Destiny Hernandez
Las Cruces,NM
Summary
Dynamic and self-motivated professional with experience as a Research Assistant in both agronomy and entomology at New Mexico State University, skilled in field research and data analysis. Proven ability to maintain compliance with safety protocols while fostering teamwork and collaboration. Adept at preparing samples and engaging in community outreach, ensuring impactful contributions to research initiatives.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
New Mexico State University
03.2024 - Current
- Executed field research protocols at the Jornada Experimental Range by managing the deployment, collection, maintenance, and data tracking of field pitfall traps.
- Conducted systematic field sweeps and sampling across alfalfa fields, translating collections into organized population data through sorting and taxonomic identification.
- Monitored critical insect vectors and thrips populations in regional onion fields and pecan orchards while installing specialized headspace sampling equipment for chemical ecology analysis.
- Maintained laboratory insect cultures and calibrated baseline populations of aphids required for running live predation and chemical toxicity bioassays.
- Managed agronomy field logistics by organizing seed inventories, hand-planting experimental guar plots, maintaining plot integrity, and tracking plant phenological growth and stress responses.
- Prepared and processed research samples (plant tissue, soil, seed) for laboratory analysis while operating specialized equipment and digitizing data for quality control.
Line Cook, Baker, Dishwasher
Corner Bakery Cafe
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Managed station mise en place and scaled bulk ingredients with high precision to support efficient, time-sensitive commercial baking workflows.
- Enforced strict food safety, cleanliness, and public health sanitation standards while monitoring active
culinary processes. - Collaborated dynamically with kitchen and front-of-house teams to maintain rapid order fulfillment and
clear communication during peak high-volume operational hours. - Coordinated the inventory, sanitation, and systemic storage of industrial culinary equipment and service
ware to support continuous kitchen operations.
Site Supervisor
Families & Youth Innovation Plus
05.2022 - 07.2022
- Directed daily meal distribution operations, managing logistics to safely serve nutritious food to over 40
youth community members daily. - Maintained absolute regulatory compliance by systematically tracking client tallies and strictly enforcing
public health and safety sanitation guidelines. - Fostered an inclusive and welcoming environment to build strong, positive relationships with local families
and community stakeholders. - Coordinated and executed the physical logistics, assembly, and breakdown of heavy distribution equipment and community event infrastructure.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture (minor in Entomology)
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM05-2027
Associate of Business Occupation - Business
Dona Ana Community College
Las Cruces, NM12-2023
High School Diploma -
Mayfield High School
Las Cruces05-2021
Skills
- Field Research & Agronomy: Insect sweep netting, crop scouting, pitfall trapping, plot layout & planting, manual weeding, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Laboratory & Taxonomy: Insect identification, microscopy, specimen processing & preservation, sample sorting, and insect rearing
- Data & Software: Data collection, Excel/database entry, research logging, digital outreach management, and administrative reporting
- Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational)
Certification
- Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Associate (Office 2019)
- NMSU Driver's License for Work Vehicles
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Research Assistant
New Mexico State University
03.2024 - Current
Line Cook, Baker, Dishwasher
Corner Bakery Cafe
03.2023 - 03.2024
Site Supervisor
Families & Youth Innovation Plus
05.2022 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture (minor in Entomology)
New Mexico State University
Associate of Business Occupation - Business
Dona Ana Community College
High School Diploma -
Mayfield High School