Janelle Gapp
Ames,IA
Summary
Innovative leader with expertise in travel program design and community outreach. Proven success in managing logistics and budgets to create impactful experiences for low-income students in conservation efforts.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder/ President
Travel Sparq, Inc.
Ames, IA
04.2022 - Current
- Designed an impactful travel program for low-income students at a sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica.
- Researches and manages the logistics of the program trip to ensure a seamless experience for the group.
- Reviews feedback and makes program adjustments when necessary to maintain program integrity and remain aligned with the organization's mission.
- Manages trip budget while creating a thoughtful itinerary.
- Partners with organizations in Costa Rica that have a positive effect on the group and within the local community to ensure an authentic and educational experience.
- Leads and acts as a chaperone for high school students on the 2-week trip to Costa Rica.
- Teaches and prepares students for their trip during pre-trip classes.
- Presents to groups about the benefits of the program to make more community connections.
- Advertises program services and collaborates with local organizations to reach our target audience.
- Strategizes and implements fundraisers to expand access for students in the community.
- Organizes and maintains the organization's social media and marketing schedule.
- Created and routinely reviews and updates safety protocols and travel SOPs.
Diagnostic Associate II
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
04.2018 - Current
- Primary technician for six assays, both subjective and objective platforms.
- Trained to execute over 60 of the department's tests to act as additional technician help when needed.
- Acts as the liaison for and enforces the Environmental Health and Safety protocols of the Serology section.
- Manages and appropriately disposes of chemicals when expired or testing has been completed.
- Performs research testing for clients when requested.
- Creates budgets for special test requests.
- Monitors testing performance over time and troubleshoots issues if trends develop or issues arise.
- Problem solves laboratory and personnel issues as part of the Serology Quality Team.
- Trains other technicians on serological assays.
- Assists clients and veterinarians with regulatory testing needs for transporting animals.
Laboratory Technician
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
01.2017 - 04.2018
- Inventoried and managed thousands of samples each day.
- Provided laboratories with uniform samples by processing within the required regulations.
- Trained other technicians to effectively inventory and process samples.
- Securing the world's food supply by ensuring the integrity and quality of samples via appropriate sample processing protocols.
- Interacted with veterinarians in a research setting and worked in the field to help them understand test results and laboratory protocols.
Server
Hickory Park
Ames
08.2014 - 02.2017
- Provide exceptional customer service in a fast-paced restaurant that serves 15,000 patrons/ week
- Ensure customer satisfaction throughout their dining experience.
- Manage cash and credit card transactions.
- Assist other servers as needed.
Fellow
NextGen Climate
Ames, IA
07.2016 - 10.2016
- Enthusiastically promoted the need for climate-first legislation and the presidential candidate who had the most pro-climate agenda.
- Registering voters for the 2016 presidential election.
- Canvass the public about local and global climate issues.
- Researching new areas of the community to canvas and register potential voters.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
Iowa State University
Ames, IA05-2015
Associate of Arts -
North Iowa Area Community College
Mason City, IA12-2011
High School Diploma -
Forest City High School
Forest City05-2010
Skills
- Entrepreneurial and innovative
- Trip Lead
- Itinerary building
- Strategic thinking
- Detail-oriented
- Collaborative
- Project management
- Goal setting
- Self-starting and organized
- Industry Knowledge
- Process improvements
- Community outreach
Websites
Accomplishments
- Successfully created, funded, and executed a travel program for high school students with future trips planned.
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
- Backpacking and Hiking- In 2021, I organized and enjoyed a two-week tent camping trip in the Western United States
- Adventure Travel- I have researched and planned trips that are carry-on only, taking public transportation such as buses and tuk-tuks to explore different countries without the use of tour guides This includes adventures in Italy (2014), Costa Rica (2015, 2022), Peru (2017), and Ecuador (2020)
- Trail Running- My adoration for the outdoors fuels my love of trail running I often train for ultramarathons, which allow me to spend even more time outside
Timeline
Founder/ President
Travel Sparq, Inc.
04.2022 - Current
Diagnostic Associate II
Iowa State University
04.2018 - Current
Laboratory Technician
Iowa State University
01.2017 - 04.2018
Fellow
NextGen Climate
07.2016 - 10.2016
Server
Hickory Park
08.2014 - 02.2017
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
Iowa State University
Associate of Arts -
North Iowa Area Community College
High School Diploma -
Forest City High School