Tlalli Duran-Catron

As an Academic Mentor, I provide one-on-one and small-group guidance to student-athletes, helping them strengthen academic skills such as time management, organization, critical reading, and study strategies. I support students in balancing the demands of athletics and academics by promoting effective learning habits, accountability, and self-advocacy. My role involves monitoring progress, reinforcing university policies, and serving as a resource to ensure student-athletes succeed both in the classroom and on the field.

• Promoted a culture of academic excellence within the peer mentor program by setting high expectations for all participants.
• Connected struggling students with appropriate campus resources such as tutoring centers or counseling services to promote overall wellbeing.
• Fostered a supportive learning environment to encourage growth and development among peers.

During my full-time summer internship, I gained hands-on experience in cell culture, handling, and maintenance while applying advanced microscopy techniques to support ongoing research projects. I contributed to experimental design, data collection, and image analysis, ensuring accuracy and reliability in results. This role strengthened my technical skills in laboratory methods, aseptic technique, and digital imaging while also enhancing my ability to collaborate within a research team and communicate findings effectively.

• Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.
• Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
• Prepared project presentations and reports to assist senior staff.
• Conducted research for various projects, leading to well-informed decisions and successful outcomes.

• Prepared dining room for service by cleaning , organizing tables and placing table settings.
• Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
• Collected information from arriving customers to seat groups or place them on waitlist.
• Delivered unparalleled service to drive positive dining experience and repeat customer visits.
• Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.

• Maintained and operated espresso machines, blenders, commercial coffee brewers, coffee pots, and other equipment.
• Trained new employees, sharing knowledge and expertise of coffees, teas, and merchandise.
• Listened carefully to customer requests and created personalized, delicious beverages, which improved sales.
• Controlled line and crowd with quick, efficient service.