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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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