Brittany Grissom
Biological Scientist
Lafayette,LA
Summary
I hold a Master of Science degree in Biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and have post-baccalaureate work experience in the oilfield and industrial hygiene industries. My positions at Baker Hughes and Chemplex have allowed me to greatly expand my knowledge and experience in fracturing, cementing, acidizing, and safe chemical lab practices. However, while these laboratory positions were highly engaging and met my desire for a fast- paced, challenging work environment, I found it did not satisfy my curiosity and passion in the biological sciences. Acquiring an MS in Biology allowed me to gain experience and knowledge that I hope to incorporate in an environmentally-centered career.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Graduate Biology Researcher
University Of Louisiana At Lafayette
Lafayette, LA
08.2018 - 08.2021
- Performed independent research on the effects of ionizing radiation effects on cruciferous vegetables.
- Adapted testing procedures for isolation of glucosinolates, a secondary metabolite.
- Gained proficiency using several laboratory instruments including PCR, qPCR, GC-MS, and Solid-Phase Extraction apparatus.
- Designed, executed, and analyzed independent experiments with follow-up reports to my advisor and department on topics of radiation on morphology, phytohormones, and transcriptional changes in radish seedlings.
- Gave departmental seminars every semester on my research in radiation effects on crucifers.
- Presented research at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research
- Supported other lab members in their research and assisted as needed
- Conducted microscopic and metabolic routine and standardized experiments in controlled settings and obtained useful, valid results.
- Prepared fact sheets, tables and graphs to summarize research results.
- Interpreted and analyzed research data to draw conclusions on outcomes.
- Collaborated with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest such as toxicology and environmental impacts.
- Managed databases and input data to update records.
- Learned new laboratory techniques and applied expertise in carrying out enhanced experiments under supervision.
Graduate Research Experience
University Of Louisiana At Lafayette
Lafayette, LA
08.2018 - 08.2021
- Grew radishes under controlled conditions, irradiated with protons, and assessed effects.
- R. sativus was grown from seeds in an environmentally controlled chamber for 5-10 days.
- Seedlings were carefully monitored, measured, and culled as needed.
- Seedlings were given ionizing radiation at varying dose and dose rates using the particle accelerator at the Louisiana Accelerator Center.
- Seedlings were monitored post-irradiation and changes were carefully documented.
- Once the grow-out was complete, assessments were made of a secondary metabolite called glucosinolates
- Glucosinolate measurements were used to indicate metabolism changes.
- Performed accurate quantitative analysis of targeted data research, collection and report preparation.
Industrial Hygienist
Safety Management Systems
Oroville, CA
04.2018 - 08.2018
- Monitored air quality in an extensive construction zone where asbestos naturally occurs.
- Recorded all air quality monitor values every 2 hours for daily reports.
- Performed regular maintenance on air quality monitors daily.
- Documented and took images of environmental conditions around the monitors to support observations at 2 hour increments.
- Advised construction safety personnel of dust/asbestos abatement actions.
- Alerted authorities of wildlife dangers in construction areas.
- Prepared formal and informal reports of findings to identify potential exposures to hazards.
- Recommended control measures and modifications to existing procedures to control hazards.
- Recommended measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes and materials.
Fracturing, Cementing, and Acidizing Technician
Chemplex Solvay Group
Midland, TX
09.2014 - 08.2017
- Performed Cement, Fracturing, and Acidizing tests as requested to promote Chemplex products and support sales.
- Advised customers on designs in Cement, Fracturing, and Acidizing.
- Attended field job start-ups to ensure designs performed appropriately and to troubleshoot.
- Designed, executed, and reported on research projects for internal and customer use.
- Performed equipment calibration and lab safety inspections.
- Obtained certifications for Cement, Fracturing, and Acidizing testing procedures and equipment.
- Packaged, identified, labeled, and shipped lab samples per IATA Hazardous Goods Regulations.
- Remained updated on relevant regulations of OSHA, EPA, Railroad Commission, etc.
- Performed complex mechanical alignments and calibration of equipment to maintain quality standards.
- Conducted tests of components and systems to evaluate performance and identify concerns.
- Maintained quality assurance and customer satisfaction objectives.
- Leveraged knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs and other techniques to maximize effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Set up and performed test activities.
- Organized work to meet demanding production goals.
Fracturing, Cementing, and Acidizing Technician
Baker Hughes Company
Odessa, TX
07.2013 - 09.2014
- Conducted Water Analysis, Fracturing, Cementing, and Acidizing tests.
- Recommended fluid system to Sales and Engineering teams.
- Attended high-profile job start-ups to ensure fluid designs performed appropriately.
- Regularly performed equipment calibrations.
- Wrote and sent reports to sales and customers for all tesing performed.
- Obtained lab certifications in Fracturing, Cement, Water Analysis, and Acidizing.
- Designed fracturing fluids for specialty systems.
- Sent or delivered samples as requested by customers.
- Remained updated on relevant regulations of OSHA, EPA, Railroad Commission, etc.
- Conducted tests of components and systems to evaluate performance and identify concerns.
- Maintained quality assurance and customer satisfaction objectives.
- Leveraged knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs and other techniques to maximize effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Organized work to meet demanding production goals.
Biology Instructor/Grader/Lab Assistant
University Of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, TX
08.2010 - 05.2013
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Collaborated with Biology Department to achieve student academic success.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Held regular study sessions.
- Corresponded with students.
- Made study guides for students,
- Updated students on changes/concerns regarding class/tutor sessions.
- Graded all tests and reported to the professor in a timely manner.
- Assisted students with experiments
- Explained theory and assisted students with critical analysis
- Edited student lab reports
Undergraduate Chemistry Research Experience
University Of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, TX
08.2012 - 05.2013
- Computational research on the C-20 fullerene cage and X2 molecules to determine most stable positioning and orientation (X2 molecule could be H2, O2, etc.)
- Determined best conformation for the combination of the C-20 and X2 molecules.
- Assisted faculty members with research assignments on computational projects.
- Performed chemical computational experiments and research and documented findings.
Undergraduate Biology Research Experience
University Of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, TX
08.2011 - 05.2012
- Manipulated the diet of white rats to determine the effect on kidney health.
- Prepared, sectioned, and mounted kidney tissue on microscope slides.
- Determined density within the kidney tissue, analyzed data and presented significant results.
- Prepared literature for reports and presentations.
- Recorded data and maintained source documentation, following good documentation practices.
- Planned, modified and executed research techniques, procedures and tests.
- Gathered, arranged and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations.
- Compiled data into reports and disseminated to supervisor for review.
- Collected, prepared and tested numerous fresh biological samples.
- Performed statistical, qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- Conducted research pertaining to environmental accessible diets to generate mammal health data.
- Performed kidney density experiments and research and documented findings.
- Developed graphs and tables to analyze and summarize data.
Education
Master of Science - Biology
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Lafayette, LA 08.2018 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, TX 08.2009 - 05.2013
High School Diploma -
Gatesville High School
Gatesville, TX 08.2006 - 05.2009
Skills
Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
File management
Spectroscopy
Data collection and organization
Quality assurance controls
Electron microscopes
Experiment Design
Quantitative analysis
Microsoft Excel proficiency
Report generation
Environmental monitoring
Customer Service
Affiliations
- Standing member the American Society of Gravitational and Space Research (2018 - current)
- Lafayette Garden Club member (2018 - current)
- Lafayette Garden Club Treasurer (2019 - current)
Accomplishments
- Lafayette Garden Club Treasurer (2019-current)
- Lafayette Garden Club Member (2018-current)
- ULL Graduate School "Say it in 6" research visualization competition winner (2021)
- Board of Reagents' SREB Fellowship Recipient (2019-2021)
- ASGSR Research Poster Competition (2020)
- Student Senate President (2012-2013)
- Student Senate Rules Committee Chair (2011-2012)
- Student Senate Math & Sciences Seat (2011-2012)
- Dean's Honor Roll (12/2009, 05-2013)
- President's Honor Roll (05/2010)
Additional Specialized Experiences
Dolphin and Sperm Whale Volunteer - Ischia, Italy
- Approximately 10 days.
- Maintained shifts to track surfacing of dolphins and sperm whales.
- Identified demographics of observed individuals (sex, age, match to previous sightings).
- Compared observations to prior years to track trends in populations.
- Communicated with other volunteers during tracking of animals.
- Identified changes in hydrophone sounds as indicator of animal movement
- Coordinated with colleagues for purchase of necessary resources and materials.
Chemical Design for Specified Environmental Conditions - Moscow and Kazan, Russia
- Used locally-sourced materials to redesign fluid systems which would not freeze until <-40C
- Provided quality control data and testing procedures.
- Wrote procedures for large-scale and lab manufacturing of fluid system components.
- Traveled to customer's locations to demonstrate designs and procedures could be replicated with fresh locally-sourced constituents.
- Maintained customer relations and demonstrated successful testing of new products.
Timeline
Master of Science - Biology
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
08.2018 - 08.2021
Graduate Biology Researcher
University Of Louisiana At Lafayette
08.2018 - 08.2021
Graduate Research Experience
University Of Louisiana At Lafayette
08.2018 - 08.2021
Industrial Hygienist
Safety Management Systems
04.2018 - 08.2018
Fracturing, Cementing, and Acidizing Technician
Chemplex Solvay Group
09.2014 - 08.2017
Fracturing, Cementing, and Acidizing Technician
Baker Hughes Company
07.2013 - 09.2014
Undergraduate Chemistry Research Experience
University Of Texas Permian Basin
08.2012 - 05.2013
Undergraduate Biology Research Experience
University Of Texas Permian Basin
08.2011 - 05.2012
Biology Instructor/Grader/Lab Assistant
University Of Texas Permian Basin
08.2010 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Texas Permian Basin
08.2009 - 05.2013
High School Diploma -
Gatesville High School
08.2006 - 05.2009