Casey Dorantes

As Assistant Sous Chef, I support kitchen operations at a busy Italian restaurant, working closely with the Head Chef (my father) during peak weekend shifts. My responsibilities include:

• Food Preparation: Prepping appetizers, sauces, and ingredients to ensure smooth service flow and high-quality dishes.
• Station Management: Overseeing appetizer and prep stations, maintaining cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards.
• Team Collaboration: Communicating effectively with the kitchen staff during high-pressure hours to ensure accuracy and timing.
• Time Management: Handling multiple tasks simultaneously during dinner rushes while maintaining consistent presentation and portion control.
• Learning & Adaptability: Grew from initially struggling under pressure to confidently managing prep tasks and earning the respect of senior staff.

As a part-time event waitress, I worked at various venues providing service for weddings, banquets, and large gatherings. I was responsible for:

• Customer Service: Politely interacting with guests, answering food-related questions, and ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
• Food Handling: Serving dishes from buffet lines with cleanliness and attention to portion control.
• Clean-Up & Reset: Clearing tables efficiently, resetting event spaces for smooth service transitions, and maintaining tidy stations.
• Professionalism: Represented the catering company with a positive attitude in fast-paced and formal environments.

As a door-to-door sales rep, I promoted residential roofing services and free inspections. My work helped generate new leads and build client trust through face-to-face communication. I was responsible for:

• Client Outreach: Approached homeowners in various neighborhoods to pitch roofing services and schedule inspections.
• Persuasive Communication: Explained services clearly and confidently to encourage sign-ups and contract agreements.
• Team Collaboration: Worked under a sales manager while staying self-motivated to meet daily goals.
• Resilience: Handled rejection and weather conditions with persistence and a positive mindset.

As a student researcher through the ACS Project SEED initiative, I conducted a hands-on study exploring how eco-friendly and conventional detergents affect the survival of Planaria, a freshwater flatworm species. This project deepened my understanding of both environmental chemistry and experimental procedures. My responsibilities included:

• Experimental Design: Created a controlled study testing different detergent types on Planaria behavior and viability.
• Data Analysis: Collected observational and quantitative data, graphed results, and evaluated environmental impact based on trends.
• Scientific Communication: Prepared reports and visuals to present at science fairs and competitions.
• Critical Thinking: Adjusted procedures based on findings and real-time observations, developing stronger scientific reasoning.
• Environmental Awareness: Gained insight into sustainable product development and waterway toxicity.