Shams Saeed

Recent biology graduate with a strong background in microbiology, immunology, and hands-on clinical care. Known for bringing a thoughtful, well-rounded approach to both lab work and patient-facing settings. An organized and motivated individual, eager to utilize time management and organizational skills across diverse settings. Seeking entry-level opportunities to enhance abilities while contributing to company growth.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Active
• CPR/BLS, American Heart Association
• HIPAA & OSHA Trained
• Bloodborne Pathogens Certified, CSU Health Program

• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Genomics
• Biochemistry
• Clinical Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Research Methods in Biology
• Organic Chemistry I & II
• Advanced Laboratory Techniques
• Pathophysiology
• Epidemiology
• Virology
• Bioinformatics
• Clinical Laboratory Practices
• Neuroscience
• Systems Biology

• Laboratory Training, CSU, Gained hands-on experience with techniques like PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, CRISPR simulations, and plasmid purification., Worked with DNA/RNA extraction, bacterial transformation, and cell culture under sterile conditions., Trained in fluorescence microscopy, Gram staining, enzyme kinetics, and Western blotting., Exposure to high-throughput methods including RNA-seq and ATAC-seq (through coursework and guided labs)., Emphasized careful documentation, safety, and teamwork throughout each project.
• Capstone Research Project, COVID-19 Immune Evasion & Vaccine Design, Focused on how SARS-CoV-2 avoids immune detection and what that means for future vaccine strategies., Reviewed scientific literature and built a detailed, hypothesis-based proposal using genomic and immunological data., Designed potential improvements to vaccine targeting using T-cell modeling and spike protein mapping., Presented findings through a poster and written report, earning recognition for clarity and depth., Created outreach-style materials to help non-scientists understand vaccine science.

• CNA Clinicals, Completed supervised rotations in long-term care as part of CNA certification training., Helped patients with mobility, vitals, hygiene, and daily activities while learning bedside care techniques., Practiced infection control, documentation, and safety protocols in real-time settings., Worked with patients with dementia and limited mobility, strengthening my communication and empathy.
• Volunteer, UCHealth, 100+ hours, Supported hospital staff with patient transport, file management, and supply restocking., Helped at front desks with visitor check-ins and appointment coordination., Shadowed nurses and techs during procedures and rounds to better understand clinical workflows., Learned to stay calm and focused in busy, high-pressure environments.
• Pharmacy Shadowing, CVS, Marina del Rey, Observed day-to-day pharmacy operations, including filling prescriptions and working with insurance systems., Learned how pharmacists assess drug interactions and counsel patients., Gained a better understanding of how pharmacology fits into broader healthcare systems.
• Office Assistant, Four Star Health Care Inc., [City], [State], 2023-01-01, Present, Help manage schedules and support daily operations for a home healthcare agency., Work directly with intake paperwork, client files, and caregiver assignments., Assist with communication between patients, families, and providers., Help ensure consistent care delivery while learning the administrative side of healthcare.

DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis (agarose + SDS), Western blot, bacterial transformation, cell culture, ELISA, CRISPR (simulated), enzyme kinetics, Gram staining, protein purification, RNA-seq and ATAC-seq (coursework exposure), plasmid prep (mini/midi/maxi), spectrophotometry, microscopy (brightfield & fluorescence), aseptic technique, lab safety protocols, GraphPad Prism, Excel, Google Sheets, SnapGene, Benchling, PubMed, ImageJ, Basic R (ggplot2, dplyr), Python (pandas, matplotlib) for bio data analysis, BLAST, ELN tools, Literature research databases, GitHub (basic use), CNA documentation, HIPAA practices, EMR exposure, BLS/CPR protocols, Infection control, Intake and scheduling systems, Medical records handling, Patient interaction under clinical supervision