDA, and FDA standards to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity.
Led investigations and initiated improvements in product quality while developing new products, achieving or exceeding internal BRC AA rating.
Completed main project and transitioned to seek opportunities aligned with expertise.
Laboratory Toxicologist
4 Months
TEN Healthcare | 09.2017 - 01.2018
Conducted drug testing in toxicological laboratory, performing urine analysis using HPLC and mass spectrometry with aseptic technique to ensure accurate results.
Conducted toxicological assessments to evaluate chemical exposure risks and support patient safety decisions.
Interpreted laboratory data and clinical findings to identify toxic agents and potential adverse effects.
Documented findings in clear reports for physicians, laboratorians, and regulatory review.
Teaching Laboratory Assistant
1 Month
Saint Louis University | 08.2017 - 09.2017
Supported laboratory coordinator in staging experiments by assembling and verifying equipment, preparing media, and ensuring classroom readiness.
Ensured compliance with laboratory safety and cleanliness standards, promoting a safe learning environment.
Managed inventory of laboratory supplies and performed administrative tasks to streamline operations.
Supported daily operations during a 1-month temporary position.
Ensured product safety in a fast-paced food microbiology laboratory.
Maintained laboratory best practices through consistent application of aseptic techniques to ensure sample integrity.
Managed sample preparation, including weighing, subsampling, organizing, and distributing samples.
Executed plating and microbiology techniques, including control preparation and media formulation, to support accurate analysis.
Completed a temporary assignment.
Temporary Laboratory Technician
3 Months
DuPont Pioneer | 06.2016 - 09.2016
Collected and entered experimental data from field and greenhouse, focusing on growth, soil moisture, and dry mass.
Applied greenhouse techniques, including plant care, transplanting, and seed germination, to ensure healthy plant development.
Conducted leaf counts and prepared tissue samples for corn and soy, enhancing data accuracy for research purposes.
Completed a three-month assignment in this position.
Education
Entomology - Master of Science
Iowa State University | Ames, IA
Biology (Bachelor's) - Biology
Case Western | Cleveland, OH
Skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Field sampling techniques
Microscopy proficiency
Collaborative research
Scientific writing
Integrated pest management
Behavioral analysis
Insect physiology
Insect rearing
Agricultural entomology
Affiliations
Entomological society of America
Delta Sigma Gamma
Certification
Therapeutic Art Coach, February 2019 to Present, SixSigma Green Belt, February 2018 to Present, Driver's License, Enrolled Agent, ESOL Certification, First Aid, CPR, Food Handler Certification, ESL Certification, driver's license, Teaching Certificate, CPR & First Aid, Short and Long Term Substitute Teaching License, June 2018 to June 2023, Safe Quality Food Certification, HACCP Certification, CPR Certification, First Aid Certification
Additional information
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Team Management
Data entry/analysis
Proficient with Microsoft Office
Experience with environmental chambers (Percival)
Experience in greenhouse growing and management
International horticulture experience
Excellent customer service and public speaking skills
Regulatory experience
Laboratory management and technical skills
Food science, microbiology, insect and behavioral assays
Experimental design
Curriculum design, education, tutoring
College teaching
Publications
Interrelationships of mating, flight, and fecundity in navel orangeworm females
April 2018
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata
Personal Information
Title: Entomologist with Management, Administrative and Teaching Experience
Driving License: Driver's License
Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer