Bobby Duersch
Chemist
Delray Beach, Boca Raton,FL
Summary
Resourceful Graduate Research Assistant Driven Research Assistant experienced in conducting laboratory, library and field research. Skilled in working within collaborative environments to collect and evaluate research data for variety of projects. Passionate about advancing knowledge in chemistry through high-quality research. Self-motivated professional with excellent communication, planning and problem solving abilities.
Overview
15
15
years of post-secondary education
21
21
years of professional experience
Graduate Research Assistant
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton , FL
2014.08 - 2020.12
- Prepared materials for reports, presentations and submission to peer-reviewed journal publications.
- Supervised undergraduate students working on research projects.
- Performed statistical, qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- Maintained and calibrated equipment for precision and accuracy.
- Recorded data and maintained source documentation following good documentation practices.
- Presented results to field experts at ACS, GEER, Biogeochemistry conferences and 10th annual US symposium on Harmful Algae.
- Directed students in performing and completing assigned tasks.
- Maintained laboratory operations, updating and revising standardized operating procedures and reordering raw materials and supplies to sustain experiments and workflow.
- Educated undergraduate students on laboratory activities, including safe use of equipment and reagents and chemicals.
- Prepared literature for reports, presentations or submission to peer-review journals.
Graduate Research
Florida Atlantic University, FAU
Boca Raton , FL
2014.10 - Current
- Performed 31P, 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy for water, soil, plant, manure, and algae samples.
- Formulated BG-11 media and performed Microcystis aeruginosa growths.
- Developed an extraction protocol for 31P NMR.
- Extracted and investigated 12 elements for numerous water and soil samples by ICP-OES/MP-AES.
- Trained graduate students in the use of an MP-AES instrument.
- Investigated soil samples using powdered XRD and FTIR.
- Efficient in UV-Vis and HPLC instrumentation.
- Familiar with TGA, MS, MALDI, SEM, HPLC, GC-MS and AFM.
- Mentored three undergraduate students in their research.
Course Administrator
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton , Florida
2014.10 - 2020.12
- For General Chemistry II lab.
- Reported directly to Lab Director.
- Supervised TAs (10-20) for general chemistry II lab.
- Organized and led weekly meetings to discuss upcoming laboratory experiments and grading rubrics.
- Performed grading spot checks to normalize grades among different TAs sections.
- Addressed student issues.
- Assisted with updating grading rubrics and laboratory manual.
- Consolidated student grades in Excel spreadsheet TA for General Chemistry I and II Lab - course size 24 students per semester.
- Instructed the fundamentals of laboratory techniques and concepts in general chemistry.
- Evaluated lab reports and held office hours to ensure student mastery of the material.
- Monitored laboratory safety.
- Demonstrated proper laboratory techniques Course Administrator for General Chemistry I and II Lecture - course size 300 - 1100 students per semester.
- Generated and reviewed quiz and exam materials for three separate faculty members.
- Lectured problem-solving and review sessions.
- Held weekly office hours to assist with student questions on homework and exams.
- Directed 30+ proctors among 10+ classrooms for every exam.
Undergraduate Student Research Assistant
Utah Water Research Lab
Logan , Utah
2013.06 - 2014.06
- Wrote research papers, reports, reviews and summaries regarding the porosity, absorption, turbidity, structural integrity, and removal of arsenic, fluoride, and bacteria from water through clay filters for underdeveloped countries.
- Tested the removal of various pharmaceutical drugs using Powdered Activated Carbons (PACs) from water.
- Trained on Triple Quad LC-MS and GC-MS.
- Reported data via email and team meetings.
- Designed and executed study approaches.
Lab Technician
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Logan , Utah
2012.09 - 2014.01
- Responsible for maintaining cell lines while capturing protein via Sepharose beads.
- Performed various cell growth studies.
- Prepared powdered media and hydration of media.
- Worked with different research teams for support on various projects.
- Presented and reported results to R&D Cell Culture division.
- Set up, maintained and verified sterility of lab equipment and tools.
- Analyzed experiment and test results to validate adherence to standards and specifications.
Lab Technician Intern
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Logan , Utah
2012.06 - 2012.09
- Created a protocol for an Isoelectric Focusing Cell.
- Performed numerous SDS-PAGE analyses.
- Experienced in growing and passing cells.
- Reported and presented results weekly.
- Oversaw items in inventory and reordered before supplies diminished.
Work History
Ph.D. - Chemistry
2014.08 - 2020.12
Research Advisor: J. William Louda, Ph.D.
Master of Science - Chemistry
2014.08 - 2018.05
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
2009.08 - 2014.05
Education
Skills
Cundefined
Additional Information
- Awards , Graduate and Professional Student Association Travel Award, November 2019 Graduate and Professional Student Association Travel Award, March 2019 Graduate and Professional Student Association Travel Award, March 2018 College of Science Peer Review Award – 2nd place, March 2018 Graduate and Professional Student Association Travel Award, March 2017 College of Science Peer Review Award – 2nd place, March 2017 Everglades Foundation Scholarship ($10,000), September 2016
Accomplishments
- Wrote an article as primary author, published in Science of the Total Environment and have two more manuscripts as primary author in review in Marine and Freshwater Research and Journal of Environmental Quality.
- Oral Presentations on:
1. Bioavailability of Organic Phosphorus Compounds with Respect to the Growth of Microcystis aeruginosa. Bobby Duersch, J. William Louda. 10th US Symposium on Harmful Algae. November 2019
2. High-Performance Overall Water Splitting Electrocatalysts Derived from Cobalt-Based Metal−Organic Frameworks. Bobby Duersch, Florida Atlantic University, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department Seminar. March 2017.
- Delivered poster presentation on:
1. Bioavailability of organic phosphorus compounds with respect to the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa. Bobby Duersch, J. William Louda. 257th ACS National Meeting and Exposition, Orlando, FL. March 2019.
2. Speciation and dynamics of phosphorus: The role of rice plants in sequestering phosphorus compounds. Bobby Duersch, Jehangir H. Bhadha, and J. William Louda. Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Conference. April 2019.
3. Investigation of the Removal of Phosphorus Species and Other Nutrients in the Storm-Water Treatment Area (1E). Bobby Duersch, Susan Newman, J. William Louda. 12th International Symposium on Biogeochemistry of Wetlands, April 2018
4. Phosphorous Speciation Using P-31 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy In Order To Trace Phosphorous Sources And Movement In The C51 Basin And Northern Everglades. Bobby Duersch and J. William Louda. American Chemical Society 254th National Meeting, Washington D.C., August 2017.
5. Phosphorous Speciation Using P-31 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy In Order To Trace Phosphorous Sources And Movement In The C51 Basin. Bobby Duersch and J. William Louda. Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Conference. April 2017.
- Wrote grant application leading to $10,000 award from the Everglades Foundation.
Graduate Research - Florida Atlantic University, FAU
2014.10 - Current
Course Administrator - Florida Atlantic University
2014.10 - 2020.12
Graduate Research Assistant - Florida Atlantic University
2014.08 - 2020.12
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) - Ph.D., Chemistry
-6.039999999999964
Florida Atlantic University - Master of Science, Chemistry
-3.9700000000000273
Undergraduate Student Research Assistant - Utah Water Research Lab
2013.06 - 2014.06
Lab Technician - Thermo Fisher Scientific
2012.09 - 2014.01
Lab Technician Intern - Thermo Fisher Scientific
2012.06 - 2012.09
Utah State University - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
-4.970000000000027