STEVEN OCHOA
North Bergen
Summary
Entry level laboratory professional with extensive hands-on undergraduate lab training and a strong interest in histology as a long-term career. Experienced in SOP-driven workflows, staining procedures, microscopy-based analysis, and strict contamination control. Seeking a Histology Lab Aide or Assistant role with the goal of developing bench competency and pursuing HT(ASCP) certification via the experience pathway.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Service Worker
Rutgers Dining Services
Piscataway
09.2023 - 05.2025
- Maintained clean, organized workspaces aligned with food safety standards; reinforced habits applicable to lab hygiene and contamination control.
- Monitored inventory and shift readiness under tight timeframes, demonstrating consistency, reliability, and process accountability.
- Adapted quickly between roles in a fast-paced environment, building time sensitive task execution and quality conscious discipline.
Team Member
Trader Joe's
Edgewater
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Rotated cold inventory by delivery and expiration dates; conducted 5AM quality checks and documented product issues, reinforcing QC awareness and traceable reporting habits.
- Trained new hires in product handling, hygiene protocols, and procedural accuracy, directly transferable to slide prep and staining workflows.
• Collaborated with managers to optimize product layout based on sales data, practicing workflow thinking and attention to operational quality.
Education
Coursework in - Biochemistry
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJHigh School Diploma -
North Bergen High School
North Bergen, NJSkills
- Protein purification
- Affinity Chromatography
- Ion Exchange Chromatography
- SDS-PAGE
- Spectrophotometry
- Accurate pipetting
- Enzyme assay handling
- Solution Preparation
- Electronic lab documentation
- LabArchives ELN
- Familiarity with staining workflows
Certification
Rutgers Laboratory Safety Training, 2023
Technical Lab Experience
Experimental Biochemistry I & II (413 & 414), Rutgers University 2023-24
- Expressed and purified MBP-CelB2 using sonification, amylose affinity, and DEAE ion-exchange chromatography. Assessed purity and concentration with SDS-PAGE, Bradford, and Lowry assays.
- Evaluated enzyme activity through pNPC assays and spectrophotometric readings at A280/A405.
- Maintained detailed records using LabArchives ELN and produced comprehensive research-grade lab reports.
Organic Chemistry Laboratory (Chem 311) Rutgers University – 2022
- Executed core organic synthesis techniques including chromatography (TLC, column), extraction, distillation, and melting point analysis.
- Emphasized chemical safety, independent lab execution, and precise technique under instructor evaluation.
Timeline
Service Worker
Rutgers Dining Services
09.2023 - 05.2025
Team Member
Trader Joe's
09.2022 - 08.2023
Coursework in - Biochemistry
Rutgers University
High School Diploma -
North Bergen High School