Benjamin Ellis Peterson
Corona,CA
Summary
I am a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology undergraduate researcher working on MDH mutagenesis, kinetic analysis, oligopeptide construct design. With previously completed work on shape-memory polymer synthesis. I am highly motivated and genuinely driven by research, recently expanding into computational biology with a focus on protein structure prediction & mutational modeling. I also serve as a lab instructor, grader, and lab prep technician, supporting coursework and maintaining laboratory instrumentation.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Student Researcher
California Baptist University
01.2025 - Current
- Research Project: Oligopeptide, Designed cleavable oligopeptide constructs and troubleshot persistent ligation challenges to improve plasmid assembly efficiency for downstream expression studies
- Research Project: Malate Dehydrogenase, Identified residue-specific effects on enzyme stability and catalytic efficiency through computational mutagenesis and steady-state kinetic analysis
- Research Project: Shape-Memory Polymers, Synthesized and characterized semi-crystalline polymer networks with tunable transition temperatures for potential biomedical applications
- Presented project findings at two undergraduate research conferences, enhancing communication of scientific results.
Grader & Laboratory Instructor
California Baptist University
01.2025 - Current
- Graded assignments and exams for Biochemistry (CHE443) and General Chemistry with consistent application of course rubrics.
- Led laboratory sessions for General Chemistry and Intro to Organic & Biochemistry, providing guidance during experiments and reinforcing key concepts.
- Provided constructive feedback to support student learning and improve understanding of course material.
- Collaborated with faculty to maintain accuracy, fairness, and consistency in grading standards.
Laboratory Prep
California Baptist University
10.2024 - Current
- Independently managed laboratory tasks and preparation with a high level of accuracy and accountability.
- Maintained efficiency and precision while supporting multiple lab sections in fast-paced instructional environments.
- Quickly learned, operated, calibrated, and performed minor & major repairs on a wide range of laboratory instruments, including NMR, FT-IR, multiple spectrophotometers, vacuum ovens, and many others instruments used across chemistry labs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Califorina Baptsit University
Riverside, CA12-2026
Skills
- Enzyme Kinetics (Km, Vmax, kcat, binding analyses)
- Mutagenesis (residue substitution, computational scanning)
- Instrument Troubleshooting & Repairs
- Molecular Cloning
- Ligation Optimization
- Restriction Digestion
- Gel Electrophoresis
- Inert Atmosphere Reactions
- Polymer Precipitation
Timeline
Undergraduate Student Researcher
California Baptist University
01.2025 - Current
Grader & Laboratory Instructor
California Baptist University
01.2025 - Current
Laboratory Prep
California Baptist University
10.2024 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Califorina Baptsit University