Nayomi Jones-Rapier
Peoria,IL
Summary
Recently graduated with a B.S. in Environment, Natural Resources, and Plant Science from Tuskegee University. Hands-on experience in microbiological research and molecular biology. Seeking opportunities to apply scientific research, sustainability, and innovation in utilizing agricultural resources to contribute to groundbreaking projects that aim to
redefine industry standards.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Biological Laboratory Intern
United States Department Of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service-National Center Of Agriculture Utilization Research
2023.06 - 2023.07
- Independent Research Project: Investigating the ability of the beneficial fungus Sarocladium zeae to inhibit Fusarium graminearum mycotoxin production
- Designed and performed fungal co-culturing experiments and evaluated mycotoxin inhibition
- Prepared specialized media formulations to cultivate toxin-producing microorganisms, enabling study and analysis of their toxin production
- Proficiently collected, maintained, and preserved microbial strains and cultures for research purposes
- Inoculated various biological samples into appropriate culture media, ensuring optimal growth conditions and facilitating further analysis and experimentation
- Utilized Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques to analyze and identify organic compounds within biological samples, providing valuable insights to their composition and structure
- Performed data analysis using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) to identify and quantify specific compounds in complex biological matrices. Contributed to accurate and precise measurements of target substances
- Performed genomic DNA sample preparation for sequencing, conducted in-depth analysis of phytogenic trees, and utilized bioinformatics tools to decipher genetic patterns and enhance our understanding of fungal evolutionary relationship
- Conducted DNA extractions from various plant tissues
- Ensured integrity and purity of DNA by implementing quality control measures throughout extraction process
- Prepared and maintained detailed records of DNA extraction processes and results, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference.
Soil Judge Contestant
United States Department Of Agriculture Southeast
2022.09 - 2022.10
- Described and Classified soil properties
- Identified different soil types and associated landscape features
- Interpreted soil information for agriculture and other land uses.
Microbiology Laboratory Technician
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration- Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute
2022.05 - 2022.08
- Researched interactions between phytoplankton, bacteria, and vitamins in biological science lab
- Maintained algal and bacterial cultures
- Conducted flow cytometry, water quality sampling, and data analysis
- Extracted and analyzed chlorophyll Fluorescence from water samples
- Performed DNA extraction and PCR from cells
- Operated flow-cam sample acquisition and analysis.
Research Associate- HBCU Small Farmers Case Study
Walmart
2022.02 - 2022.04
- Organized a comprehensive study based on sharing of knowledge, resources, and experience to create a solution for green availability throughout the year, focusing on identifying socially disadvantaged African American farmers
- Developed policy recommendations to produce greens in a sustainable way without negatively impacting disadvantaged farmers
- Explored and expanded the opportunity presented by the partnership between Tuskegee University and Walmart.
Sustainability Coordinator
Community Service Project- Community Recycling An
2021.10 - 2021.11
- Designed a community-based questionnaire assessment to evaluate sustainable waste disposal and recycling behaviors
- Brought awareness to recycling within the community to improve overall sustainability in community.
Community Climate Educator and Advocacy Observer
Sustainable Climate Environment Non-profit Organization
2021.09 - 2021.11
- Educated and informed members of the community about global warming and the legislative solutions
- Participated and observed conversations with Congressional leaders about global warming.
Education
B.S. - Environment, Natural Resource and Plant Science
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL05.2024
Skills
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Aseptic Culturing Techniques
- Flow Cytometry
- Chlorophyll Extraction
- Flow Cam Sample Acquisition and Analysis
- Water quality sampling
- DNA extraction, PCR
- Critical Analysis and Report Writing
- Data Analysis
- Oral and Written Communication
- Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
- Land Evaluation Techniques
- Soil Morphology, Genesis, and Classification
- Hydrological Modeling
- Strain and Culture Collection
- Toxin-Producing Media Preparation
- Culture Inoculation Techniques
- Gas Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry Proficiency
- Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Analysis
- Phytogenic Tree DNA Sequence Analysis
- Scientific Communication
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Data Analysis and Data Management
- Organic Extraction of Fungal and Plant Metabolites
- Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- ArcMap
- ERDAS IMAGINE
- SWATPlusEditor
- BLAST
- GenBank software
Conference Presentations
- Understanding How Sarocladium Inhibits Fusarium graminearum Deoxynivalenol Production, 2023 National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Summer Internship Research Day, 07/2023, Peoria, IL, Oral Presentation
- Silencing Fusarium graminearum virulence through a Bacterial Association, 2023 Corn Dry Milling Conference, 06/2023, Peoria, IL, Poster Presentation
- Exploring Phytoplankton in Coastal New Hampshire, 2022 POSea Conference, 09/2022, Virtual, Oral Presentation
- Exploring Phytoplankton in Coastal New Hampshire, 2022 Professional Agriculture Workers Conference, 10/2022, Montgomery, AL, Oral Presentation
Extracurricular Activities
- MANRRS: Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences
- Tuskegee University Ocean Exploration Club
- National Society of Leadership and Success
- Tuskegee University Cannabis Club
Accomplishments
• 2023 Fall Tuskegee University dean’s list
• 2022 Spring Tuskegee University dean's list and honor roll
• 2021 Fall Tuskegee University dean’s list and honor roll.
• National Society of Leadership and Success
Timeline
Biological Laboratory Intern
United States Department Of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service-National Center Of Agriculture Utilization Research
2023.06 - 2023.07
Soil Judge Contestant
United States Department Of Agriculture Southeast
2022.09 - 2022.10
Microbiology Laboratory Technician
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration- Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute
2022.05 - 2022.08
Research Associate- HBCU Small Farmers Case Study
Walmart
2022.02 - 2022.04
Sustainability Coordinator
Community Service Project- Community Recycling An
2021.10 - 2021.11
Community Climate Educator and Advocacy Observer
Sustainable Climate Environment Non-profit Organization
2021.09 - 2021.11
B.S. - Environment, Natural Resource and Plant Science
Tuskegee University
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