Sara Cooley
Phoenix
Summary
Dedicated Research Assistant with 4+ years of lab internship experience, skilled in laboratory techniques and data collection. Seeking to support laboratory research in the biomedical field.
Laboratory scientist skilled in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and maintaining lab equipment. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Expertise in molecular biology techniques, chemical analysis, and laboratory safety protocols. Adaptable to changing needs and reliable in high-pressure environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nursing Lab Specialist
Arizona College of Nursing
03.2024 - Current
- Provide a clean, organized, and well-maintained learning environment for nursing students.
- Operate high-fidelity manikins for simulated scenarios, as well as organize medical supplies, equipment, and other instructional materials.
- Set up laboratory materials and technology for nursing skills labs, and operate manikin controls, simulation software, and recording equipment in order to engage students within the simulation environment.
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by implementing new testing procedures and protocols.
Consumer Safety Officer
Department of Health and Human Services
08.2023 - 02.2024
- Company Overview: Food and Drug Administration
- Conducted inspections within the area of food safety.
- Reviewed records and observed operations at regulated firms, documented deficiencies, obtained voluntary corrections when possible, completed written reports, recommended further regulatory actions as needed.
- Received on the job training from other Consumer Safety Officers and members of the OCI department.
- Conducted regular safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and prevent accidents and injuries.
Biology and Anatomy/ Physiology Instructor, Secondary Education
Gateway Early College High School
08.2022 - 05.2023
- I taught at the Gateway Early College High School program as a biology, and anatomy and physiology teacher as part of a one year grant position. aided students through tutoring and mentoring them to pursue research opportunities and scholarships when they encounter obstacles in their educational journeys.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
Biology Teaching Assistant
Arizona State University
01.2021 - 01.2023
- In this position, I assist in instructing undergraduate lab classes for the School of Life Sciences General Biology classes.
- I provide assignments and quizzes per class requirements and follow-up with grading assignments.
Research Assistant
Bear Lab
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Grant writing for a portable MRI machine to expand Arizona’s Ethnic Representation in Brain Imaging Research.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
Canine DNA Extraction and Analysis Lab Intern
SMack Lab
01.2021 - 05.2022
- In the Smack lab, through this position I have conducted DNA extraction techniques, data collection and analysis, and knowledge in the field of genetics research.
- I have assisted primarily in the project’s main goals of analyzing samples of dog blood to contribute data to the nationwide program known as the Dog Aging Project.
- Expanded problem-solving abilities via investigating unexpected results or inconsistencies within experiments.
- Assimilated constructive feedback from mentors to continuously improve performance throughout the internship period.
Animal Physiology Lab Intern
DeNardo Lab
01.2021 - 05.2022
- Project: Research into physiological adaptations of various reptiles, such as snakes and Gila monsters.
- Assisted in various procedures including reptile care,research of physiological adaptations, and surgical procedures employed by my professor, Dr.Dale DeNardo.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new techniques as needed for specific experiments or projects.
- Improved data accuracy through careful sample preparation, analysis, and documentation.
- Developed technical skills with various laboratory instruments, including spectrophotometers, centrifuges, and pipettes.
Forensic Science Research Assistant
Weidner Lab
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Collecting insect specimens, conducting data collection, cataloging of insect specimens for multiple ongoing projects including the decomposition of pig cadavers.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
Primatology Research Lab Intern
Gilby Lab
01.2020 - 05.2021
- Acted as a research assistant to Dr.Gilby, a faculty member and a primatologist at Arizona State University, and Ms.Morgan Carver Richards, in their work researching chimp characteristics and behavior among the chimps of the Gombe Reserve in Tanzania.
- Increased research productivity by effectively prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines under supervision.
- Safeguarded accurate record-keeping of all experiments conducted during internship tenure.
- Streamlined data entry processes through proficient use of software applications such as Excel and Prism.
Lab Technician
Paradise Valley Community College Science Division
01.2018 - 01.2019
- In this position, I aided professors by providing supplies, and assisting in the general maintenance of the laboratory.
- I prepared various lab samples for courses, such as TSB plates, as well as handled and assisted in the destruction of any biohazard materials that were generated.
- Maintained a safe and organized laboratory environment, adhering to strict safety protocols.
- Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
Education
Master of Science - Biology
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ12-2022
Bachelor of Science - Anthropology
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ08-2021
Skills
- Practical laboratory skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Molecular extraction techniques
- Proficient in first aid response
- Precision in Nanodrop measurements
- Quantitative PCR expertise
- Preparation of culture media
- Safe disposal of biohazard materials
- Training for exotic species
- pH testing proficiency
- Biomedical diagnostics management
- Immunohistochemistry analysis
- Biobank sample handling expertise
- Skilled in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Analytical laboratory techniques
- Proficient in microscopy applications
- Efficient sample handling and preparation
- Chemical safety practices
- Safety compliance in laboratories
- Laboratory techniques
- Microscopy expertise
- Sample preparation
- Chemical handling
- Scientific writing
- Laboratory management
- Reagent preparation
- Cell culture techniques
- PCR techniques
- Experimental design
- Quality control procedures
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Staff management
- Data interpretation
- Laboratory work supervision
- Laboratory documentation
Certification
- Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research CITI | 2022
- Responsible Conduct of Research CITI | 2022
LANGUAGES
English | Fluent
Awards
Eckerd College Academic Achievement Award Four year academic merit award presented to me by Eckerd College. This award took into account my past academic achievements., ASU Dean’s Scholarship Recipient A nomination to Arizona State University’s Dean’s List for academic scholarship., Parks Army ROTC Scholarship Recipient A scholarship awarded during my time as a cadet in ASU’s Army ROTC battalion for academic merit and community service.
Timeline
Nursing Lab Specialist
Arizona College of Nursing
03.2024 - Current
Consumer Safety Officer
Department of Health and Human Services
08.2023 - 02.2024
Biology and Anatomy/ Physiology Instructor, Secondary Education
Gateway Early College High School
08.2022 - 05.2023
Research Assistant
Bear Lab
06.2022 - 08.2022
Forensic Science Research Assistant
Weidner Lab
06.2021 - 08.2021
Biology Teaching Assistant
Arizona State University
01.2021 - 01.2023
Canine DNA Extraction and Analysis Lab Intern
SMack Lab
01.2021 - 05.2022
Animal Physiology Lab Intern
DeNardo Lab
01.2021 - 05.2022
Primatology Research Lab Intern
Gilby Lab
01.2020 - 05.2021
Lab Technician
Paradise Valley Community College Science Division
01.2018 - 01.2019
Master of Science - Biology
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science - Anthropology
Arizona State University
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