Kendall Wheeler
Bowling Green,KY
Summary
I'm interested in how human activity in karst regions affects water quality, and by extension biodiversity. In my current position, I have a year of experience testing soil and water samples for a variety of inorganic chemicals, frequently to assess water potability. I aspire to work as a water quality specialist in karst regions
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Prep Analyst
Pace Analytical
5 2023 - Current
- Prepared soil & water samples for analysis of inorganic analytes (wet chemistry)
- Adhered to SOPs for analyzing various inorganic aqueous contaminants such as TKN/PT, PHT, CN(AM), H2S/SULFIDE/REACTS, NH3
- Screened samples for reactivity and other hazards to ensure safe analysis
- Validated results and performed QC to assess accuracy of data.
- Trained new hires in safety, QC, proper lab attire, sample screening, performing SOPs, use of LIMS software (PrepData), etc
- Worked closely with QA and regularly recommended modifications to processes
Geology and Ecology of National Parks Intern
USGS
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Reviewed literature on ecology/geology of National Parks; Mammoth Cave National Park was the focus area
- Wrote engaging content to be uploaded on USGS National Park websites
- Gathered and selected photos to be used on website
- Managed the project independently and keeping in regular contact with my mentor while remote
Circle of Support Tutor
Kelly Autism Program
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Worked with people of diverse backgrounds, including many on the spectrum
- Socialized with students and assisted in understanding the social landscape of college life.
- Assisted students in small groups or one-on-one sessions to provide support in achieving learning objectives.
- Maintained records of student assessments, tutoring activities and results.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY 08.2019 - 05.2023
Skills
Data Entry
Literature Review
Blacklighting
Written Communication
DNA Extraction/Elution
Basic DNA Analysis via SnapGene Viewer
DNA Electrophoresis
Depth Analysis
Leaf Retention
Discharge Calculation
Data analysis in Excel
Basic ecological data analysis (matrices, eigenvalues)
Macroinvertebrate Sampling and Identification
Cave Exploration
TKN/PT
CN(AM)
PHT
H2S/Sulfide
NH3
Quality Control (QC)
Awards & Honors
- Yungbluth Travel Abroad Scholarship-$1,500, Western Kentucky University, Department of Biology awarded Spring 2022
- Gilman International Scholarship-$5,000, U.S. State Department, awarded Fall 2020
Leadership & Involvement
- HonorsToppers, Spring 2022- Spring 2023
- Served as an ambassador for the Mahurin Honors College. Lead tours and meetings with prospective students along with working miscellaneous outreach events. Cultivated both leadership and public speaking skills all while upholding the standards of dress and professionalism expected as a representative of the university
- Study Abroad-KIIS Ecuador, Summer 2022
- Studied abroad in Ecuador. The program focused on evolution and ecology in the Neotropics, with Yasuni Reserve in Amazonia and the Galapagos Archipelago being particularly important. Conservation issues and the sociopolitical and economic factors leading to them being frequent topics of discussion such as tourism in Galapagos and oil drilling in the Amazon.
- Publications Chair, FIJI (Phi Gamma Delta), Spring 2021-Fall 2021
- Coordinated a committee of 4 and published a newsletter semester. Writing and photography were delegated to committee members based on individual skill sets and availability. The finished newsletter was edited in Adobe InDesign with occasional work being done in Photoshop. Publishing and distributing the newsletter to a recipient list of 600+ was also my responsibility
References
- Dr. Pat Kambesis (Thesis Advisor/First Reader)
- Professor, Western Kentucky University, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Environmental Sciences
- 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY, 42101
- Work: 270-745-5984
- Email: pat.kambesis@wku.edu
- Dr. Keith Philips (Thesis Committee/Second Reader)
- Professor, Western Kentucky University, Department of Biology
- 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY, 42101
- Work: 270-745-3419
- Email: keith.philips@wku.edu
- Sarah McMaine-Render (Supervisor-Kelly Autism Program)
- Assistant Director, Circle of Support, Kelly Autism Program
- Suzanne-Vitale Clinical Education Complex,104 Alumni Ave, Bowling Green, KY, 42101
- Work: 270-745-5264
- Laura Corey (Mentor/Internship Supervisor)
- Program Analyst, Youth Education in Science, Office of Science Quality and Integrity, United States Geologic Survey (USGS)
- 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr, Reston, VA, 20192, US
- Work: 703-648-6683
- Email: lcorey@usgs.gov
- Email: sarah.mcmaine@wku.edu
Timeline
Geology and Ecology of National Parks Intern
USGS
08.2022 - 05.2023
Circle of Support Tutor
Kelly Autism Program
08.2021 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Western Kentucky University
08.2019 - 05.2023
Prep Analyst
Pace Analytical
5 2023 - Current