PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
FELLOWSHIPS & AWARDS
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Languages
Timeline

VALERIA STEVENS

Rice University, David Sarlah, Ph.D.
Houston,TX
1
Language
3
years of professional experience

Chemist with graduate-level research in experimental design and analytical characterization. Developed and refined procedures, ensuring reproducible data and effective communication of results through documentation and presentations. Expertise in HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, HRMS, IR, and UV-Vis. Aiming to leverage strong experimental chemistry and problem-solving skills in cosmetic and hair-color formulation development.

Work History

Graduate Research Assistant

1 Year 10 Months
Rice University, David Sarlah, Ph.D. | 10.2024 - Current

• Developed and optimized multi-step synthetic procedures for complex organic molecules, systematically evaluating reaction conditions to improve reaction performance and reproducibility.

• Scaled laboratory procedures for analytically pure material delivery to external collaborators, enhancing collaboration through effective research translation.

• Designed experiments and troubleshot unsuccessful reactions by identifying key variables and refining experimental conditions to optimize outcomes.

• Scaled laboratory procedures to prepare analytically pure material for external collaborators, translating research procedures beyond small-scale experiments.

• Maintained detailed laboratory records and documented procedures, effectively communicating research progress through weekly reports and presentations.

• Operated a broad range of laboratory equipment for reaction setup, purification, and analytical characterization; managed laboratory inventory and purchasing.

Graduate Research Assistant

1 Year
Rice University, Raul Hernandez Sanchez, Ph.D. | 10.2023 - 10.2024

Independently developed and optimized experimental procedures for the synthesis of complex supramolecular structures, improving reaction efficiency and reproducibility.

• Executed systematic experiments to identify optimal reaction conditions and resolve unexpected experimental results, enhancing overall research reliability.

• Synthesized and characterized previously unreported molecular structures, showcasing advanced experimental design and effective problem-solving capabilities.

• Co-authored peer-reviewed publication, contributing to scientific discourse and advancing knowledge in organic chemistry.

Education

Master's Degree - Chemistry

Rice University | Houston, TX

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry; Minor in Mathematics

University of Houston | Houston, TX

Skills

Analytical & Characterization: HPLC
GC-MS
LC-MS
HRMS
NMR (1H
13C
19F
11B
COSY
NOESY
HSQC
HMBC)
IR
UV-Vis
MALDI-TOF
X-ray crystallography
chiral HPLC
Synthetic & Laboratory: Reaction optimization
experimental design
troubleshooting
chromatography
batch reactions
pressurized reactions
Schlenk techniques
glovebox operation
hazardous chemical handling
waste management
laboratory safety
Software & Data: Microsoft Excel
Word
PowerPoint
ChemDraw
MestReNova
JEOL Delta
Teamwork and collaboration
Analytical thinking
Academic presentations
Data analysis techniques

FELLOWSHIPS & AWARDS

  • J. Evans Attwell-Welch Graduate Fellowship — Rice University (2023)
  • ACS Scholar Award — American Chemical Society (2021–2023)
  • UH Endeavor S-STEM Scholar (2019–2023)
  • Rice University Graduate Chemistry Fellowship (2024–Present)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Teaching Assistant — University of Houston & Rice University | 2020–2025 Supported undergraduate and graduate laboratory and lecture courses; reinforced laboratory safety, procedural compliance, and experimental technique.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Co-authored a peer-reviewed publication: Khosravi, H.; Stevens, V.; Sánchez, R. H. Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2024, 20, 2469–2475. DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.20.211.

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Graduate Research Assistant

Rice University, David Sarlah, Ph.D.
10.2024 - CurrentRead More

Graduate Research Assistant

Rice University, Raul Hernandez Sanchez, Ph.D.
10.2023 - 10.2024Read More

University of Houston

Bachelor of Science from Chemistry; Minor in Mathematics
Read More

Rice University

Master's Degree from Chemistry
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VALERIA STEVENS