My entire professional career has been at The Lodge Des Peres, a recreation facility in Des Peres MO. I have learned invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and effective communication. I started as a lifeguard in July 2020, then was quickly promoted to lifeguard manager after demonstrating passion and knowledge in keeping patrons safe and working with others to create a secure, lively work environment. In June 2024 I completed a 10 week program at AB Mauri North America in St. Louis where I gained key laboratory skills in sterility, operating current laboratory equipment, notetaking, and excitement design. I was able to use these skills in my current research lab at the Jordan Group at Florida State University to study the effects that various genes have on lipid accumulation under NAFLD-like conditions in hepatocytes.
At Florida State University, I currently study the regulatory effects of specific regulatory genes in hepatocyte cells that are affected by NAFLD liver conditions. As a member, I have honed my skills in sterile laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis.
Since I was able to prove my skills and responsibility as a lifeguard, I was promoted in less than a year on the job This required me to manage the day to day operations within the facility, scheduling, and leading the lifeguards to create the safest environment possible. In the summer of 2024 I became Red Cross certified to teach and certify students in CPR and required lifeguarding skills.
While at AB Mauri North America I gained key laboratory experience and techniques to complete a 10 week project that aimed to create auxotrophic mutants of yeast. I learned how to used state of the art biological equipment, how to work under sterile conditions, and how to properly maintain a laboratory environment.
My first job as a lifeguard required me to prevent patrons from injury, maintain a cleanly facility, and keep the facility an organized and safe environment for every patron. This job gave me the fundamental experience to help me succeed as a lifeguard manager. Learned and maintained proficiency in first responder skills such as First Aid and CPR to offer individuals in distress optimal support.