Professional Experience

Professional Highlights

10+ years in scientific research and project management
Experience in Environmental regulation and compliance
Experience in Non-Profits and grants

2-term NASA DEVELOP intern
Intern at Cornell University- Boyce Thompson Institute
Published research author in multiple disciplines

Environmental Specialist

The School District of Palm Beach County September 2017 - present

Promote and enforce School District Policy 7.195 by conducting Air Quality (IAQ) assessments of District schools and ancillary facilities to ensure that the indoor environment provides positive learning environment for students and a positive working environment for employees.

Conduct IAQ assessments of about 200 schools and District-owned buildings;
Manage a large quantity of IAQ projects, which includes writing and sharing formal reports, applying for permits from the Building Code Services department when needed, securing qualified contractors, and constant communication with school staff and school police.
Conduct product reviews, approving or denying the use of new chemicals or equipment in the school district, using evidence-based research and analyzing safety data sheets.
Member of proposal committees, organizational plan committees, and team lead for multiple departmental SMART goals.

Biological Scientist

University of Florida IFAS September 2016 - September 2017

Assisted with the start-up of the Soil Microbiology program at UF-IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee, Florida.

Purchased and managed laboratory equipment and supplies.
Developed protocols and standard operating procedures for laboratory work.
Independently conducted laboratory work such as DNA extractions, PCR, Gel electrophoresis, etc.
Synthesized raw sequence data using QIIME software in order to obtain results.
Field work including: soil sampling, applying bio stimulants to soil, and assisting with plant data collection when needed .

Field Researcher

National Ecological Observatory Network May 2016 - August 2016

Participated in a continental-scale ecological observation facility sponsored by the National Science Foundation, which is committed to gathering and synthesizing data on the impacts of climate change, land use change and invasive species on natural resources and biodiversity.

Gathered data on over 10 protocols including: plant phenology, plant diversity, vegetation structure, leaf area index, coarse woody debris, soils, and leaf litter.
Led the soil pH testing team.

NASA DEVELOP Intern

NASA DEVELOP September 2012 - April 2013

Utilized NASA Earth Observing Systems to produce data relevant to ecological concerns

Assisted the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in better controlling the hydrology of the Great Dismal Swamp by using NASA EOS and GIS to create NDMI and NDVI maps of the wetland during different times of the year.
Assisted the Oregon Department of Forestry with mapping air quality after the Pole Creek fire that occurred on Sept. 9th, 2012 and created several deliverables including a fire risk map for the region.
Presented research to NASA scientists and the public in a poster symposium
Created a video presentation of the research project, which was submitted in a national NASA Develop competition and won first place in 2013.

Plant Genome Research Program Intern

Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University June 2012 - August 2012

Conducted research in the Giovannoni laboratory, studying the effect of carotenoids on tomato fruit development.

Conducted laboratory work such as chlorophyll measurements, DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.
Presented research at BTI's annual student symposium in the form of a PowerPoint presentation