Brian Frias
Madison ,SD
Summary
Passionate and dedicated undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physiology, Cell & Molecular Biology at the University of South Dakota with hands-on experience in biological laboratory techniques and data analysis. Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings a positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of South Dakota
Vermillion
01.2026 - Current
- Data recorded genotype-dependent metabolic variation in Drosophila melanogaster with impaired mitochondria.
- Quantified body weight, size, locomotor activity, and feeding rate to assess the physiological impact of the genotype with mitochondrial impairment
- Used analytical statistics (R) to interpret findings
- Recorded data using laboratory documentation in Excel and in notebooks
- Interpreted biological results to gain better understanding of the relationship between mitochondria and organismal metabolism in different genotypes
Sales Associate/Shift Lead
Ace Hardware
Vermillion, SD
03.2024 - Current
- Managed incoming calls and questions from customers daily.
- Performed cashier duties, including accepting payments, issuing receipts, handling returns/exchanges, and processing credit cards accurately and securely.
- Trained new employees in point-of-sale systems and operational procedures
- Assisted customers by assessing needs and explaining technical product information clearly
- Demonstrated time management and multitasking skills while maintaining high-quality service
- Collaborated with peers and management to meet sales targets and analyze sales data to identify trends and adjust strategies.
General Laborer
Custom Touch Homes Inc.
Madison, SD
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Assisted with material handling, site preparation, and general construction tasks following safety procedures
- Operated hand and power tools efficiently while maintaining a clean and organized workspace
- Conducted repetitive assembly tasks with precision, following detailed instructions and safety protocols
- Calculated measurements for construction and logistics for inventory.
Compression Operator
PPD Inc.
Madison, SD
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Performed routine inspections and maintenance on compression equipment following safety and operational protocols
- Maintained detailed logs documenting operational checks and maintenance activities
- Applied analytical thinking to identify and troubleshoot system irregularities
- Produced durable composite components through precise assembly techniques, following procedural standards.
Crew Leader/Supervisor
Taco John’s
Madison, SD
07.2018 - 06.2021
- Supervised daily operations and coordinated team tasks, emphasizing communication and accountability
- Trained employees on procedures, safety, and customer service.
- Maintained documentation and operational consistency across shifts.
- Cash handling and cashier operations.
- Logistics and data entry for inventory.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Physiology, Cell & Molecular Biology
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD04-2026
Skills
- PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis
- DNA extraction and purification
- Plasmid miniprepping
- Accurate pipetting and sample preparation
- Preparation of solutions, dilutions and molarity calculations
- Laboratory notebook documentation and raw data recording
- R Studio (tidyverse, ggplot2), JMP statistical software, Visual Studio Code, C, Linux
- Data cleaning, visualization, and basic statistical analysis (p-test, ANOVA, F-test, t-test Chi-Square, Linear regression)
- Microsoft (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Blast (sequence alignment)
- FASTA file handling and sequence analysis
- NCBI database navigation
- Benchling Platform
- Scientific writing, oral presentation
- Customer service
- Work ethic and integrity
- Patience and empathy
- Cash handling
- Reliability and punctuality
- Patience and composure
- Problem-solving skills
- POS system operation
- Attention to detail
- Computer skills
- Data entry efficiency
Accomplishments
- Delivered poster presentation on Mito-nuclear interactions between Mitochondrial DNA at the University of South Dakota IDEAFEST in 2026.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification (2019–2022)
- Valid Driver’s License
- Bilingual (Spanish/English)
Leadership & Honors
President – University of South Dakota Soccer Club (2025–2026), Elected to lead a student organization, coordinating schedules, team communication, and event planning, Dean’s List – University of South Dakota (2022–2023), National Honor Society – 2020
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of South Dakota
01.2026 - Current
General Laborer
Custom Touch Homes Inc.
05.2024 - 08.2024
Sales Associate/Shift Lead
Ace Hardware
03.2024 - Current
Compression Operator
PPD Inc.
05.2023 - 08.2023
Crew Leader/Supervisor
Taco John’s
07.2018 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Science - Physiology, Cell & Molecular Biology
University of South Dakota