Zakary D. Carden
Corpus Christi,TX
Summary
Driven Research Assistant experienced in conducting laboratory, library and field research. Skilled in working within collaborative environments to collect and evaluate research data for variety of projects. In process of completing degree in Marine Biology.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
Dr. Xu’s Marine Biology Laboratory, A&M Corpus Christi
07.2023 - Current
- Assisted in the research of petroleum byproducts on oysters via qPCR and immunofluorescence microscopy.
- Collected field samples, sorted and counted larvae, analyzed data, and assisted with the RNA extraction process.
- Enhanced research outcomes by conducting thorough literature reviews and data analysis.
- Contributed to the completion of multiple research projects, managing time effectively to meet deadlines.
- Supported faculty researchers, assisting with experiment design and implementation.
- Developed skills in various research methodologies, ensuring high-quality work across diverse projects.
- Gained proficiency in statistical software packages, improving data analysis capabilities.
- Participated in regular lab meetings, contributing valuable insights and suggestions for ongoing projects.
- Organized laboratory materials and maintained equipment for efficient daily operations.
- Conducted fieldwork as needed, collecting vital data to supplement existing research efforts.
- Maintained detailed records of all experiments conducted, ensuring easy accessibility and proper documentation procedures were followed.
- Applied critical thinking skills when troubleshooting issues encountered during experimentation or while interpreting results from any collected data sets.
- Continuously expanded personal knowledge base by attending relevant seminars, workshops, and lectures to stay current with the latest developments in the field of study.
- Recorded data and maintained source documentation following good documentation practices.
- Worked both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced laboratory environment.
- Maintained up-to-date records of research activities and results for future reference.
- Gathered, arranged, and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations.
- Utilized advanced analytical software to analyze data sets.
- Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis.
- Attended seminars and symposiums to improve overall knowledge and understanding.
- Collected research data through experimentation, surveys and leading focus groups.
- Recorded experimental findings in laboratory notebook to analyze and interpret experimental findings.
- Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
- Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
- Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
- Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.
- Assisted scientists by collecting and organizing laboratory data.
- Prepared reagents and solutions following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
- Kept abreast of current industry, scientific and regulatory developments and issues.
- Interpreted laboratory results to provide technical advice to scientists.
Lab Intern
Dr. Xu’s Marine Biology, A&M Corpus Christi
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Assisted in the lab for PhD candidate, Nin Gan
- Enhanced lab efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace for optimal workflow.
- Contributed to accurate results by preparing samples and reagents for various tests.
- Supported research projects, conducting literature reviews and compiling relevant information.
- Increased lab safety by adhering to strict protocols and guidelines during experiments.
- Collaborated effectively with team members, participating in regular meetings to discuss project progress.
- Improved documentation quality through meticulous record-keeping of experimental procedures and results.
- Promoted timely completion of tasks by prioritizing workload according to project deadlines.
- Gained hands-on experience with various laboratory instruments and techniques, enhancing practical skillset.
- Developed a comprehensive understanding of lab safety regulations and emergency response protocols through continuous training sessions.
- Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
- Assisted scientists by collecting and organizing laboratory data.
- Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
- Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
- Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
- Kept abreast of current industry, scientific and regulatory developments and issues.
Food Runner
Moody Gardens Hotel
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Improved customer satisfaction by promptly delivering food orders to tables and maintaining communication with kitchen staff.
- Enhanced dining experience by attentively responding to guest requests and providing accurate information about menu items.
- Assisted servers in attending to guests'' needs, ensuring a smooth service flow during peak hours.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for patrons.
Food Runner
Tookie’s Seafood
09.2020 - 02.2021
- Reduced wait times by efficiently transporting completed orders from the kitchen to the appropriate tables.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for patrons.
- Assisted servers in attending to guests'' needs, ensuring a smooth service flow during peak hours.
- Promoted teamwork among front-of-house and back-of-house staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally during peak hours or unexpected rushes at the restaurant.
- Delivered correct food items to tables according to order documentation.
- Maintained speed of service for food orders while minimizing errors and complaints.
- Garnished dishes and quickly delivered items to customers, minimizing wait times.
- Collaborated with other dining room and bar staff to facilitate efficient service.
- Delivered exceptional guest experiences through attentive service and quick response to issues.
- Monitored food and beverage supplies, assisting with restocking when needed.
Ranch Hand
D&M Cattle Company
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Improved ranch efficiency by implementing modern agricultural practices and techniques.
- Ensured healthy livestock through regular monitoring, vaccination, and treatment of illnesses.
- Maintained high-quality pastures by implementing proper irrigation, fertilization, and weed control methods.
- Increased cattle production with strategic breeding programs and effective herd management practices.
- Implemented pest control solutions to protect crops from insects, diseases, weeds, and other harmful organisms effectively.
- Maintained equipment and ranch structures.
- Mended fences in disrepair to prevent livestock from wandering off and to keep predators out.
- Kept grounds clean and orderly by monitoring and repairing fences, shoveling snow and removing debris.
- Herded livestock using horses or ranch ATVs.
- Worked with ranch hands to clean stables and riding areas.
- Assisted laborers by loading and unloading heavy machinery and equipment.
- Cleared brush and maintained trails to keep ranch safe and accessible for animals and people.
- Observed animals and notified supervisor of signs of illness.
- Patrolled grazing grounds using ATVs and horses to monitor animals and determine movement, care or health-related needs.
Carpenter’s apprentice and roofer
Gideon Sukal and Son’s Enterprises
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Improved project efficiency by accurately interpreting blueprints and executing carpentry tasks according to specifications.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by consistently meeting project deadlines and maintaining high-quality craftsmanship in all carpentry work.
- Reduced material waste by precisely measuring, cutting, and assembling lumber for various construction projects.
- Collaborated with other skilled tradespeople to ensure seamless integration of carpentry work within larger construction projects.
- Assisted in site preparation and cleanup activities to ensure efficient project workflow and minimize disruptions for clients or other construction teams.
- Demonstrated close attention to detail to verify quality and accuracy of work.
- Followed established job site safety regulations and maintained safe and clean work area.
- Measured, drilled and sawed materials to perform successful home improvements.
- Checked measurements and completed accurate cuts to prevent materials waste and maintain cost controls.
- Discarded debris and disposed waste to maintain cleanliness and quality standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Marine Biology
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX05.2024
Associate of Arts - General Studies
College of The Mainland
Texas City, TX05.2021
Skills
- PADI Open Water SCUBA certified since 2016
- Species identification
- Microscopy (imaging and data collection)
- Field work/sample collection
- Laboratory techniques
- Data/image analysis
- Strong Work Ethic
- Heavy Lifting
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Effective Multitasking
- Problem Solving
- Efficient Movement
- Excellent Communication
Affiliations
- American Fisheries Society
PADI Open Water Diver, 2016
Completed certification course in 2016.
Timeline
Research Assistant
Dr. Xu’s Marine Biology Laboratory, A&M Corpus Christi
07.2023 - Current
Lab Intern
Dr. Xu’s Marine Biology, A&M Corpus Christi
08.2022 - 07.2023
Food Runner
Moody Gardens Hotel
05.2021 - 08.2021
Ranch Hand
D&M Cattle Company
05.2021 - 08.2021
Food Runner
Tookie’s Seafood
09.2020 - 02.2021
Carpenter’s apprentice and roofer
Gideon Sukal and Son’s Enterprises
01.2015 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Marine Biology
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Associate of Arts - General Studies
College of The Mainland
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