Justin Simmons
Lynwood,IL
Summary
Detail-oriented Biologist with hands-on experience in cancer research and microbiological testing within academic and commercial laboratory environments. Adept at applying aseptic techniques, environmental monitoring, and microbiological assays to support research integrity and quality standards. Demonstrated ability to accurately collect, analyze, and document biological data while adhering to biosafety and regulatory protocols. Recognized for strong analytical thinking, technical precision, and effective collaboration in fast-paced lab settings. Seeking to contribute scientific expertise and a strong work ethic to a research or laboratory-based organization.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Lab Analyst
South Holland Metal Finishing
01.2026 - Current
- Conduct regular chemical titrations, pH tests, and concentration analyses of plating baths, rinses, and wastewater systems.
- Identify bath imbalances and recommend or perform chemical additions and adjustments to maintain process control.
- Support quality control by ensuring plating and coating processes meet customer and internal specifications.
- Prepare and add chemical make-up solutions according to test results and specifications.
- Ensure chemical usage and disposal comply with EPA, OSHA, and local regulatory requirements.
- Sanitized and formatted raw data, removing errors and glitches.
- Prepared reagents needed for testing laboratory specimens.
Microbiologist Technician
Mérieux Food Science Center
Crete, IL
09.2025 - 11.2025
- Receive food, ingredient, environmental or water samples. Log them; weigh, record, blend or homogenize as needed.
- Performing various tests, pathogen detection, enumeration of organisms, possibly pH, presence of spoilage microbes, total viable counts.
- Reading and interpreting culture plates and tubes, counting colonies, determining growth, possibly doing confirmation tests.
- Operated vortex mixers, pipettes, and pH meters for accurate sample preparation and quality control testing.
- Utilized media preparation while using dispensing systems and water baths to create sterile growth media to maintain proper incubation temperatures for microbial assays.
- Performed precise sample weighing, dilution, and homogenization using analytical balances and stomacher blenders.
- Calibrated also maintained incubators, refrigerators, and freezers, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
- Implemented proper labeling documentation for sample traceability.
Cancer Researcher
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC)
Columbus, OH
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Performed laboratory testing on lab mice injected with colon cancer cells to evaluate treatment efficacy.
- Collected, handled, and monitored mice using sterile techniques in controlled environments, including biosafety cabinets and ventilated hoods.
- Collected stool samples and administered multiple experimental cancer treatments via injections.
- Conducted tumor measurements and documented changes in tumor growth or reduction to assess treatment impact.
- Utilized standard lab testing techniques including microscopy, PCR, centrifugation, and cell culturing.
- Presented findings through scientific posters and PowerPoint presentations to research mentors and peers.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Biology
Wilberforce University
Wilberforce, OH05-2025
Skills
- Environmental Monitoring
- Aseptic Techniques
- Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
- Microbiological Testing
- Biosafety
- Animal Handling Procedures
- Data Analysis
- Instrument Calibration
- Biohazard disposal
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Quality control procedures
- Clinical chemistry
Timeline
Lab Analyst
South Holland Metal Finishing
01.2026 - Current
Microbiologist Technician
Mérieux Food Science Center
09.2025 - 11.2025
Cancer Researcher
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC)
05.2023 - 08.2023
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Biology
Wilberforce University