Substitute Teacher
Open To Work
Kassi Koon
Limestone County School District
Madison,AL
Work Preference
Overview
Experienced Research Associate with strong initiative and commitment to understanding health and disease. Co-authored scientific journal articles in molecular diagnostics and public health, contributing to influential studies on disease epidemiology. Delivered actionable insights through expertise in public health research and data analysis, demonstrating adaptability and a focus on achieving impactful results.
23+
years of professional experience
Work History
09.2024 - Current1 Year 11 Months
Substitute Teacher
Limestone County School District | Madison, AL
- Delivered assigned materials to K-12 students while monitoring behavior and attendance to ensure a productive learning environment.
- Implemented lesson plans to ensure continuity of education in absence of regular teachers.
- Managed classroom environments, fostering positive student behavior and engagement.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet diverse learning needs of students.
- Delivered effective instruction in diverse classroom settings to maintain student engagement.
09.2024 - 01.20261 Year 4 Months
Frontline Cashier
SAM’s Club | Huntsville, AL
- Greeted club members upon entry, assisted with obtaining carts, and marked merchandise for return to enhance member experience.
- Scanned and organized club members' merchandise at register, efficiently collecting and handling multiple payment types.
- Verified correlation between payment details and merchandise in member carts, managing collection and return of items when payment was not provided.
- Offers members club benefits through membership upgrades and credit card applications.
05.2019 - 05.20201 Year
Community Outreach Specialist
AmeriCorps VISTA | Huntsville, AL
- Shaped the Service-Learning Course Curriculum and trained all incoming freshmen students for service in the community.
- Shaped Service-Learning Course Curriculum and trained incoming freshmen to enhance community engagement.
- Modified and administered the previously validated Civic Attitudes and Skills Questionnaire (CASQ) to assess attitudes and perceptions of civic responsibility among university students.
- Assessed community needs through surveys, informing program development and service delivery.
- Modified and administered Civic Attitudes and Skills Questionnaire (CASQ) to evaluate civic responsibility perceptions among university students.
09.2016 - 02.20175 Months
Epidemiologist Intern
Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department | Parkersburg, WV
- Conducted epidemiological research to identify disease trends and outbreaks.
- Collaborated with Regional Epidemiologist to analyze hepatitis B and C case trends in northwest West Virginia over one year using WV Notifiable Disease Reporting System data.
- Developed and submitted study design, securing approval from Walden University’s Internal Review Board.
- Analyzed complex datasets using statistical software to inform health interventions.
07.2008 - 08.20146 Years 1 Month
Research Associate I & Research Associate II
Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology | Huntsville, AL
- Designed laboratory assay work procedures and forms to standardize personnel activities, enhancing consistency of research products for result comparison.
- Microbiological tasks included culture and maintenance of bacterial strains, blood culture growth, and bacterial strain morphology confirmation.
- Maintained laboratory order through organization, supply stocking, and maintenance activities, ensuring a contamination-free environment for amplicon and BSLII pathogens.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement experimental protocols.
- Mentored junior researchers on laboratory techniques and best practices in molecular biology.
- Developed comprehensive reports summarizing findings and methodologies for stakeholder review.
- Streamlined laboratory processes, improving efficiency and reducing turnaround times for experiments.
- Monitored progress against project timelines, ensuring timely completion of deliverables while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Set up equipment, organized inventory and maintained facilities.
- Provided technical guidance on experimental design and data interpretation issues for team members as needed.
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to inform study designs and methodology decisions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to drive project success and achieve objectives.
07.2006 - 06.20081 Year 11 Months
Research Assistant
QIAGEN | Huntsville, AL
- Assisted in the preparation of research materials and protocols for laboratory experiments.
- Managed data collection processes ensuring accuracy and consistency across multiple studies.
- Developed and maintained detailed documentation of experimental procedures and results.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline project workflows and improve communication.
- Trained new staff on laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and data management systems.
- Led initiatives to optimize laboratory processes, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced turnaround times.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Maintained open lines of communication with project leads and team members for effective collaboration on common goals.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
- Synthesized complex information into clear summaries to make findings accessible to diverse audiences.
- Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring proper maintenance and optimal functionality.
08.2003 - 07.20062 Years 11 Months
Research Scientist
GENACO Biomedical Products, Inc. | Huntsville, AL
- Gained experience in small business setting through independent research and collaboration with co-workers, contributing to achievement of company goals.
- Developed innovative biomedical research methodologies to enhance product efficacy and safety.
- Utilized skills in writing and editing to contribute to the content of small business grants and journal articles.
- Completed four projects independently while supporting team productivity and collaboration.
- Streamlined research processes to meet tight deadlines for multiple projects.
- Contributed to small business grants and journal articles through writing and editing skills.
- Collaborated with external partners on research initiatives, enhancing knowledge sharing and resource optimization.
- Implemented quality control measures to ensure consistency and reliability in experimental outputs across projects.
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to laboratory safety guidelines.
- Evaluated new technologies for potential integration into existing research processes, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Streamlined laboratory workflows, resulting in reduced costs and increased productivity.
- Recognized abnormal test results and devised corrective actions to retain accurate and valid results.
- Enhanced research efficiency by optimizing experimental designs and protocols.
Education
Master in Public Health | Public Health
Walden University, College of Health Sciences | Minneapolis, MN | 02-2017
Walden University, College of Health Sciences - Minneapolis, MN
02-2017
GPA: 3.9
Bachelor of Science | Microbiology, Minor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Pennsylvania State University, Eberly College of Science | State College, PA | 05-2003
The Pennsylvania State University, Eberly College of Science - State College, PA
05-2003
- Graduation with Distinction
- GPA: 3.85
- Dean's List
Skills
Accomplishments
Foundations of Leadership Certificate 1
Foundations of Leadership Certificate 2
Affiliations
- National Society of Leadership and Success, Walden University chapter, 2018 - 2022
- American Public Health Association member, 2016 - 2021
- Penn State Alumni Association member, 2014 – 2022, 2026
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
Limestone County School District
09.2024 - CurrentRead more
Frontline Cashier
SAM’s Club
09.2024 - 01.2026Read more
Community Outreach Specialist
AmeriCorps VISTA
05.2019 - 05.2020Read more
Epidemiologist Intern
Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department
09.2016 - 02.2017Read more
Research Associate I & Research Associate II
Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology
07.2008 - 08.2014Read more
Research Assistant
QIAGEN
07.2006 - 06.2008Read more
Research Scientist
GENACO Biomedical Products, Inc.
08.2003 - 07.2006Read more
Walden University, College of Health Sciences - Master in Public Health, Public Health
Read more
The Pennsylvania State University, Eberly College of Science - Bachelor of Science, Microbiology, Minor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Read more