MICHELLE J. MENDOZA
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Chemist with hands-on experience leading projects from concept through optimization, with a strong focus on applied chemistry and product development. Proven ability to design and execute experimental programs, interpret data to drive technical decisions, and translate complex results into clear recommendations for cross-functional teams. Background includes reaction and process development, formulation-relevant chemistry, sustainability-driven innovation, and people leadership well suited for industry R&D environments where scientific rigor, execution, and ownership are critical.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Researcher (Reaction & Process Development)
USC, Williams Lab
01.2025 - Current
- Developed and optimized catalytic reactions emphasizing yield, selectivity, and catalyst turnover
- Conducted kinetic, mechanistic, and isotopic-labeling studies to identify process bottlenecks
- Optimized substrate scope and reproducibility with scalability in mind
- Carbene for Phosphine Substitution Inverts the Mechanism for Hydrogen Borrowing Amination - Manuscript in Preparation
Undergraduate Researcher (Project Co-Lead)
USC, Marinescu Lab
01.2023 - Current
- Led end-to-end projects developing cobalt-based catalytic systems for sustainable CO2 conversion
- Owned experimental design, execution, troubleshooting, and performance optimization across catalyst platforms
- Synthesized and evaluated materials; translated mechanistic data into efficiency, selectivity, and stability metrics
- Analyzed products using GC, IC, and NMR; delivered results via reports and presentations
- Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Formate by a Highly Conjugated Tricobalt Phosphino-Thiolate Complex - Manuscript Accepted
College Tutor
01.2022 - Current
- Tutored ~20 undergraduate students in chemistry, physics, and mathematics; designed individualized study plans and practice materials.
- Emphasized conceptual problem solving, exam strategies, and lab data interpretation; students improved by ≥ one letter grade on average.
Wonderful Ambassador
Wonderful Education / The Wonderful Company
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Employed as a case manager supporting Central Valley students in the college transition process.
- Managed an assigned caseload of ~25 students, provided academic advising, scholarship and financial planning guidance, career coaching, resume/interview preparation, and ongoing progress monitoring.
- Organized and led workshops on financial literacy, time management, and college readiness; coordinated campus visits and networking events.
- Helped 10+ students secure internships or employment through individualized coaching and employer outreach each year.
Squad Leader
USC Trojan Marching Band
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Led training, logistics, and performance execution under strict timelines
Member
Society of Cosmetic Chemists
- Formulated cosmetic and skincare prototypes; evaluated stability and ingredient compatibility
Education
B.S. - Chemistry
University of Southern California (USC)
05.2025
A.S. - Agricultural Business
Bakersfield College
A.A. - Liberal Arts
Bakersfield College
Skills
- Reaction development
- Catalysis
- Formulation principles
- Sustainable chemistry
- Organic synthesis
- Electrochemistry
- Schlenk/glovebox
- Chromatography
- NMR
- IR
- UV-Vis
- GC
- IC
- MS
- Excel
- MATLAB
- ChemDraw
- MestReNova
Honors Affiliations
- Wonderful Scholarship Recipient, ~$50,000
- USC Undergraduate Research Program (URAP)
- Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Member
Timeline
Undergraduate Researcher (Reaction & Process Development)
USC, Williams Lab
01.2025 - Current
Undergraduate Researcher (Project Co-Lead)
USC, Marinescu Lab
01.2023 - Current
College Tutor
01.2022 - Current
Wonderful Ambassador
Wonderful Education / The Wonderful Company
01.2022 - 01.2025
Squad Leader
USC Trojan Marching Band
01.2022 - 01.2025
Member
Society of Cosmetic Chemists
B.S. - Chemistry
University of Southern California (USC)
A.S. - Agricultural Business
Bakersfield College
A.A. - Liberal Arts
Bakersfield College