Professional Experience

Ph.D. Biologist and Graduate Student Researcher (2020-Present)

Advanced Research and BSL-3 Operations: 

• Independently designed and executed hundreds of complex experiments within BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories to address critical scientific knowledge gaps. 

• Managed project budgets and operational records; improved experimental designs to increase efficiency and success while preventing cost overruns. 

• Employed advanced statistical techniques (R, SPSS) and GIS mapping to analyze complex datasets and plan the safe, efficient deployment of vector control tools in field settings.

• Maintained zero safety accidents through rigorous adherence to strict biosafety protocols, waste disposal regulations, and meticulous record-keeping. 

Public Health and Disease Surveillance:

• Collaborated with the Arizona Vector Think Tank to analyze disease case data, identify emerging trends, and formally evaluate vector control program effectiveness. 

• Developed sustainable and cost-effective budgets for vector control initiatives and outreach campaigns, ensuring resource allocation aligns with strategic goals. 

•  Led annual wildlife disease surveillance efforts (e.g., CWD in cervids) for Arizona Game and Fish, including specialized biological sample extraction and age estimation. 

• Designed and implemented public health communication campaigns to build community trust and raise awareness about vector-borne disease prevention. 

Scientific Communication and Leadership: 

• Drafted, revised, and prepared hundreds of high-quality manuscripts, grant proposals, and reports for publication and formal review. 

• Effectively communicated complex research findings to diverse audiences through dozens of professional presentations. 

• Provided leadership and mentorship to peers and undergraduate STEM students on research, writing, networking, and career opportunities. 

• Maintained laboratory compliance, secured sensitive data/samples, and oversaw accurate inventories to uphold scientific and operational integrity. 

Case Investigator, Contact Tracer, and Public Health Epidemiology Intern:

• Managed and monitored thousands of COVID-19 cases and contacts as an authorized Contact Tracer and Case Investigator, identifying potential public health risks across county, state, and national jurisdictions. 

• Efficiently conducted sensitive case investigations and interviews with diverse populations using English and Spanish, establishing rapport to elicit critical health and travel data.

• Served as a recognized technical authority and advisor to senior management, providing guidance and strategies to peers on effective data elicitation and analysis procedures to enhance mission accomplishment. 

• Ensured stringent data security and confidentiality by accurately organizing and entering complex, sensitive information into electronic databases, maintaining full compliance with HIPAA and FERPA regulations. Contributed to the preparation and publication of a CDC peer-reviewed public health report by precisely acquiring and analyzing data on local masking policies. 

Global Drylands Center Fellow:

• Led and collaborated with international research teams (American and Namibian) to execute rigorous field studies across diverse arid and hyper-arid ecosystems (sand dunes, plains, and mountains). 

• Developed project plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for data collection, safety, and operational logistics, ensuring compliance with domestic and international regulations. 

• Managed project budgets, inventory, and quality assurance; ensured proper documentation of purchases, accountability for all equipment, and verified the functionality of critical supplies. 

• Mentored junior researchers and successfully presented research findings to diverse domestic and international audiences (scientists, policymakers, and the public) at conferences.

• Utilized advanced spatial analysis (GIS, GPS, and remote sensing) to collect and analyze data on ecosystem processes, geography, species diversity, and climate variability. 

• Processed and analyzed complex datasets using R, SPSS, and Excel to model ecosystem response to climate trends, identifying key patterns and drawing meaningful conclusions. 

• Secured data via backup protocols and contributed to high-quality scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Teaching Associate and Teaching Assistant (2020-Present)

• Facilitated and mentored over 1,000 students in complex, cross-disciplinary courses (Biology and Society, History of Biology), focusing on the intersection of medicine, ethics, humanities, and law. 

•  Spearheaded curriculum development and enhancement; consistently revised and updated course materials, assignments, and syllabi each semester to optimize student learning and clarity.

• Demonstrated adaptability and classroom leadership by managing diverse student needs, leading guided activities, and maintaining a positive professional presence to maximize engagement and productivity.  

• Managed high-volume administrative tasks, including maintaining accurate electronic/paper student documentation and scheduling, while consistently upholding FERPA guidelines and university regulations. 

• Accurately assessed and graded thousands of assignments (including capstones, exams, and essays), providing constructive, timely feedback to hundreds of students to enhance learning quality. 

•  Maintained technological proficiency by managing and troubleshooting classroom media (Zoom, projectors, iClickers) and implementing improvements to facility.

• Completed mandatory compliance training across critical areas, including Academic Integrity, Fire Safety, Violence Prevention, and Duty to Report Public Service Policy (mandated reporter).

Master Tutor (2018-Present)

• Mentored over 4,617 students (in-person and remotely) across a diverse curriculum, including Earth Science, US History, English, and Social Studies. 

• Consistently achieved 5/5 star monthly satisfaction ratings and earned "Favorite Tutor" status from over 1,300 students across eight years, demonstrating superior customer service and engagement. 

• Designed and delivered individualized lesson plans and visual aids in various formats to quickly identify and address gaps in student comprehension and build foundational knowledge. 

• Expert in broad academic concepts relevant to medical and military service: Data Analysis, Scientific Method, Global Geography, U.S. Government/Civics, and Policy. 

• Provided critical academic support by guiding high school students through the entire writing process and mentoring hundreds of students on the college application process for four-year universities. 

•  Facilitated student-driven discussions, monitored learning progress, and provided continuous evaluation and feedback to enhance critical thinking and communication skills.

Charter Initiative Task Force Member and Graduate Student Representative 

Strategic Planning:

• Attention to detail. Collect, review, and analyze data to produce reliable findings and design effective future plans. Collaborate with university administrators to develop and implement innovative strategies to enhance the academic and professional development opportunities for a diverse student body. 

• Provide technical advice and guidance to help administration achieve goals in an efficient and sustainable manner. Network and support the task force's efforts to design a climate survey to better understand the priorities and needs of faculty, staff, and students on campus. Accomplish objectives with excellence in a timely manner. 

Policy Development: 

• Access, archive, and secure demographic data and student/staff records to inform policy development. Protect data and information while ensuring access to necessary parties. Provide advice and guidance on data management and data analysis to enhance engagement and retention.

• Actively help draft, approve, and disseminate new community standards that comply with existing university policies as well as local and national guidelines/regulations. Contribute to a more inclusive and equitable campus environment. Brief task force and administrators regularly.

Student Advocacy: 

• Advocate for the needs and concerns of graduate, professional, and undergraduate students. Ensure students/staff voices were heard. Verify their interests were represented and acknowledged throughout key decision-making processes. Advise task force and administration of student needs/requests to ensure their concerns are heard. 

Project Management: 

• Successfully managed projects that entailed collect data/information/records related to understanding student recruitment, retention, and academic success to better inform where resources are utilized. 

• Analyzed data and generated accurate reports for administration. Audit information and advise management. Gathered and organized data on grants, scholarships, and other funding opportunities that are now featured on the School of Life Science's website. 

Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

• Worked collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds to foster a sense of belonging, community, and shared purpose.

Grant Reviewer:

• Evaluate grant applications. Assess applicant qualifications, research proposals, course evaluation/reviews, and budget justifications. 

• Provide detailed written reviews to highlight strengths, weaknesses, and ways each applicant could improve. Rank applicant performance based on established criteria to help select/award the most qualified candidates.

Symposium Judge:

• Evaluate research projects by assessing each candidate's presentation based on scientific merit, communication/presentation skills, and overall quality. 

• Provide clear and constructive feedback to help students improve their presentation and research abilities. Support the advancement of research by recognizing exceptional work. Motivate undergraduate students to continue STEM related research and work. 

School of Life Sciences Executive Board and Online Students Representative:

• Advocate on behalf of the School of Life Sciences’ online graduate students. Collaborate with the administration of the School of Life Sciences and other administrative units across the university to determine how the School of Life Sciences Graduate Executive Board may best serve the online graduate students of the School of Life Sciences. Promptly answer any emails/inquiries sent by students regarding the Executive Board's functions and related topics. 

School of Life Sciences Seminar Committee and Graduate Student Representative:

• Support the committee. Help plan and organize 10+ seminars. Garner support to ensure a graduate student was also invited to speak, create an online forum for interested parties to volunteer to present. Hold quorum and vote with other committee members to select the speakers (including outside guests).

•  Communicate with invited speakers to ensure they have appropriate room/board, accessibility/ technological accommodations, and transportation to/from the seminar locations. Track attendance and discuss ways to cut costs while providing a professional venue to all guests and presenters. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant (2017-2020)

• Conducted advanced molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis) for scientific projects while concurrently managing both independent and collaborative research timelines. 

• Managed laboratory logistics and inventory, tracking orders, spending, and purchases/decommissioning to ensure budgetary compliance and maintenance of a secure, well-organized environment. 

• Utilized and taught others to use statistical software (R, SPSS, MATLAB, Excel) to analyze complex datasets, identify trends, and draw meaningful conclusions for reporting. 

• Served as a trusted liaison between the Principal Investigator, students, and staff; coordinated lab access and equipment usage to prevent conflicts and maximize research throughput. 

• Trained and mentored colleagues and students in complex laboratory procedures (e.g., solution dilution, gel running) and the analysis/testing of novel GPS tracking technology to ensure data precision and efficiency.  

• Authored and presented research findings and specialized literature reviews (e.g., Newcastle Disease Virus, Sickle Cell Trait) through manuscripts, posters, and professional presentations.