Carla Keaton
Los Angeles
Summary
Dedicated fossil lab volunteer with strong skills in laboratory safety, specimen preparation, and team collaboration. Committed to maintaining clean workspaces while assisting in fossil curation and engaging with visitors.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Fossil Lab Volunteer
La Brea Tar Pits
Los Angeles
10.2025 - Current
- Contributed to fossil preparation and curation for educational exhibits, enhancing visitor understanding of paleontological processes.
- Assisted with specimen preparation including cleaning, labeling, sorting, cataloging, mounting, and photographing.
- Conducted laboratory analyses on specimens collected in the field such as sedimentary rocks, fossils, and bones.
- Supported laboratory technicians in collecting and preparing samples for testing, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure adherence to safety protocols and guidelines.
- Participated in training sessions to learn proper handling of laboratory instruments.
- Interacted with visitors, sharing insights about paleontology and artifacts to enrich their learning experience.
- Assisted in curating artifacts found at archaeological dig sites according to accepted preservation practices.
- Maintained cleanliness and orderliness of laboratory equipment and workspaces.
Hohokam Burial Collections Illustrator
Pueblo Grande Museum
Phoenix
09.2017 - 03.2018
- Created detailed illustrations for educational materials and exhibits at the museum.
- Created detailed illustrations for various projects and client requests.
- Revised illustrations based on client feedback and project requirements.
- Maintained organized files of artwork and project documentation.
- Communicated effectively with team members to ensure project alignment.
- Participated in design reviews to gather feedback and refine illustrations.
- Communicated effectively with team members to ensure project alignment and vision consistency.
- Transformed rough sketches into full-color illustrations that met client expectations.
- Maintained digital files of completed designs for archiving purposes.
- Devised illustrations that complied with customer specifications, company standards and mathematical formulas to fulfill customer project requests.
- Conducted research on project themes to produce accurate and culturally sensitive illustrations.
- Utilized a variety of media and techniques, including watercolor, ink, and digital tools, to achieve desired artistic effects.
- Managed multiple illustration projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and maintaining high-quality standards.
- Produced intricate pieces of art by using ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, paints, pencils and computer software programs.
- Conferred with clients and other interested parties regarding nature and content of artwork produced.
Anthropology Lab Technician
Arizona State University
Tempe
09.2008 - 03.2009
- Assisted in preparing samples for analysis using standard laboratory equipment.
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of the laboratory workspace and equipment.
- Maintained accurate records of experiments and results in laboratory notebooks.
- Participated in training sessions on laboratory safety practices and procedures.
- Collected, labeled and stored lab samples according to laboratory specifications.
- Ensured that all laboratory areas were kept clean and orderly at all times.
- Collected samples from various sources for analysis in accordance with established guidelines.
- Processed specimens following established protocols while adhering to strict safety standards.
- Participated in regular meetings with staff members to discuss progress on research initiatives.
- Implemented and adhered to laboratory safety protocols, including the proper disposal of hazardous materials.
- Utilized aseptic techniques to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of samples and cultures.
- Employed scientific methods to promote quality of collected samples and stored specimens.
Paleontology Lab Volunteer
Arizona Musuem of Natural History
Mesa
07.2005 - 02.2006
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Assisted in fossil preparation and curation for educational exhibits.
- Documented specimen details and contributed to database management efforts.
- Conducted laboratory analyses on specimens collected in the field such as sedimentary rocks, fossils, and bones.
- Reviewed scientific literature related to paleontology topics to stay up-to-date on current research.
- Recorded and documented the location, type, and condition of each fossil found during excavations.
- Assisted with specimen preparation including cleaning, labeling, sorting, cataloging, mounting, and photographing.
- Prepared detailed maps and drawings to document field work results.
- Assisted in curating artifacts found at archaeological digsites according to accepted preservation practices.
- Attended meetings with other scientists to discuss research findings and collaborate on projects.
- Excavated human remains, skeletons, jewelry, and pottery with care during archaeological digs in diverse locations.
- Recovered and researched material findings such as tools or pottery and documented findings to advance collective field knowledge.
- Assisted in conducting experiments under supervision of senior laboratory staff.
- Prepared and organized laboratory samples for analysis and testing procedures.
- Maintained cleanliness and orderliness of laboratory equipment and workspaces.
- Documented experimental results accurately in laboratory notebooks and databases.
- Participated in training sessions to learn proper handling of laboratory instruments.
- Organized, sorted, and catalogued specimens according to established protocols.
- Developed detailed records of sample preparation activities, test results, and other related information.
- Maintained a clean work environment by disposing of hazardous materials properly.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss progress made on projects and exchange ideas.
- Kept lab space and equipment clean to prevent contamination with hazardous substances.
- Employed scientific methods to promote quality of collected samples and stored specimens.
Archeology Lab Volunteer
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Mesa
06.2005 - 02.2006
- Collected, labeled and stored lab samples according to laboratory specifications.
- Assisted in preparing laboratory samples for analysis and testing.
- Supported researchers with data collection and documentation processes.
- Operated basic laboratory instruments under supervision to conduct experiments.
- Followed safety protocols to ensure a secure working environment for all staff.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss ongoing projects and share updates.
- Documented experimental procedures and results accurately for future reference.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss progress made on projects and exchange ideas.
- Maintained a clean work environment by disposing of hazardous materials properly.
- Assisted laboratory technicians in collecting and preparing samples for testing.
- Organized, sorted, and catalogued specimens according to established protocols.
- Kept lab space and equipment clean to prevent contamination with hazardous substances.
- Employed scientific methods to promote quality of collected samples and stored specimens.
- Assisted with specimen collection and preparation for educational programs.
- Documented findings and observations during laboratory sessions for future reference.
- Participated in safety training to uphold laboratory standards and protocols.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Art & Bio Anthropology
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ05-2009
Skills
- Sample preparation
- Laboratory safety
- Laboratory analysis
- Fossil curation
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Laboratory techniques
- Biohazard disposal
- Analytical thinking
- Specimen preparation
- Production and processing
- Adaptability
- Geology Knowledge
- Physical endurance
- Lab safety protocols
- Customer engagement
Timeline
Fossil Lab Volunteer
La Brea Tar Pits
10.2025 - Current
Hohokam Burial Collections Illustrator
Pueblo Grande Museum
09.2017 - 03.2018
Anthropology Lab Technician
Arizona State University
09.2008 - 03.2009
Paleontology Lab Volunteer
Arizona Musuem of Natural History
07.2005 - 02.2006
Archeology Lab Volunteer
Arizona Museum of Natural History
06.2005 - 02.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Art & Bio Anthropology
Arizona State University