Work History
Education
Skills
Employment
Extracurriculars
Certifications
Honors
Timeline
Generic

Gabriel Cakmur

Pittsburgh,PA

Work History

Course Based Soil Bacterial Diversity Project

Washington and Jefferson College
08.2024 - 12.2024
  • Conducted a course-based research project investigating soil bacterial diversity at Abernathy Field Station, comparing microbial communities in forest and field ecosystems.
  • Implemented an experimental approach to isolate bacterial DNA from environmental samples, utilizing selective media for microbial growth and genomic DNA extraction techniques.
  • Amplified the 16S rRNA gene using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to enable taxonomic classification of bacterial isolates.
  • Employed Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis to assess genetic variability across isolates.
  • Analyzed sequencing data using bioinformatics tools, including BLAST and Phylogeny.fr, to identify bacterial taxa and construct phylogenetic trees, revealing evolutionary relationships and clustering patterns.
  • Visualized results through bar graphs, Venn diagrams, and phylogenetic trees to highlight genus distribution, phylum composition, and shared/unique microbial taxa between environments.
  • Synthesized findings into a research poster, presented at W&J Scholars' Day, detailing vegetation-driven microbial diversity and its implications for soil health and ecological dynamics.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Chemistry Major, Spanish Minor, Psychology Minor

Washington & Jefferson College
Washington, PA
05-2028

Skills

Biology Laboratory Techniques

  • Agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA analysis
  • PCR for DNA amplification
  • Microscopy for sample observation and analysis
  • Soil bacterial diversity techniques: sample homogenization, serial dilutions, and plating

Chemistry Techniques

  • Distillation apparatus setup and operation
  • Various filtration methods, including vacuum and suction filtration
  • Compound synthesis and purification
  • Analytical measurements for determining chemical properties
  • 3D molecular modeling and visualization

Data Analysis

  • Microsoft Excel and Word for data processing and reporting

Employment

Allegheny County Pool

East Pittsburgh, PA

Certified Lifeguard and First Responder 05/22 to Current

  • Ensured patron safety by monitoring pool areas and enforcing safety protocols.
  • Responded to emergencies, administering first aid and performing water rescues.
  • Conducted routine safety checks and maintained clean, hazard-free environments.
  • Promoted safe practices through proactive communication with patrons.
  • Completed ongoing training to maintain certifications and emergency response skills.

Niche

Student Ambassador for Niche 10/2024 to Current

  • Shared personal college experiences and answered questions from prospective students on the Niche platform.
  • Created social media videos to guide high school students in their college search and decision-making process.
  • Collaborated with other Pittsburgh-area ambassadors to produce joint content and brainstorm video ideas.
  • Contributed to team discussions to align goals and improve outreach efforts.

Washington & Jefferson College

Chemistry Laboratory Assistant 09/2025 – Current

  • Assisted with instructional laboratory sessions for CHEM 101 (General Chemistry) and CHEM 170 (Organic Chemistry: Reactions & Synthesis)
  • Supported students during experiments by clarifying procedures, reinforcing safety protocols, and troubleshooting techniques
  • Prepared laboratory materials, reagents, and equipment to ensure efficient and safe lab operations
  • Reinforced proper data collection, documentation, and laboratory best practices

Extracurriculars

Washington and Jefferson College

Student Government Association 

08/2024 to 05/2025

· Advocated for student concerns by liaising between the student body and college administration, facilitating policy discussions

· Enhanced strategic decision-making and organizational skills through active involvement in governance and legislative initiatives

· Spearheaded efforts that supported academic and extracurricular advancement for the student community

Washington Fellows Program – Tom Talks
08/2024 – 05/2025

  • Collaborated in multiple brainstorming sessions to plan the revival of Tom Talks, W&J's version of TED Talks.
  • Reached out to prospective participants and structured an outreach campaign to encourage involvement.
  • Designed promotional materials, including posters, to build interest and awareness for the event.
  • Established the framework for event execution, focusing on logistics and participant engagement, with the event scheduled for April 2025.

Pre-Health Program Member
08/2024 – Present

  • Engaged in workshops, networking events, and resources designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare.
  • Actively participated in discussions and activities aimed at exploring medical professions and strengthening pre-medical academic foundations.
  • Collaborated with peers and faculty to enhance readiness for medical school applications and career opportunities.

Chemistry Club
11/2024 – Present

  • Conducted engaging chemistry experiments for Canon-Mac’s Special Education class at W&J.
  • Taught participants the basic scientific principles behind each experiment in an accessible and interactive manner.
  • Fostered excitement for science through hands-on learning and collaborative demonstrations.

Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity - Active Member 

09/2025 – Present

  • Participate in fraternity initiatives emphasizing leadership development, service, and academic support
  • Engage in community service, philanthropy, and campus involvement activities
  • Contribute to a collaborative peer network that promotes accountability, professionalism, and personal growth

Certifications

  • CPR Certified
  • First Aid Certified
  • Lifeguard Certification
  • Laboratory Safety and Chemical Handling Training
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training — 2025
    Completed EMT coursework; passed NREMT psychomotor exam; NREMT cognitive exam pending.

Honors

  • President's Scholarship, Washington & Jefferson College: Merit-based distinction recognizing academic excellence.
  • Leadership Scholarship, Washington & Jefferson College: Awarded for demonstrated leadership qualities.
  • Washington Fellows Program Participant, Washington & Jefferson College: Selected for a prestigious program fostering academic and professional development.
  • Dean’s List, Washington & Jefferson College — Fall 2024; Fall 2025

Timeline

Course Based Soil Bacterial Diversity Project

Washington and Jefferson College
08.2024 - 12.2024

Bachelor of Arts - Chemistry Major, Spanish Minor, Psychology Minor

Washington & Jefferson College

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Gabriel Cakmur