Carson McClain
Labratory Technician
Des Moines,IA
Summary
Dynamic and professional individual recognized as a valuable team player with a robust background in laboratory work and education. With two years of relevant experience, poised to leverage skills and knowledge in a new role within the sales industry in Des Moines or the surrounding area. Committed to delivering exceptional results while fostering collaborative relationships and driving success, bringing a proactive approach to problem-solving and customer engagement. Eager to contribute to a forward-thinking organization that prioritizes innovation and teamwork, ensuring mutual growth and achievement.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Laboratory Technician
Eurofins
Des Moines, IA
04.2024 - Current
- Conducted routine laboratory tests to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Maintained accurate records of experiments and results in laboratory information management systems.
- Assisted in the preparation of samples and reagents for various analytical procedures.
- Operated and maintained laboratory equipment, ensuring peak performance and reliability.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot technical issues during experimental processes.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in test results by following strict quality control procedures.
- Contributed to a safe working environment by consistently following established safety procedures and guidelines within the lab setting.
- Implemented quality control measures to enhance accuracy of test results and minimize errors.
- Cleaned and sterilized tools and equipment to maximize purity of specimens.
- Reduced errors in data entry by meticulously reviewing and validating information before submission.
- Completed quality documents and input and saved quality data in appropriate locations.
- Prepared reagents, media and solutions to use for laboratory testing and analysis.
- Operated basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meter, autoclave, water activity meters and other instrument's required for numerous testing.
Technician
Seed Germination Quality Laboratory
Grimes, IA
09.2023 - 04.2024
- Following guided instruction from the supervisor of the lab performed the routine research laboratory activities
- In charge of analyzing the information and data management tasks
- Operated VMEK Color Analytics machine to provide support towards the development of research
- Planted germination tests and sorted the samples across different substrates for the germinating process
- Evaluated seedlings to maintain our test criteria
Lab Technician
University of Northern Iowa
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Hands-on lab experience across different science courses ranging from Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, Astronomy, Geology, Elements of Weather, etc.
- Analyzed lab safety procedures to maintain a safe workplace and avoid errors, accidents, and infections. Manage and report on any issues as needed
- Examined, collected, and reported on data for specimens and organisms
- Performed and analyzed experiments in a prescribed manner to get them done within the outlined processes and timeline
- Semesters
Customer Associate
Blazing Glory Fireworks
Ankeny, IA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Follow proper handling and safety protocols related to all firework handling
- Provide customer service, understand their needs, and give recommendations
- Open, prep, and close the facility. Turn on displays, set up decorations inside and outside
- Keep shelves stocks and product displays maintained
- Check out and ring up customer purchases
- Summers
Substitute Science and Biology Teacher
Urbandale School District
Urbandale, IA
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Taught and followed prescribed lesson plans in the science subject areas
- Instructed and supervised AP Biology test exam
- Maintained classroom management by creating stimulating and engaging activities
- Taught a unit on weather and tornadoes using slides and notes
- Followed classroom instructions by administering attendance
- Spring Semester
Undergraduate Biology Researcher
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Wrote, edited, and provided content for a published research paper on Homologous and Analogous Structures within organisms. This included collecting data, images, and samples for illustration
- Viewed articles and collected data and information used to support the research
- Collaborated with Dr. Wilcox, as well as Kean Roberts from Iowa State University
- Semesters
Substitute Associate
Ankeny School District
Ankeny, IA
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Worked with two individual special education students and assisted them while making sure they were involved in each of the classes they attended
- Maintained a positive classroom environment by supervising students and making sure students were on-task
- Supervised lunch periods
- Worked with two individual students who were behind in their class work and provided assistance to get them back on track with their academics
- Fall Semester 2020, Spring 2021
Children's Activity Supervisor, Referee, Customer Service/Cashier
Ankeny Parks and Recreation
Ankeny, IA
08.2016 - 07.2020
- Supervise and assist with children's sports activities - basketball, soccer, ages 5 – 8
- Assisted coaches, parents, and visitors as needed
- Open and close facilities, prepare and set up gym and equipment for activities, and clean and organize at the end of activities
Retail Sales Associate
Buckle Clothing
West Des Moines, IA
11.2019 - 03.2020
- Assist customers with clothing and accessory selections, product information, sizing, and style selections
- Help customers with checkout, and provide a quality shopping experience
- Stock and keep store and product inventory available, and keep the store clean and well-organized
Education
Bachelor of Arts - All-Science
The University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa06.2023
Skills
- Approachable demeanor
- Building professional connections
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Customer service
- Works Well Under Pressure
- Multitasking and organization
- Knowledgeable
- Team Training
- Troubleshooting
- Customer interaction
- Openness to learning
- Workload management
Accomplishments
- Lab safety trainings and annual trainings current and 24
- Lab safety courses and trainings 2019 through 2023 semester
- Presented at the National Science Teaching Association Conference in Atlanta Georgia Mar 23.
- Article published in Science magazine 22-23 semester
- University of Northern Iowa Reptile Tour Guide 23 semester
- State of Iowa Substitute Authorization 20 (completed)
Certification
- Multiple Lab safety courses are required for science courses from the 2019-2023 Semesters
- State of Iowa Substitute Authorization 2020 (Completed)
- High-Risk Behavior & Substance Abuse (2022)
- Presented at the National Science Teaching Association Conference in Atlanta Georgia, Mar 2023. The presentation was on Homologous and Analogous Structures within organisms
- Attended Iowa Science Teaching Conference, Des Moines Area Community College, October 2021
- Residence Hall Activities Board Representative (Lawther and Shull Resident Halls), University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls Iowa, 2020-2021 Semesters
- University of Northern Iowa Reptile Tour Guide Spring 2023 Semester
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Laboratory Technician
Eurofins
04.2024 - Current
Technician
Seed Germination Quality Laboratory
09.2023 - 04.2024
Substitute Science and Biology Teacher
Urbandale School District
01.2022 - 05.2022
Lab Technician
University of Northern Iowa
01.2021 - 01.2023
Customer Associate
Blazing Glory Fireworks
01.2021 - 01.2023
Undergraduate Biology Researcher
University of Northern Iowa
01.2021 - 01.2022
Substitute Associate
Ankeny School District
09.2020 - 05.2021
Retail Sales Associate
Buckle Clothing
11.2019 - 03.2020
Children's Activity Supervisor, Referee, Customer Service/Cashier
Ankeny Parks and Recreation
08.2016 - 07.2020
Bachelor of Arts - All-Science
The University of Northern Iowa