Dylan McKenzie
Kalamazoo,MI
Summary
Research professional with a foundation in zoological and ecological sciences and experience working within regulated biological research environments. Skilled in SOP development, process validation, and collaborative study design. Passionate about sustainable science, data integrity, and research that bridges biology, chemistry, and community wellness.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Extraction Technician
Old 27 Buds
06.2025 - Current
- Responsible for careful handling and processing of biological materials to preserve quality, yield, and integrity.
- Operate within regulated environments requiring strict adherence to SOPs, safety standards, and documentation requirements.
- Track and interpret process data to assess outcomes, identify variability, and inform procedural improvements.
- Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot specialized equipment to ensure operational reliability and data consistency
Trivia Host (Self-Employed)
Independent
01.2019 - 10.2025
- Design and facilitate live trivia games for diverse audiences, emphasizing clear communication, audience engagement, and adaptive presentation.
- Demonstrate strong public speaking, leadership, and time-management skills while managing live events, responding to audience feedback, and maintaining structured program flow.
- Build repeat attendance by fostering inclusive, welcoming environments and positive participant experiences.
- Coordinate materials, technology, and schedules to support smooth event execution.
Clinical Network & Patient Care Coordinator (Remote)
Almadelic
01.2025 - 06.2025
- Coordinate individuals with licensed clinicians and facilitators across regulated therapeutic programs, ensuring appropriate matching and clear communication.
- Onboard new clinicians into a multi-disciplinary care network, verifying completion of required documentation, training, and compliance protocols.
- Maintain confidential, HIPAA-compliant records and facilitate secure information sharing among authorized care providers.
- Translate complex therapeutic concepts related to ketamine and psilocybin into accessible, neutral explanations, helping individuals understand potential benefits, limitations, and program structure.
Research Associate
PharmOptima
01.2023 - 06.2024
- Design and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support reproducibility, data integrity, and regulatory compliance across preclinical study protocols.
- Collaborate with principal investigators, visiting researchers, and external study sponsors—including participation in remote meetings to discuss study objectives and experimental design considerations.
- Assist in the development and validation of experimental methods supporting preclinical research into ocular disorders.
- Gain hands-on exposure to liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC/MS) techniques used for compound characterization and analysis.
- Prepare reagents, biological samples, and assay plates; calibrate laboratory instruments and maintain detailed, audit-ready data logs.
Laboratory Technician
Charles River Laboratories
08.2020 - 05.2022
- Serve as a multi-species technician supporting general toxicology studies, administering test compounds and collecting samples via multiple approved routes.
- Maintain precise dosing calculations, administration records, and study documentation in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.
- Support animal handling, monitoring, and procedural workflows with attention to animal welfare, safety, and protocol compliance.
- Frequently assist adjacent teams to ensure study continuity, contributing technical support in fast-paced, regulated laboratory environments.
- Apply careful judgment and attention to physiological response when working with compounds affecting sedation, pain management, and animal safety.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Zoology, Animal Biology
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI05.2019
Mott Community College
Flint, MI12.2016
Skills
- Biological sample handling and stewardship
- Data collection, documentation, and quality control
- Equipment calibration and maintenance
- Experimental method development and validation
- Risk awareness and procedural compliance
- Material flow optimization and process improvement
- Adaptive problem-solving under variable conditions
- Respect for autonomy, consent, and cultural sensitivity
- Animal handling and welfare protocols
Timeline
Lead Extraction Technician
Old 27 Buds
06.2025 - Current
Clinical Network & Patient Care Coordinator (Remote)
Almadelic
01.2025 - 06.2025
Research Associate
PharmOptima
01.2023 - 06.2024
Laboratory Technician
Charles River Laboratories
08.2020 - 05.2022
Trivia Host (Self-Employed)
Independent
01.2019 - 10.2025
Bachelor of Science - Zoology, Animal Biology
Michigan State University
Mott Community College