Grace Johnson
Santa Barbara,CA
Summary
Environmental Science graduate with hands-on experience in lab, field, and data analysis work across nutrient cycling, microbiology, oceanography, pedology, geochronology, and geologic field mapping. Uses R, MATLAB, Excel, and qPCR to support sample analysis, quality control, literature review, and clear reporting in research and technical settings.
Overview
1
1
Language
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant researcher for the Environmental Engineering Lab
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
01.2023 - 05.2025
- Analyzed seasonal variation of archaeal communities in Chesapeake Bay to elucidate their role in denitrification cycles by quantifying archaeal DNA across seasons.
- Assisted with experiments on nutrient cycling and denitrification to measure nitrogen fluxes in Chesapeake Bay.
- Implemented laboratory protocols and ensured quality control through replication, calibration, and contamination prevention.
- Used R and Excel to review trends in nutrient removal efficiency and microbial activity.
- Supported JHU study team with literature reviews and background research.
- Compiled and presented summaries, charts, and draft reports for principal investigator review to support research findings.
Assistant researcher for the pedology lab
Bren School of UCSB
Santa Barbara, California
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Investigated soil nutrient levels, organic matter content, and microbial activity to assess soil health and inform research findings.
- Perform soil texture analysis using the hydrometer method, sieve analysis, and laser diffraction to determine soil composition.
- Employed advanced soil sampling techniques, including auger and core sampling, to collect representative soil samples for analysis.
Assistant researcher for the geochronology lab
Johns Hopkins' Earth and Planetary Department
Baltimore, MD
10.2022 - 01.2024
- Facilitated U-Pb radioisotope geochronology by assisting with procedures and lab tasks, ensuring accurate results.
- Coordinated research activities with scientists across multiple departments, enhancing collaborative efforts.
- Supported Earth and planetary science research through literature reviews and note synthesis.
- Assisted in planning fieldwork logistics and schedules, set up equipment, and handled samples.
- Operated heavy machinery during rock cutting and crushing to isolate zircon.
Geological Field Study
Death Valley National Park
01.2024 - 02.2024
- Conducted geologic mapping, stratigraphic analysis, and structural observations to interpret and document regional geologic history.
- Integrated field observations with scientific literature to evaluate interactions among climate, tectonics, and surface processes, contributing to broader geological insights.
- Completed month-long intensive field research course on basin-and-range tectonics, sedimentary processes, and landscape evolution in arid systems, enhancing understanding of regional geology.
Oceanography Research Trip
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS)
01.2023 - 02.2023
- Analyzed data collected at BIOS to identify and predict ocean acidification and circulation trends.
- Modeled relationships among dissolved inorganic carbon, oxygen, detritus, chlorophyll, and nitrogen levels using MATLAB to enhance understanding of daily, seasonal, and annual cycles.
- Carried out coral surveys on both rim and patch reefs around the island.
- Conducted advanced filtering, DNA extraction, Qbit analysis, and qPCR to assess Rubisco levels in coral experiments.
Server
Clark's Oyster Bar
Santa Barbara, California
01.2026 - Current
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
Server
Blue Water Grill
Santa Barbara
05.2025 - Current
- Delivered professional, guest-focused service while managing multiple tables in a fast-paced seafood environment
- Coordinated dining room operations, enhancing service speed and efficiency
- Communicated with servers, chefs, and team members to ensure seamless kitchen and front-of-house coordination
Expeditor and Barback
Thames Street Oyster House
Baltimore
04.2024 - 05.2025
- Collaborated in front- and back-of-house operations at high-volume seafood restaurant known for exceptional service and cuisine.
- Gained in-depth knowledge of East Coast oysters, crabs, lobsters, and seasonal seafood dishes in a restaurant with a dynamic, rotating menu.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD05-2025
High School Diploma -
Cate School
Carpinteria, CA05-2021
Skills
- Laboratory protocols
- R analysis
- ArcGIS
- Literature review
- Experimental design
- Fieldwork experience
- MATLAB modeling
- qPCR analysis
- Soil analysis
Extracurricular Involvement
President of Sigma Gamma Epsilon Earth Sciences Honors Society, May 2024-May 2025
- Organized a campus-wide Sustainability Symposium highlighting interdisciplinary climate research.
- Led chapter meetings and coordinated academic events to support geoscience engagement.
- Promoted outreach and professional development opportunities for earth science students.
Honor Chairwoman, Phi Mu Fraternity, January 2023-January 2025
- Facilitated one-on-one meetings with peers who are academically or personally struggling.
- Demonstrated objectivity.
- Navigated difficult conversations with peers.
Johns Hopkins Women's Club Volleyball captain, November 2022-May 2025
- Planned and oversaw practices.
- Motivated teammates.
Affiliations
- Santa Barbara's Channelkeeper's Watershed Brigade, volunteer, 4hr/week, 2022-present
- Rawlings Conservatory and Baltimore Arboretum volunteer, 10hr/week, 2022-2025
- Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Children’s House volunteer, 2hr/week, 2021-2025
- National Charity League Member - 2017-2021
Academic Achievements
- 3.5 undergraduate GPA
- Johns Hopkins University Dean's List 2022-2024
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Certification
- PADI Advanced Open Water Scuba certified
Timeline
Server
Clark's Oyster Bar
01.2026 - Current
Server
Blue Water Grill
05.2025 - Current
Expeditor and Barback
Thames Street Oyster House
04.2024 - 05.2025
Geological Field Study
Death Valley National Park
01.2024 - 02.2024
Assistant researcher for the pedology lab
Bren School of UCSB
05.2023 - 08.2023
Assistant researcher for the Environmental Engineering Lab
Johns Hopkins University
01.2023 - 05.2025
Oceanography Research Trip
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS)
01.2023 - 02.2023
Assistant researcher for the geochronology lab
Johns Hopkins' Earth and Planetary Department
10.2022 - 01.2024
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
Johns Hopkins University
High School Diploma -
Cate School