Spencer Barnes
Berkeley,CA
Summary
Fourth-year Molecular and Cellular Biology student at UC Berkeley with a focus on Neurobiology. Demonstrated interest in gastrointestinal oncology and developmental neurobiology. Former water polo goalie committed to advancing neurological health awareness in youth sports.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Vandsburger Lab, UC Berkeley
Berkeley, USA
04.2025 - Current
- Refined staining protocols and created ribbons using RNAseq in wet lab to enhance experimental accuracy.
- Analyzed creatine levels in mice using CEST MRI techniques in dry lab to support HCM research objectives.
EMT Basic
NORCAL Ambulance
San Rafael, USA
06.2025 - 10.2025
- Delivered first aid and basic life support care to patients during interfacility transport, ensuring adherence to EMT protocols.
- Documented Patient Care Reports by analyzing vitals, notable signs and symptoms, mental status, and treatments provided, facilitating effective patient monitoring and continuity of care.
- Acted as the technician and driver in the ambulance, providing support during various shifts.
EMT Volunteer
Rock Medicine
Berkeley, USA
12.2024 - Current
- Provided first aid and basic life support to ensure attendee safety during events.
- Coordinated with medical teams to maintain a secure environment for participants.
- Facilitated communication among team members and diverse patient groups.
- Recorded incidents and treatments to inform future care strategies.
Head Water Polo Coach
Berkeley High School
Berkeley, USA
08.2023 - 11.2023
- Led Junior Varsity water polo team of 18 athletes, developing diverse and progressively challenging practice plans.
- Fostered teamwork and individual goal-setting, resulting in team performance improvement from 7th to 2nd place in division.
Orthopedics Shadowing
UCSF
San Francisco, USA
08.2024 - Current
- Shadowed bone marrow transplant procedures from forearm to wrist, acquiring hands-on knowledge of advanced techniques.
- Observed hand and forearm structural stabilization surgeries, strengthening understanding of surgical practices.
- Attended clinical consultations and follow-up appointments, enhancing knowledge of patient care and treatment processes.
Research Assistant, Amy Joy, Ph.D.
URAP, Berkeley
Berkeley, USA
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Engaged in UC Berkeley Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) focused on a nutritional research project analyzing effects of GMOs and probiotics on health.
- Provided researched information on GMOs and probiotics to students, enhancing their understanding of course material. to students who were following our research through a class at UC Berkeley.
Ophthalmology Intern/ Shadow
Kaiser Permanente
San Francisco, USA
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Shadowed complex surgeries and reviewed chart information to understand diagnostic characteristics.
- Revised patient information packets to better serve non-English-speaking patients.
- Streamlined charting process for new physicians by coding standard procedures to improve clarity.
Coach
TPCM Water Polo
Tiburon, USA
08.2017 - 05.2022
- Coached goalies for Tiburon Peninsula Central Marin Sharks; created practice plans and set individualized goals to improve player performance.
- Delivered foundational coaching to novice players and trained college-level and national team players to elevate their skills.
Education
Student - Molecular & Cellular Biology
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA01.2026
EMT - Basic Life Support practices
EMS University
Union City, CA07.2024
Diploma -
Redwood High School
Larkspur, CA06.2022
Skills
- Cell Culture
- RNAseq
- QPCR
- In Situ Hybridization
- Ribbon Creation
- Immunocytochemistry analysis
- Patch and Electrode Voltage Clamping
- Calcium imaging
- Immunostaining & fluorescence imaging
- Optogenetics
- Data analysis
Certification
- Emergency Medical Technician, Alameda County, 08/01/24, Present, Achieved certification at Daily City Emergency Medical Services University.
- American Red Cross - Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid, 06/01/20, 06/01/22
- American Red Cross - Adult, Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED Online, 08/01/23, Present
- Ambulance Driver's Certificate, 06/01/25, Present
Awards
- Salutatorian, Redwood High School, 2022
- Honors Society, Redwood High School, 2018-2022
- USAWP Academic All American, 2018-2022
References
- Dr. Ken Ip, (415) 519-9160
- Dr. Amy Joy, abjoy@berkeley.edu
- Brodie Jasper, (510) 708-2463
Projects
SHARE THE BOUNTY, Founding member of volunteer organization; develop community relationships; harvest excess fruits, vegetables and nuts for donation to local food banks. LOAVES & FISHES, Volunteer at food distribution center throughout and after COVID lockdowns. USA WATER POLO, 4-year Academic All-American; 7-time competitor at National Junior Olympics, including 11th place win out of 130 teams; 5-time National Team Pipeline selection, including 3rd place at National Championships.
Lab Techniques Experience
- Cell Culture
- RNAseq
- QPCR
- In Situ Hybridization
- Ribbon Creation
- Immunocytochemistry analysis
- Patch and Electrode Voltage Clamping
- Calcium imaging
- Immunostaining & fluorescence imaging
- Optogenetics
Clubs
- BERKELEY MEDICAL JOURNAL, Editor, Author of two pieces: The Hidden Toll of Youth Sports: Long-Term Brain Health Under Scrutiny, Unveiling the Future of Glaucoma Treatment: Genetic Insights Offer Hope.
- Berkeley Medical Reserve Corps, Member, Volunteer organization of EMTs on the UC Berkeley campus.
- Berkeley Club Water Polo, Captain, Player for club team, Fall 2024 team placed 3rd in the country.
- MRI @ BERKELEY, Member, Medical Reallocation Initiative is a 501c3 that sends medical supplies to sites around the world.
- BERKLEY AMERICAN MEDICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION, Member
- GREEKS AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT, Member, Works within greek life to prevent SVSH through advocacy, education, & community events.
Timeline
EMT Basic
NORCAL Ambulance
06.2025 - 10.2025
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Vandsburger Lab, UC Berkeley
04.2025 - Current
EMT Volunteer
Rock Medicine
12.2024 - Current
Orthopedics Shadowing
UCSF
08.2024 - Current
Research Assistant, Amy Joy, Ph.D.
URAP, Berkeley
01.2024 - 06.2024
Head Water Polo Coach
Berkeley High School
08.2023 - 11.2023
Ophthalmology Intern/ Shadow
Kaiser Permanente
05.2023 - 08.2023
Coach
TPCM Water Polo
08.2017 - 05.2022
Student - Molecular & Cellular Biology
UC Berkeley
EMT - Basic Life Support practices
EMS University
Diploma -
Redwood High School