Asalah Esmail

Biology Lab Assistant – Sea Urchin Sperm Motility Testing

As a biology lab assistant, I contributed to research on sea urchin sperm motility by assisting in laboratory procedures, data collection, and experimental analysis. My responsibilities included:

Sample Preparation & Handling: Collected and handled sea urchin sperm samples under sterile conditions, ensuring sample integrity and preventing contamination.

• Microfluidic Chamber Experiments: Utilized microfluidic chambers to study sperm motility under controlled environments, analyzing how sperm responded to various flow conditions, gradients, and chemical stimuli.

• Microscopic Analysis: Used phase-contrast and bright-field microscopy to observe sperm movement within microfluidic channels, measuring velocity, trajectory, and response to external factors.

Data Collection & Analysis: Recorded motility parameters, including speed, directionality, and percentage of motile sperm, using imaging software and manual tracking methods.

• Solution and Media Preparation: Prepared artificial seawater, buffers, and chemical solutions to test environmental influences on sperm viability and mobility.

• Lab Equipment Maintenance: Maintained and calibrated microscopes, microfluidic devices, and pipettes to ensure precise measurements, and reproducible results.

• Sterile Technique and Safety Compliance: Followed strict laboratory protocols to maintain sterile conditions, properly dispose of biological waste, and adhere to lab safety regulations.

• Communicated positively with children and guardians.
• Organized and cleaned home after activities by picking up toys and straightening up play room.
• Maintained a clean and organized environment to ensure the well-being of children under care.

Created celebratory lyrics for traditional Yemeni weddings to be performed by male singers.

• Monitored fuel inventory levels closely, placing timely orders to prevent shortages or overstock situations impacting profitability.
• Improved overall store performance with proactive maintenance of gas pumps and equipment.
• Managed daily cash reconciliations accurately, ensuring proper accounting procedures were followed consistently.
• Conducted regular inspections of facilities to proactively identify potential hazards or repair needs.
• Provided exceptional customer service, resolving issues quickly and efficiently to maintain loyalty.
• Maintained accurate financial records, enabling timely reporting and informed decisionmaking.

• Assisted brides in selecting and purchasing wedding dresses, and coordinating other wedding details.
• Sourced and managed vendors, including hair stylists, makeup artists, and caterers.
• Organized food selection and banquet arrangements.

Provide henna applications for clients at home or on location during events and parties.

Create dresses and Yemeni traditional trays, bags, and car key chains using beads and other materials.

Research (UMFlint UROP)

• Flow Diagnosis in a Microchannel using Micro-Particle Image Velocimetry: Utilized micro-PIV techniques to analyze microchannel flow.

• Bionic Arm: Preliminary Design of a Wearable Assist Robot: Assisted in designing and prototyping a wearable assistive robotic arm.