With almost seven years in research and an additional five years teaching, I have a deep understanding of scientific principles and theory, laboratory techniques, and best practices for teaching science curricula. My laboratory experience spans designing experiments and improving protocols using molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, laboratory safety, scientific writing, presentation of work and collaboration with other professionals. In teaching, this translates to fostering inquiry-based learning and flexible student learning groups which has been proven to significantly enhance student engagement and comprehension.
As a researcher, I strove to improve my understanding of best scientific practices, such as commonly used laboratory techniques and writing, while also exploring pertinent new areas of research and new technological advances in the field. I have a strong background in research and am competent in most common molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, Western blot, immunoassays, cell culture assays, RNA/DNA analysis, FACS sorting and fluorescent probes, histology, as well as more innovative techniques such as whole organ 3D immunofluorescence imaging and 3D cell culture studies using matrixes/ex vivo studies. Experience includes work with microbial agents, vectors, eukaryotic/animal cells, cell lines, and human tissue/cells. Achievements include multiple research awards/grants in college and presentation of work at conferences and meetings with peers/seniors. I taught other research students, like summer interns and incoming graduate research assistants, and enjoyed collaborating with different medical professionals (doctors, research professionals, epidemiologists, computer data analysts) to address research hypotheses and research goals intended in grants.
As a science teacher, I strove to invite students into the space of "thinking like a scientist" and leading science instruction with a hands-on 3D learning approach. Lectures empathized questions, demonstrations, and problem-solving skills where students synthesized learning, developed conclusions about what they observed, and the class formed a deeper understanding of the topic. Laboratory experiments, laboratory reports, and inquiry-based learning with flexible grouping were instructional strategies that I heavily empathized. I have five years of experience teaching Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Astronomy, and Aquatic Science. I plan and deliver science curriculum in a department and individual setting that includes demonstrations, lectures, discussion and student experiments to develop language, logic and problem-solving skills in classroom. A variety of research-based instructional practices and current resources to support instructional goals and student needs were used and it was an intentional goal of mine to be reading and caught up on any pertinent research in the field. Most recently, I thoroughly enjoyed being able to collaborate on curriculum design and implementation for the district for Chemistry. Helping make science come alive and advocating science education for all is a strong passion of mine. In the future, I hope to be able to offer my skillset and knowledge in a manner that allows me to continue to serve that fundamental ideal and belief that education is important and science literacy is crucial, whether advocating as a laboratory based scientific professional or an educational professional. As Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson said, "If you are scientifically literate, the world looks very different to you... and that understanding empowers you."
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