Talented Biologist promoting knowledge in General Biology and Microbiology. Effective at highlighting biological & microbiological topics to college students through outreach and relevant studies. Highly experienced in Hybrid and In-Person lectures and laboratories.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Part-Time Faculty, Microbiology
Los Angeles Community College District
08.2021 - Current
Reduced contamination risk by maintaining sterile laboratory environment and adhering to safety protocols.
Instruction of laboratory microbiological methods to 26 students using Basic Plan.
Maintain exceptional laboratory organization, safety, and cleanliness.
Expert instruction on Brightfield Microscopy.
Instruction & evaluation of students' efficacy of aseptic technique and culture transfers.
Instruction on antimicrobial agents efficacy using standardized disk diffusion methods.
Instruction & evaluation of students' identification of morphological and biochemical bacterial unknowns.
Instruction on Laboratory Notebook preparation and recording.
Development of asynchronous and synchronous online lecture instruction.
Testing methods preparation and lesson preparation using Canvas.
Emphasis on excellent communication with other faculty, laboratory technicians, and higher department leadership.
Part Time Faculty
Antelope Valley College District
08.2016 - Current
Elaboration of teaching techniques to improve memorization and develop critical thinking.
Employ group study sessions and discussions to encourage learning and develop community.
Experience using Lesson Basics on 56 students class size.
Preparation of study guides for successful delivery of course material and to improve students' focal points.
Develop, administer, and correct tests promptly to allow for student grade advancement.
Participation in developing laboratory activities and improvements.
Special attention to laboratory setup and clean-up to ease class transitions.
Extensive experience teaching general biology, microbiology, and human biology lectures and laboratories.
Emphasis on excellent communication with other faculty, laboratory technicians, and higher departmental leadership.
Part Time Faculty
Santa Clarita Community College District
08.2006 - Current
Use various teaching techniques to improve memorization and develop critical thinking.
Highly experienced in using group study sessions and discussions to encourage student learning and develop community.
Experience in using Lesson Basics on 50-student class size.
Preparation of study guides for successful delivery of course material and to improve students' focal points.
Develop, administer, and correct tests promptly, allowing student grade advancement.
Participation in developing laboratory activities and improvements.
Special attention to laboratory setup and clean-up to ease class transitions.
Participation in SLO Review in Biological Sciences
Co-advisor of Student Success Club by EOPS/CARE Program at College of the Canyons for two years.
Emphasis on excellent communication with other faculty, laboratory technicians, and higher leadership of the department.
Extensive experience in teaching General Biology lectures and laboratory
Taught Human Genetics lecture.
Part Time Faculty (Microbiology)
Ventura Community College District
01.2022 - 06.2023
Instruction of laboratory microbiological methods using Basic Plan on 60-student class size.
Maintain exceptional laboratory organization, safety, and cleanliness.
Expert instruction on Brightfield Microscopy
Instruction on proper Laboratory Notebook preparation and recording
Development of asynchronous and synchronous online lecture instruction
Testing methods preparation and lesson preparation using Canvas
Emphasis on excellent communication with other faculty, laboratory technicians, and higher departmental leadership.
Laboratory Technician
SCCCD
02.2016 - 12.2017
Executed setup and cleanup of laboratories for General Biology and Anatomy & Physiology labs
Maintained laboratory instruments and equipment for the General Biology and Anatomy & Physiology labs
Gathered and prepared biological samples for the General Biology lab
Maintained live specimens in the General Biology lab
Monitored supplies for laboratory exercises
Emphasis on excellent communication with other faculty, laboratory technicians, and higher leadership of the department.
Microbiologist II (QA)
Medtronic Mini Med
09.2000 - 03.2003
Performed, coordinated, executed, and summarized all areas of sterilization validation (EtO and pressure sterilizers)
Operated and maintained EtO and pressure sterilizers, including spore-challenge testing
Performed and reported TOC Analyzer calibrations
Prepared sterility test culture media and executed growth promotion and sterility testing
Performed membrane filtration technique for bioburden testing on implantable medical devices
Executed microbial identification using Biolog System
Conducted LAL testing (testing for endotoxins) using turbidimetry
Prepared and analyzed Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and conductivity
Sampled and monitored environmental cleanroom conditions: airborne, particulate, and surface contact microbial testing
Analyzed Ethylene Oxide gas residual extractions on finished products.
Research Associate I
Medical Research Group (acquired by Medtronic)
06.1999 - 09.2000
Prepared culture media for sterility testing
Performed growth promotion testing and sterility testing on implantable medical devices
Performed bioburden testing using a membrane filtration technique on implantable medical devices
Executed microbial identification using Biolog System
Conducted water sampling from water systems for bioburden testing
Maintained clean, safe, and orderly Microbiology laboratory environment
Instructed students on introductory microbiology laboratory exercises
Prepared and graded midterm and final microbiology examinations
Guided and supported students with bacterial unknown identification exercises.
Education
M. S. - Biology
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA
06.2006
B. S. - Biology
California State University, Northridge
05.1998
Skills
Spanish
Maintaining records
Document Preparation
Critical Thinking
Multitasking and Time Management
Microsoft Office
Documentation and Recordkeeping
Excel spreadsheets
Employee Communications
Accomplishments
Recognized for being an outstanding professor who goes "Over and Above" in helping students succeed from the years 2016 through 2019 at the EOPS/CARE/CalWORKS Department at College of the Canyons (SCCCD).
Invited to participate in the Federal program, Upward Bound Program, Golden Valley High School at 27051 Robert C. Lee Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 for summer of 2013, 2016, & 2017 teaching Introduction to Biology.
Student Perceptions
Anonymous
Nardos
Sheila
Alysa
Certifications Courses
Online Teacher Training Course in Canvas Certificate (OTTCC), VCCD, Dec. 2021
Introduction to Online Teaching and Learning, Course Design for Teaching in Canvas (IOTL), LACCD, December 2021
OnlineLIVE Certificate, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), SCCCD, October 2021
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 11/11/67
Nationality: Naturalized US Citizen
Publications
Medina P, Baresi L. J Microbiol Methods 2007 May. Rapid identification of gelatin and casein hydrolysis using TCA. Epub 2007 Jan 20. 69(2):391-3.
References
Dr. Patricia Palavecino, Botany Lead Coordinator, Antelope Valley College, patricia.palavecino@avc.edu, (661)722-6300x6897
Dr. Patricia Butterworth, Anatomy & Physiology Instructor, Antelope Valley College, patricia.butterworth@avc.edu, (818)359-6038
Prof. Dilek Sanver-Wang, Gral. Biology Lead Coordinator, College of the Canyons, Dilek.Sanver-Wang@canyons.edu, (661)373-9417
Dr. Stephen Brown, Chair of Life Sciences Department, Los Angeles Mission College (LACCD), brownst@lamission.edu, (818)364-7665
MESA Director/ASO Advisor/Adjunct Counselor at Los Angeles Community College District/Los Angeles Harbor CollegeMESA Director/ASO Advisor/Adjunct Counselor at Los Angeles Community College District/Los Angeles Harbor College