Sandra Sherrod

• Extraction and preparation of environmental samples for contaminant analysis.
• Completion of various water extraction tests: semi-volatiles, pesticides, herbicides, PCBs, TPH, ETPH, EPH, TCLP, and SPLP.
• Preparation of quality control samples.
• Adherence to SOPs and Quality Systems standards.
• Creation of laboratory surrogates and spikes.
• Data modification in ELEMENT LIMS system.
• Sterilization of laboratory equipment.

• Management and design of 3 community gardens for urban horticultural education.
• Coordination of garden operations and maintenance.
• Completion of required maintenance (inventory, site security, plant care, pathology ID, groundskeeping, greenhouse operations)
• Coordination with NYC Parks & Recreation to address garden by-laws.
• Provided classroom and outdoor agricultural lessons to high school students.
• Advanced ESL education by including translations, classroom interpreters, and bilingual verbal instruction.
• Designed garden beds incorporating companion planting, native New York plants, and ethnobotany.
• Original layout design successfully implemented into City Parks Foundation’s community gardens across New York City.

• Data collection and analysis
• Extensive Microsoft Excel use (advanced formulas, power query, functions, visual charts, error prevention, etc.)
• Epiphyte taxonomy, Orchidaceae taxonomy
• Assisted Living Plant Collection curators
• Herbarium Collection and Spirit Collection use
• Inventory of orchid phenology
• Created phenology coding and standardization processes for BRAHMS database
• Thematic mapping of georeferenced plants using ArcGIS Pro
• Elevation analysis using DEMs in ArcGIS Pro
• Metadata editing and modification
• Botany fieldwork (native/invasive plant ID, applied plant ecology, seed collection for a sedge conservation initiative, herbivory study, wildlife ID, etc.)
• Documentation of workflow processes, flowcharts, and methodology
• Powerpoint use for public speaking

• Engagement with residents in memory care, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers through a horticultural therapeutic framework.
• Creation and management of 7 community gardens.
• Documented and reported individuals' progress on: emotional state, cognitive abilities, motor skills, creativity, and spatial awareness.
• Taught supplementary lessons on horticulture, fungiculture, botany, medicinal plants, and nature-based art projects.
• Created educational and therapeutic curriculums.
• Coordinated with executive directors, activities directors, and nursing staff.
• Trained marketing teams on effective marketing strategies.
• Received ongoing training from the Center for Applied Research in Dementia.
• Documented report of a resident overcoming a 5-year case of agoraphobia in Aviva Senior Living; report featured by company and CEO.

• Tutored K-12 at-risk students residing in foster care, group homes, shelters, and emergency housing.
• Provided academic assistance, emotional support, and mentorship to students separated from their families.
• Constructed and implemented individualized lesson plans.
• Covered courses: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Language Arts, World History, Environmental Science, and Introductory Statistics.
• Established and maintained relationships with parents, group home supervisors, and teachers.
• Included supplementary lessons in note taking, study habitats, and organizational skills.
• Reported student progress and needs.
• Supported a homeless third grade student pass her classes while living in motel rooms with her family. Successfully recommended a student to be seen by a healthcare professional and received an IEP plan.

Project I: Native tree restoration

• Management of a tree nursery of approximately ~1,000 native Florida trees (Seagrape, Southern Slash Pine, Sand Live Oak, etc) for a reforestation initiative.
• Native and invasive plant taxonomy.
• Design and implementation of controlled greenhouse experiment and tree nursery.
• Plant pathology identification and treatment.
• Obtainment and germination of seeds from local native plants.
• Management of interns and volunteers.
• Objective: replacement and restoration of 90% of Tidy Island's native tree species.

Project II: Identifying drivers of exotic tree invasion of disturbed mangrove habitats

• Participation in a seed germination experiment to determine factors of excessive invasive tree growth.
• Data entry and coding of quantitative and qualitative variables.
• Use of laboratory equipment and growth chamber for seedling germination.
• Conducted preliminary data analysis.

Project III: Analysis of Sarasota Bay's fish community recovery following the 2018 red tide event

• Deployed fish sampling gear and engaged in fish identification.
• Obtained biological samples (DNA, blood). Tagged and released fish.
• Measured environmental parameters.
• Conducted water quality testing (salinity, DO%, temperature, turbidity, etc).
• Data entry and preliminary data analysis.
• Use of gillnet, seine, and longline.
• Animal handling of sharks, fish, arthropods, stingrays, etc.
• Teamwork.
• Boat safety procedures.

• Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
• Upsold high-profit items to increase sales.
• Fulfilled multiple roles as needed - both busser and hostess duties.

• Fostered deep relationships with long-term customers and advanced professional interpersonal skills.
• Obtained knowledge of Japanese cuisine and specialty Japanese spirits.
• Learned the importance of multitasking, communication, efficiency, teamwork, and (most importantly) how to make someone feel at home.

• Maintained and set up kiosk in a high-traffic retail setting
• Gained knowledge of orchid care, taxonomy, and pathology.
• Assisted customers with recommendations and plant care questions.