Jayce Jones
Fossil Lab Technician
Pendleton,IN
Summary
Early career paleontologist looking to continually gain experience and knowledge in vertebrate paleontology. Passionate, friendly, and goal-driven individual looking to work with you.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Field/Lab Intern
The Children's Museum Of Indianapolis
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Prepared fossil specimens from the Jurassic Mile quarry, utilizing a variety of techniques as well as hand and pneumatic tools
- Maintained, researched, organized, and labeled specimens within the Natural Science Collections
- Mapped, collected, and jacketed specimens in the field from the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation
- Gave educational tours to museum guests and donors of the gallery, prep lab, and collections
- Created training materials for volunteers and staff
Paleontology Preparatory Lab Volunteer
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
12.2023 - Current
- Prepare and maintain fossil specimens with hand tools and heavy-duty laboratory equipment
- Inspire children to become world-leading scientists and engage with families about dinosaurs and the world they lived in
- Assist curatorial staff with identification and accession of natural specimens
- Research on various aspects of vertebrate paleontology for publication, museum signage, and conference talks
Fossil Preparator
Southern Indiana Paleontology Institute
03.2023 - 08.2023
- Evaluated fossils to identify preparation and repair requirements, devising optimal solutions and diligently avoiding informational loss
- Notified superior when restoration required outside expertise
- Minimized further deterioration by restoring the original appearance via fabricated components
- Closely evaluated fossils by documenting each specimen's characteristics, measurements, and general importance
Natural Collections Intern
Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Maintained up-to-date records of materials and specimens, managed inventory, and corrected cataloging errors
- Utilized Microsoft Excel and the museum's custom software for specimen data input and accessioning
- Prepared, identified, and cataloged a massive collection of minerals and marine Paleozoic taxa
- Maintained a safe and efficient environment for the museum's "wet lab"
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Indiana University Bloomington
04.2023 - 08.2023
- Worked both independently and collaboratively with Ph.D. student Ricardo Ely
- Performed quantitative and qualitative analyses on the early evolution of Avemetatarsalians
- Gathered, arranged, and analyzed data in the programming language R
- Attended symposiums and analyzed many research papers to improve overall knowledge and understanding
Volunteer Gallery Interpreter
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
03.2023 - 05.2023
- Informed visitors of exhibit features and highlights to promote enriching museum experiences
- Managed gallery supplies inventory and placed educational activities around Dinosphere
- Addressed visitor service issues and resolved each situation to enable optimal outcomes for visitors and the gallery
- Engaged with families about the science of paleontology, challenging them to think critically about how paleontologists solve problems
Sales Associate
Five Below
12.2023 - 02.2024
- Unload and restock merchandise throughout the store
- Maintain a tidy and relaxing environment for customers
- Assist customers with any concerns and questions
- Assist customers with paying for merchandise at self-checkout when necessary
Server
Waffle House
03.2023 - 09.2023
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers
- Worked with the POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns and personal recommendations
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean
Crew Trainer
McDonald's
03.2022 - 03.2023
- Taught new team members correct procedures for all areas of operation
- Trained employees in customer service, food safety, and performance requirements
- Set a precedent for positivity with my actions, providing high-quality and efficient service
- Acted as manager for store operations when no other was present
Education
Diploma - Biology
Pendleton Heights High School
Pendleton, INBachelor of Science - Biology
Ivy Tech Community College
Anderson, IN 05.2001 -
Skills
Data Analysis
Microsoft Word
Excel
Outlook
Specimen Handling and Preparation
Collections Work
Attention to Detail
Research
Complex Problem-Solving
Collaborative Leadership
Critical Thinking
Verbal and Written Communication
Academic Writing
Teamwork and Collaboration
Affiliations
The Paleontological Society
Accomplishments
Recipient of GSA On To the Future travel grant for 2023 and 2024
Timeline
Field/Lab Intern
The Children's Museum Of Indianapolis
05.2024 - 08.2024
Paleontology Preparatory Lab Volunteer
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
12.2023 - Current
Sales Associate
Five Below
12.2023 - 02.2024
Natural Collections Intern
Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
06.2023 - 08.2023
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Indiana University Bloomington
04.2023 - 08.2023
Fossil Preparator
Southern Indiana Paleontology Institute
03.2023 - 08.2023
Volunteer Gallery Interpreter
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
03.2023 - 05.2023
Server
Waffle House
03.2023 - 09.2023
Crew Trainer
McDonald's
03.2022 - 03.2023
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Ivy Tech Community College
05.2001 -
Diploma - Biology
Pendleton Heights High School
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