Sara Major
Fleetwood,PA
Summary
Dedicated professional skillful in sample collection, data recording and instrument calibration. Resourceful and adaptable individual with extensive experience developing and conducting experiments to document results for studies. Comfortable handling complex issues, meeting strict deadlines and adjusting to rapidly changing conditions.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Technician
Rodale Institute
01.2021 - Current
- Designs and conducts experiments on organic and pastured swine parasite prevalence and control
- Coordinates data collection of multi-site collaboration project measuring ergothioneine levels in grains
- Works with a team of scientists, technicians, and interns to collect data and accomplish research goals
- Assists with hiring, training, and managing groups of 2-10 seasonal interns
- Presents research to farmers, researchers, and consumers via on-farm events, webinars, and conference presentations
Animal Husbandry Coordinator, Field Technician
Rodale Institute
11.2019 - 05.2022
- Managed daily care and husbandry of organic livestock including swine, laying and broiler chickens, turkeys, and donkeys to ensure optimal animal health and welfare
- Operated tractors and implements (mowers, plows, seed drills) to accomplish production and research field activities
- Trained interns, seasonal workers, and other staff on livestock handling and care
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Kutztown University
09.2018 - 08.2019
- Collected, processed, and analyzed samples of feces, soil, bedding, and compost for the presence and identification of swine parasite eggs
- Trained several other students and staff in field and lab protocols
- Planned, modified and executed research techniques, procedures and tests.
- Recorded data and maintained source documentation following good documentation practices.
- Collaborated with others in team-based environment to identify key findings from [Type] data analysis.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, PA05.2019
Skills
- Microbiology and microscopy
- Data collection, entry, organization
- Necropsy and tissue dissection
- IACUC standards and regulations
- Laboratory safety
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Grant writing
Manuscripts
Li, Y., Major, S., Carr, R., Hernandez, A.D. (2023). Impact of biofumigation on reducing swine parasite contamination on organic pastures. [Manuscript submitted for publication].
Hernandez. A. D., Kantner, B., Santos, E., Major, S., Carr, R., Li, Y. (2023). The number of Oesophagostomum spp. larvae recovered in coprocultures varies with media used. Journal of Helminthology, 97.
Hernandez, A. D., Li, Y., Carr, R., & Major, S. (2023). Intestinal roundworm infection in organic and alternative swine farms in the USA. Veterinary Parasitology, 314.
Li, Y. Z., Hernandez, A. D., Major, S., & Carr, R. (2022). Occurrence of intestinal parasites and its impact on growth performance and carcass traits of pigs raised under near-organic conditions. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9.
Grants
Major, S. 2022-2024. Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program. Optimized management practices to control swine parasites in organic pig farms. $26,120.
Hernandez, A.D., El Mounadi, K., Major, S. 2022-2023. Seasonal assessment of parasites and parasite-eating microfungi across Pennsylvania organic and pastured pork producing farms. $12,000.
Presentations
Carr, R., Major, S., Hernandez, A.D., Li Y. (Feb 24-26, 2022). Controlling intestinal parasites in organic pigs. Presented at the MOSES Organic Farming Conference, La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States.
Major, S., Carr, R. (Feb 10-12, 2022). Reducing parasites in pastured pig production. Presented at Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States.
Major, S., Carr, R., Lansden, B. (Oct 6, 2021). Organic control strategies for swine parasites in organic pastured pork systems [Webinar]. Rodale Institute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v6MFaQARBw
Major, S., Carr, R. (Oct 8, 2020). Manure and pasture management to reduce swine parasites in organic pastured pork [Webinar]. Rodale Institute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZfX9e8XL0k
Carr, R., Major, S. (Feb 25-27, 2020). Manure and pasture management to reduce swine parasites in organic pastured pork. Poster presented at MOSES Organic Farming Conference, La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States.
Timeline
Research Technician
Rodale Institute
01.2021 - Current
Animal Husbandry Coordinator, Field Technician
Rodale Institute
11.2019 - 05.2022
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Kutztown University
09.2018 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
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