ABOUT ME

I have included more details in my introductory letter at www.SuzannesTutoring.com/Suzanne-biotech so I can better introduce myself and demonstrate- with my eclectic education, professional fieldwork, and pedagogical experience- why I will be a great asset for your team!

In my introductory letter, I further entail my past experience in the sciences, tutoring, and my education. Based on my prior education, I am on an accelerated path with UMSL to earn my newest M.S. of Biochemistry, in which I have already been working for >4 yrs. This is in no small part due to the confidence I quickly earn as a result of my job performance, leadership skills, and initiative. My work ethic includes identifying and enthusiastically assuming advanced responsibilities, whenever and wherever I’m needed.

For instance, when working as Laboratory Technician in agricultural research, I was rapidly promoted from Assistant to Associate in Research and placed in charge of the entire operation of the Pythium on-plant assays, where I continued lines of bacterial and fungal strains, inoculated the soil with the fungus and coated the seeds with specific formulations I prepared of the bacteria, conducted the entire planting and growth cycle of the continued assays, and followed up by quantifying the phenotypes of plants, extracting the bacteria from seeds and plating them for CFU counts. I then entered all of the resulting data from each planting cycle, analyzed it, and presented it for further review by the analysts at the company’s headquarters.

My previous post-graduate, alternative academic studies include an Ed.D., N.D., and M.S. in Natural Medicine (emphasis: Nutrition Pharmacology). After several years working as a nutrition consultant and instructor, I decided to return to school for Biotechnology and Biochemistry. Along the way, I developed a lifelong passion for working in the laboratory conducting and designing assays, benefitting pharmaceuticals, genetics, and agriculture.

DEGREES and CERTIFICATIONS with HONORS

Ed.D. Natural Medicine, N.D. Doctor of Naturopathy

M.S. Holistic Nutrition; emphasis on Nutrition Pharmacology

B.S. Natural Health Sciences

Graduated with 4.0 GPA (out of 4.0)

American College of Holistic Nutrition/Clayton College of Natural Health

Birmingham, AL

M.S./double B.S. Biochemistry and Biotechnology (accelerated M.S./B.S., B.S. program)

Dean’s List recipient, all semesters

Currently 3.7 GPA (out of 4.0)

Entire completion due 2025

University of Missouri

St. Louis, MO

A.A.S., A.S. Biotechnology

Awarded with Magna Cum Laude honors

Certificate of Specialization in Applied Biotechnology

Awarded with Magna Cum Laude honors and Phi Theta Kappa distinction

Graduated with 3.97 GPA (out of 4.0)

Dean’s List recipient; all semesters

Phi Theta Kappa honor society

Missouri All-State Academic recipient

Board of Trustees’ scholarship recipient

St. Louis Community College

Danforth/Bridgepark Center

CRLA-ITTPC graduate

COLLEGE READING and LEARNING ASSOCIATION's International Tutor Training Program Certification

Peer Tutoring & Student Success Program; including completing 40+ practicum hours under observation

St. Louis Community College

Florissant Valley, MO

Health Occupations Vocational Certification

Preparation for Nursing, related allied health fields; includes 120 practicum hours in 6 medical specialties

Missouri State finalist in Healthcare Applications; VICA Skill Olympics

(Vocational Industrial Clubs of America)

Lewis and Clark AVTS (Area Vocational Technical School)

St. Charles, MO

Data Management Vocational Certification

Data entry, organization, electronic networks, business management, information technology, economics

U.S. Representative in Prepared and Extemporaneous Speech, International Skill & Leadership Olympics

United States finalist in Prepared Speech, National VICA Leadership Olympics

VICA Regional Historian

(Vocational Industrial Clubs of America)

Lewis and Clark AVTS (Area Vocational Technical School)

St. Charles, MO

First Aid and CPR/AED

American Heart Association; valid September 2023-2025

ACLS Prep (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) CPR/AED

Pharmacology

American Heart Association; valid September 2023-2025

ACLS Prep (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) CPR/AED

ECG

American Heart Association; valid September 2023-2025

BLS (Basic Life Support) CPR/AED

American Heart Association; valid August 2021-2023

EMPLOYMENT

Senior Quality Control Lab Technician; Radiation Physics Department in Nuclear Medicine

Curium Pharma, March 2023 - Sept. 2023 (6-Month Contract)

Tested samples from each batch of radioactive isotopes using nuclidic and chemical instrumentation. Retrieved samples from each batch of radioactive isotopes generated by Production and test for I-123 radioactive concentration, Te-121 nuclidic and chemical identity, purity, isotope energy properties, appearance, presence of aluminum, presence of bacterial endotoxins, pH, radioactivity of accompanying Tc-99m properties, Molybdenum breakthrough during elution, fill volume, and specific activity.

• Quality Control analysis

• Nuclidics (purity, identification, activity)

• Radiation physics

• Chemical identification

• Wet chemistry, qualitative & quantitative

• Destructives' analytics

• Radioactivity assays

• Radioactive concentration

• Inventory control/stock management

• Hazardous waste disposal

• Sample preparation

• Preparing solutions for and analyzing standard curves

• Preparing reagents (buffers, mobile phases, spike solutions, standards, etc.)

• Proofread protocols

• Caught and corrected errors in calculation formulas of SOPs

• FDA and DEA standards, Auditing preparation, Compendium SOPs USP and ISO accuracy, cGMP/cGLP regulations

• LIMS data management system, Data Analysis

• Data Entry, creating and using spreadsheets, data analysis

• Time management/deadlines

• Reagent pH adjustment

• Verification of other Lab Analysts’ work before batch approval

• Reconcile all paperwork and log entries by the end of the day

• Work with both raw material and final product for release

• Qualitative and Quantitative Chemistry, Microbiology

• Nuclidics: Purity, Identification, Radionuclidic Activity

• Chemical Purity, Identification, Radiochemical Activity

• Stochiometric Calculations, Serial Dilutions, Sample Preparation

• Prepare reagents for tests (Mobile Phases, Spike, NaOH, etc.)

Lab Associate in Research; Project lead of Pythium Assays

Lavie Bio, Inc., October 2021 - January 2023

Lab Associate in Research; Project lead of Pythium Assays Design and run Pythium on-plant assays for BCAs (Biological Control Agents) under the direction of the St. Louis manager. Agricultural research in the use of bacteria as BCAs (Biological Control Agents) for environmentally beneficial pesticidal and fungicidal effects on crops.

• Began as the Lab Assistant at the St. Louis, MO site

• Promoted within 6 months to project Lead Associate Technician in Research of Pythium on-plant assays for the entire workflow from beginning to end

• Hired and trained lab assistant for on-plant assays

• Designed, researched, wrote, and formatted the project's SOPs, including its entire series of protocols, complete with pictures and an appendix

• Researched scientific articles and protocols for substantiation or adjustments to current protocols used

• Designed Excel spreadsheets

• Examined fungus vs. bacteria as BCAs (Biological Control Agents) as cultured on different media for in vitro ZOIs and for in vivo on-plant assays

• Maintained bacteria culture line from working stock

• Prepared inventory of working stock from original small bacteria strain samples

• Maintained fungal colonies from working stock

• Purified and prepared an inventory of working stock from small fungus sample

• Prepared bacterial BCAs as liquid or powder formulations and coated seeds with the prepared formulations

• Prepared reagents as formulation additives

• Prepared growth media (liquid, semisolid, agar plates)

• Conducted on-plant agricultural assays

• Maintained insect cages and respective colonies

• Cleaned, fed, and watered insect colonies

• Collected eggs and hatched insect larvae

• Infested plants with hatched larvae

• Calibrated/troubleshot various laboratory obstacles in workflow, including equipment malfunctions

• Inoculated growth medium and soil with fungus

• Phenotyped plants and data analyses of resultant quantification

Student Work Experience in the Lab

Danforth/Bridgepark Center through StLCC - Florissant Valley, MO; 2018-2022

Studied longevity expression of gene daf-16 in C. elegans mutants CB1370 and DR1565 compared to N2 wild-type

• Protein, DNA, and RNA purity testing

• Mammalian Cell Culture Mus musculus fibroblast cells

• Restriction analysis and transformations of fluorescent proteins into E. Coli

• Sequencing of the plasmid, primer design

• PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, Primer Design

• On-column extraction and “Quick-Crack” methods

• RT-PCR for cDNA

• Multiplex PCR reaction: Js-Taq Readymix, TacMan probes

• CRISPR techniques

• Advanced survey course

Lead Academic Peer Tutor; Operator of "Bone Rooms" Student Labs; Trainer of Peer Tutors

St. Louis Community College, August 2018 - August 2022

Ran “Bone Rooms” (Anatomy & Physiology Lab and Tutoring Center) on both Forest Park and Florissant Valley campuses; tutored college-level Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Mathematics; trained newly hired tutors; created YouTube academic tutorial channel.

• Trained as Certified Level I Peer Tutor at Florissant Valley ASC (Academic Success Center)

• Began as appointment-based 1-on-1 peer tutor, for Florissant Valley ASC

• Appointed Peer Tutor of Forest Park campus' “Bone Room”

• Ran appointment-based tutoring for both 1-on-1 and group sessions; in addition to room-roaming tutoring, answering questions from walk-in students for Anatomy & Physiology

• Designed, created, and posted supplemental educational materials for Anatomy & Physiology students

• Designed, created, and posted marketing flyers, brochures, posters, and window displays to promote tutoring resources for StLCC students

• Invited to establish, operate, and present a new portion of the semi-annual training program to peer tutors based on self-authored "4-Tentpole Learning Methods" at Florissant Valley ASC (Academic Success Center)

• Created video content promoting the ASC at the Florissant Valley campus

• Initiated, operated, and provided content for academic STEM tutorial videos on YouTube channel www.YouTube.com/SuzannesTutoring

• Promoted to Lead Tutor of Forest Park campus “Bone Room”

• Invited to establish and launch operation of new, 2nd location of a “Bone Room” at the Florissant Valley Campus

• Awarded Certificate of Appreciation by the Chancellor and Chairman of StLCC for my dedication and commitment to the mission of the school

Private Tutor

Freelance, St. Louis, MO; August 2011 - June 2021

Tutored college and AP levels of Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Piano and Music Theory.

Performer/Writer

NonProphet Theater Co., St. Louis, MO; 2004 - 2011

Freelance, Nationwide; 2008 - 2013

Stand-up and sketch comedy

Writer and Content Provider

Nationwide Columnist (print media); 1996 - 2004

Columnist for several print publications, covering Pop Culture, Questionnaires, Celebrity Interviews, Entertainment Reviews, Nutrition, Health and Fitness.

• Alive, InStyle, Prevention, and Intermission Magazines

• Riverfront Times, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Telegraph, and Beacon Newspapers

Outreach Representative

Youth In Need, St. Charles, MO; 1993-1995

Public speaking and presentations representing the mission and resources provided (emphasizing the need for such resources), political campaigning, assisting with grant writing, building relationships with potential major donors, fundraising, running grassroots marketing campaigns, serving on the Board of Directors, and providing feedback on operational structure involving its impact on residents

Missouri Youth Ambassador to the State House of Representatives and Gov. John Ashcroft

Jefferson City; 1992

Campaigned for increased funding of social service programs serving at-risk youth, and for encouraging legislation protecting abused children

National Youth Ambassador to the United States House of Representatives

Washington, D.C.; 1991

Worked with congressional bipartisan committees involving children's rights, laws addressing child abuse, funding Federal organizations for social services serving youth in crisis and impoverished families, and highlighting effective outreach programs serving high-risk youth

Public Speaker

Freelance; ongoing

Motivational speaking on topics such as involving personal growth, disabilities, equity, addressing current and preventing potential child abuse, utilizing improvisation techniques to improve communication in both personal and professional interactions, etc.

GxP AND STANDARDS

cGMP, cGLP (GxP)

USP reference catalogue, ISO certified standards

ALARA standards

DEA, FDA regulations

SOP (research, design, writing)

Paper and ELNs (electronic laboratory notebooks)

CALCULATIONS

Stoichiometry calculations, Titrations

Standard deviation calculations

Standard curves calculations

Serial dilutions, Calculations

OD concentration calculations

Data analysis

PREPARATION PROTOCOLS

Vacuum membrane sterile filtration system

Serial dilutions, Calculations

Reagent pH adjustment

Aseptic technique

Media preparation

Sample preparation

Reagent preparation

Recrystallization

OTHER PROTOCOLS

CFUs (preparing, counting, calculations, analysis)

In vitro zone of inhibition (ZOI) assays

Gel electrophoresis

SDS-PAGE & Western blot

CELL CULTURES

Mammalian cell culture

Plant tissue Culture

Light microscope

Hemocytometer used counting

Fungal propagation

Fungal purification

Fungal colony maintenance

Bacterial cell culture

Bacterial culture maintenance

Tissue Culture: plants, mammalian

Quantification of viable bacteria, analysis

BIOBURDEN, STERILITY, BET ASSAYS

Bioburden assays

Unknown bacteria identification

Sterility assays

BET (Bacterial Endotoxin Tests): LAL-PTS kinetic and endpoint chromogenic assays

SPECTROPHOTOMETRY

UV-Vis spectrophotometry

Spectrophotometry and nanometer

Protein, DNA, and RNA purity testing

A-260/280 readings for identification and quality

Plotting wavelength vs. absorbance

Determining quantity ng/mL Nucleic acids

CHROMATOGRAPHY

Chromatography: GC, HPLC, TLC, LC, LCMS, IR-LC; use, column and connections maintenance, setup, system suitability test, borderline stabilization, standard curves, monitor baselines, system purging, changing and/or refilling mobile phases, integrations

LAUREN, APEX systems for radiation detectors

HPLC (High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography: Radiochemical concentration, Chemical identification, Radiochemical purity, Acetate content, etc.)

GC (Gas Chromatography: EtOH content, integrations)

TLC (Thin-Layer Chromatography)

SPECTROSCOPY

Spectroscopy: NaI Scintillation, HPGe; use, calibration checks per system spectrum standard activity, background radiation check

HPGe (Gamma-Spectroscopy: Radioactive Concentration, Nuclidic Identification, Nuclidic Purity)

NMR Spectroscopy

PROTEIN PURIFICATION

Silica spin columns

Column protein, and Nucleic acid extraction

Protein purity analysis

Protein expression

PCR, PRIMER DESIGN

PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, Primer design

Multiplex and Single PCR reactions: SYBR Green & Taq-man Js-Taq Readymix probes

Primer design

Sequencing of the plasmid

TRANSFORMATIONS

rDNA, Transformations in E. coli

Restriction enzymes

Reverse transcription, cDNA

DNA/RNA extraction

Studied longevity expression of gene daf-16 in C. elegans mutants CB1370 and DR1565 compared to N2 wild-type

Sigma-Aldrich GenElute Mammalian RNA Miniprep; On-column extraction and “Quick-Crack” methods

CRISPR techniques: Advanced survey course

BIOINFORMATICS: DATABASES, PLASMID MAPPING

Wormbase database

ApE and BLAST, GenBank (NCBI)

Bioinformatics, Plasmid mapping

ELISA antigen kit

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Agricultural growth chambers

BCAs (biological control agents)

Bacterial extraction (from plants and seeds)

Larvae/Berlese extraction

Fungal inoculation of soil

Bacterial inoculation of seeds

Larval infestation

Insect colony maintenance

Hatching insect larvae

Phenotyping plants

Fungal propagation

Fungal purification

Fungal colony maintenance

Bacterial cell culture

Bacterial culture maintenance

OTHER INSTRUMENTS

Spectrophotometer: OD (Optical Density), Nanodrop

High-temp and Desiccating ovens

Neutron generators, Bioreactors

Capintec Dose-cal: Background and calibration checks per Cesium-137 standard activity; Radioactivity of isotopes

HPGe (Gamma-Spectroscopy): Background and Calibration system checks, Radioactive concentration, Nuclidic identification, Nuclidic purity

HPLC (High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography): SST (system suitability testing), Column maintenance, Radiochemical concentration, Chemical identification, Radiochemical purity, Acetate content, etc.

GC (Gas Chromatography): Standard curves, EtOH content, Integrations

NaI (Sodium Iodide) Scintillation detector: Moly-99 breakthrough quantity at elution time, Tc-99 quantity created during Moly-99 generation

Balances: Use, Calibration

Pipetting (manual, automatic, and upscaled): <3% Imprecision, Inaccuracy

pH Meters and calibration

Biological cabinet, Laminar flow hood, Lead shielding for radioactive labs

Autoclave (manual & electronic)

Diameter caliper

Incubated shakers

Light microscope

Hemocytometer

Centrifuge

Instrument calibrations, Troubleshooting

SOFTWARE

ELNs (Electronic Notebooks)

Data Systems: Chromeleon, LIMS, MetricStream, SuccessFactors

Inventory control of reagents: EHS & SMART (chain of custody, EWS management)

Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneDrive, TEAMS, OneNote

Graphic Design: Adobe Creative Suites

LAUREN, APEX (systems for radiation detectors)

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE

REFERENCES

Lavie Bio

• Russel Putland, VP Commercial russel.putland@lavie-bio.com; 306-361-8179

• Amit Jaiswal, St. Louis Manager amit.jaiswal@lavie-bio.com; 765-409-9372

• Michael Rausch, Research Associate/Co-worker michael.rausch@lavie-bio.com; 641-257-7477

St. Louis Community College

• Elizabeth Boedecker, Dist. Director Ctr for Plant & Life Sciences eboedeker@stlcc.edu; 314-513-4966

• Dr. Greg Langland, Program Director of Biotechnology glangland1@stlcc.edu; 314-513-4953

• Kelly Askey, Supervisor of Peer Tutoring & Student Success kaskey@stlcc.edu; 314-513-4073

Teaching and Public Speaking

• Shawn Telkamp, former Youth Outreach Coordinator at Youth In Need; 314-578-6654

• Jim Braun, former Executive Director of Youth In Need www.YouthInNeed.org; (636) 946-5600