Humberto Valdez
McAllen,Texas
Summary
Accomplished Lab Manager with over six years of experience in laboratory operations, focusing on safety and compliance. Effective in fostering positive team dynamics and mentoring staff, resulting in improved lab productivity and morale. Demonstrated success in budget management and vendor negotiations to optimize resource allocation.
Overview
2
2
Languages
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Manager
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas
01.2022 - Current
- Managed daily operations and technical supervision, ensuring efficient laboratory administration.
- Supported faculty in laboratory projects while maintaining equipment and overseeing budget management.
- Negotiated with vendors for laboratory supplies, securing discounts and savings for the department.
- Supervised and trained Graduate Teaching Assistants and work-study students, fostering mentorship and skill development.
- Fostered a culture of collaboration within the team, promoting a positive work environment that increases team morale.
- Health and Biomedical Sciences Department
Laboratory Manager
Lone Star Citrus Growers
Mission, Texas
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Oversaw development and daily operations of food laboratory, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Develops new and improves existing analytical procedures to improve lab productivity.
- Generated COAs and statistical reports for customers, enhancing transparency and trust in laboratory results.
- Ensured that all laboratory staff followed health and safety standards.
Adjunct Chemistry Instructor
South Texas College
McAllen, Texas
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Delivered engaging lectures on general chemistry (CHEM 1411/1412), fostering student understanding and interest in the subject.
- Evaluate and grade students’ class work, laboratory performance, assignments and papers.
- Maintained accurate student attendance and grade records, supporting academic integrity and student progress tracking.
- Supervised preparation of solutions, reagents, and lab equipment, ensuring adherence to safety procedures and compliance with college standards.
Chemistry Teacher
Edinburg CISD
Edinburg, Texas
01.1997 - 01.2018
- Taught general chemistry, Advanced Placement Chemistry, and Dual-Enrollment Chemistry.
- Prepared and delivered engaging lectures on chemistry topics to enhance student understanding.
- Created course materials and obtained necessary laboratory equipment and safety supplies to support effective teaching and learning.
- Evaluated and graded students’ class work and laboratory performance to provide constructive feedback and ensure academic progress.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Chemistry Curriculum Writer
Edinburg CISD
Edinburg, Texas
06.2012 - 08.2014
- Developed yearly student and instructor lab manuals to enhance instructional consistency and support effective laboratory practices.
- Developed engaging curriculum materials for diverse student populations.
- Collaborated with educators to align content with state standards.
- Organized and reviewed chemistry laboratory experiments for district to ensure alignment with curriculum standards.
- Reviewed and revised educational resources for clarity and effectiveness.
Research Assistant
University of Texas -Pan American (UTRGV)
Edinburg, Texas
06.2009 - 08.2010
- Developed new methods and troubleshot Varian GC/FID and GC/MS instruments to enhance analytical capabilities within the chemistry department.
- Analyzed polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and volatile/semi-volatile organic compounds using Thermo Electron GC/DSQ Mass Selector (GC/MS) to support environmental research initiatives.
- Projects included GC/MS analysis of chlorinated organic compounds in fish tissue, priority pollutants in air (Summa canisters), and organic compounds (volatiles) from local water.
- Chemistry Department
Assistant Lab Manager
On Site Analytical Laboratory
McAllen, Texas
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Reviewed organic analyses for compliance with EPA Methods SW-846, ensuring accuracy and reliability of results.
- Conducted volatile and semi-volatile analysis using HP GC/MS (Tekmar, Purge & Trap).
- Performed analysis for BTEX, diesel, and gasoline using Varian GC/FID/PID.
- Supervised the organic extractions for semi-volatiles, and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (IR).
- Established mobile laboratories for field investigations of contaminated properties, facilitating timely and effective sample analysis.
Chemist- Group Leader
PDP Analytical Laboratory
The Woodlands, Texas
01.1994 - 01.1995
- Technical review of all organic analysis using EPA Methods SW-846 and CLP.
- Conducted volatile and semi-volatile analysis using HP 5972 GC/MS, contributing to accurate assessment of environmental samples.
- Supervised organic extractions for semi-volatiles, pesticides, and herbicides, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Performed analysis for BTEX, diesel, and gasoline using HP 5890 GC/FID/PID, aiding in the evaluation of fuel contamination.
- Conducted wet chemical analysis in a laboratory setting to determine substance composition., and ion chromatography methods.
Analytical Chemist
Analyticem Laboratory
Houston, Texas
01.1993 - 01.1994
- Conducted analysis of organic volatiles using Finnigan Incos-50 GC/MS (Tekmar Purge & Trap) to support environmental monitoring initiatives.
- Determination of volatiles in ambient air (Tenax cartridge) using Thermal Desorption GC/MS.
- Reviewed volatile organic analysis results to ensure compliance with EPA Methods SW-846.
- Calibrated laboratory instruments to ensure accurate measurements. and prepared solutions.
- Trained and supervised lab technicians on instrument operation and best laboratory practices to enhance team competency.
Organic Chemist
Browning Ferris Industries (BFI) Laboratory
Houston, Texas
01.1990 - 01.1993
- Supervised organic extractions for semi-volatiles, pesticides, herbicides, PCBs, and TCLP, ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
- Analyzed volatile and semi-volatile compounds using Finnigan-Matt 5100 GC/MS and Finnigan Incos-50B GC/MS, enhancing data quality.
- Performed analysis on pesticides, PCBs and herbicides using HP 5880 GC/ECD.
- Reviewed organic analyses for compliance with EPA Methods SW-846 to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Education
Master of Science - Chemistry
University of Texas (UTRGV)
Edinburg, Texas01-2010
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Texas Pan American
Edinburg, Texas01-1984
Skills
- Laboratory management
- Analytical procedure development
- Health and safety compliance
- Lab equipment maintenance
- Financial oversight
- Multitasking
- Team building
Publications
Trace Analysis of Organic Volatiles in the Lower Laguna Madre utilizing E.P.A. Method 8260, Master thesis, 2010
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Laboratory Manager
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
01.2022 - Current
Laboratory Manager
Lone Star Citrus Growers
01.2019 - 01.2022
Adjunct Chemistry Instructor
South Texas College
01.2013 - 01.2018
Chemistry Curriculum Writer
Edinburg CISD
06.2012 - 08.2014
Research Assistant
University of Texas -Pan American (UTRGV)
06.2009 - 08.2010
Chemistry Teacher
Edinburg CISD
01.1997 - 01.2018
Assistant Lab Manager
On Site Analytical Laboratory
01.1995 - 01.1997
Chemist- Group Leader
PDP Analytical Laboratory
01.1994 - 01.1995
Analytical Chemist
Analyticem Laboratory
01.1993 - 01.1994
Organic Chemist
Browning Ferris Industries (BFI) Laboratory
01.1990 - 01.1993
Master of Science - Chemistry
University of Texas (UTRGV)
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Texas Pan American