Grace McCranie
Lutz,FL
Summary
I'm a marine biology major at the University of South Florida living in the Tampa area. I'm looking to dedicate myself to environmental conservation and learn as much as possible about aquatic/marine biology. I am NAUI open water scuba certified, volunteer with the aquatic biology department at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and have been a research student of microbiology. I am highly organized and pay great attention to detail in all of my pursuits.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Volunteer Work
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
12.2023 - Current
- I volunteer with the aquatic biology department weekly.
- This position is heavy in both guest and animal interaction.
- I am expected to identify all sea turtles, stingrays, and other animals we oversee by their unique markings.
- I am also expected to aggressively self-educate and know the animal's back story and be able to clearly explain to guests why they have been deemed non-releasable by the government and what they can do to prevent injuries to wildlife in the future.
- I feed the various stingrays, fish, terrapins, and tortoises alongside staff and make sure they receive their vitamins as well.
- Additionally, I am responsible for cleaning habitats, monitoring plant growth, and ensuring I am complying with all FDA regulations regarding the kitchen and animal diet preparation/storage.
Lead Cashier/Customer Service
Nebraska Mini Mart
05.2023 - Current
- At Nebraska Mini Mart I work as a lead cashier and customer service associate.
- Resolved customer complaints empathetically yet professionally, salvaging potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
- Coordinated breaks for fellow cashiers to ensure continuous coverage at all times while minimizing downtime.
- Managed high volume sales periods effectively, ensuring prompt service during peak hours.
- Trained, mentored, and developed new cashiers with positive and encouraging techniques to maximize performance and team contributions.
- I am expected to provide a welcoming environment to guests and interpret their needs to maximize their experience.
- I have been designated as lead front of house and I am responsible for overseeing my coworkers and closing out the POS system when my manager is not present.
- I am also expected to memorize all of our beer, wine, and cocktail options as well as our rotating monthly menu.
- Finally, I am responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring everything is clean at all times.
Hostess
Counter Culture
09.2022 - 05.2023
- At Counter Culture, I work as a hostess where I'm expected to cater to our guests seating requests, ensure server rotation is respected, call and confirm reservations for the evening, and give a warm welcome and farewell to every guest that enters the restaurant.
- I also ensure our menus stay clean and presentable, and I alert both the managers and servers if any special occasions are being celebrated by our guests.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, balancing responsibilities such as answering phone calls, greeting guests, and updating reservation logs simultaneously.
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, effectively managing large parties or unexpected events during busy shifts.
- Increased restaurant efficiency by maintaining an organized host stand, including menus, reservation logs, and seating charts.
Microbiology Research Student
University of South Florida
08.2022 - 12.2022
- As a freshman, I was a student of microbiology research under Dr. Pollenz.
- The purpose of the lab was to isolate and identify a unique phage or virus.
- I was introduced to basic laboratory techniques and equipment such as centrifuges, agar plating, pipetting, aseptic technique, and gel electrophoresis.
- At the end of my research, the individual phage I studied and categorized throughout the semester was uploaded into a database by the University of Pittsburgh with an overview of our research.
- At the end of the semester, I gave a thorough and engaging scientific presentation about my research findings to my peers and professor.
- I was expected to maintain a detailed account of every experiment conducted in a laboratory book that was regularly graded for quality by the research TA's.
- Contributed to the development of new methodologies, enhancing the overall effectiveness of research efforts.
- Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.
- Assessed data using scientific methods while following important specifications.
Education
Pursuing Bachelor's - Marine Biology
University of South Florida-Main Campus
Tampa, Florida05.2026
Scuba Diving
Depth Perception
Tampa, FL10.2023
High School Diploma -
Florida Virtual School
Orlando, FL05.2022
Skills
- Restaurant Experience
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Serving Experience
- Food Service
- Organizational Skills
- Hospitality Experience
- Food Preparation
- Food Safety
- Animal Care
- Laboratory Experience
- Aseptic Technique
- Volunteer Work
Certification
ServSafe Food Handler
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Timeline
Volunteer Work
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
12.2023 - Current
Lead Cashier/Customer Service
Nebraska Mini Mart
05.2023 - Current
Hostess
Counter Culture
09.2022 - 05.2023
Microbiology Research Student
University of South Florida
08.2022 - 12.2022
Pursuing Bachelor's - Marine Biology
University of South Florida-Main Campus
Scuba Diving
Depth Perception
High School Diploma -
Florida Virtual School
ServSafe Food Handler
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