Brandon S. Billot
ePortfolio brandon.billot@live.com 409-926-9051
Introduction:
Hello, my name is Brandon Billot. I am a junior biology major studying at Lamar University. I am pursuing a career in research microbiology. I was born and raised in the Beaumont area. My favorite hobbies are reading and watching campy sci-fi shows. I was born in 2004 and have lived in Texas my whole life. I would describe myself as reserved, disciplined, and passionatate about pursuing the truth.
Education:
I graduated as Top Ranking Boy, class of 2023, from Hamshire-Fannett High School. I was admitted into Lamar University my senior year to pursue a Bacholor's degree in biology.
Personal Intrests:
-Science Fiction and reading
-Philosophy
-Biology
-Indie rock
-RPGs and video games
-Board and card games
-Hiking and camping
I am pursuing a career as a principal investigator working in research microbiology. I choose to be a scientist because I want to better understand the mysteries of the universe and use human technology to its upper limits. Biology is my passion and my best academic subject. Specificlly, I am intrested in studying the molecular pathogenesis of infectious diseases. I want to use my expertise to expose weaknesses in pathogens that cause disease. I hope that I can use these weaknesses to help devise strategies to combat diseases. After graduating from graduating from Lamar University, I will go to graduate school to earn my PhD in Microbiology. From there, I plan on working for a federally funded research institute.
I am currently enrolled in in Lamar University in the honors program. I am a junior biology major and plan to gradaute in the Fall of 2026. My GPA is 3.75.
Class: Junior
Major: BS, Biology
GPA: 3.75
High School Activities:
Vector Robotics Team, 5 years
Three years experience as a manager, serving as Lead Journalist/Secretary and Programming Manager/Vice President. While on the team, I learned technical skills such as coding with Java, working with motors, sensors, and metal parts. I also improved my organizational, critical thinking, and social skills significantly.
UIL Academics, 8 years
UIL Science competition, Regionals 2nd place in Biology, District 1st in Biology
Also competed in Social Studies and Ready Writing
Studied college level biology and chemistry, and physics.
Work and Volunteer Experience:
Chemosensor Research, 7 hrs/week from 9/27/24 to present
I worked in Dr. Zhifo Guo’s lab on making fluorescent chemosensor molecules with potential applications for early cancer detection. I performed synthesis reactions, purification, and screening of products.
Parasitology Research, 2hr/week from 2/28/24 to 5/3/24
Volunteered in Dr. Yoder’s lab dissecting freshwater fish to locate and identify parasites.
Chemistry Tutoring, 3hr/week from 3/25 to present.
I worked in the chemistry library tutoring students for organic and general chemistry courses.
Sutherlands Lumber Company, Salesfloor Associate
4545 College St, Beaumont, TX 77707
Supervisor: Mr. David Phone: (409)-842-4900
June 12, 2023 to August 18, 2024
I worked full time. I assisted customers, performed stocking, and maintained the electrical and plumbing departments.
Hamshire-Fannett ISD Technology Department, Summer Tech Worker
12702 Second St. Hamshire, TX 77622
Supervisor: Charlie Young Phone: (409) 243-2131
June 1, 2021 - Aug 1, 2021; June 1, 2022 - Aug 1, 2022
I worked for my school’s technology department for two summers.
-Cleaned, formatted, and updated software for the school’s computers and other tech equipment
-Experience Cleaning/maintaining sensitive equipment
-Experience in teamwork, communication skills, computer skills, computer networking
College Activities:
Lamar Trailblazers, 12 months
I served as founder and currently serving as vice president for our recreational nature club. We volunteer for conservation activities, go hiking, camping, and paddling.
Tri Beta Biology Honors Society, 16 months
Currently serving as Secretary officer position.
Work and Volunteer Experience:
Chemosensor Research, 7 hrs/week from 9/27/24 to present
I worked in Dr. Zhifo Guo’s lab on making fluorescent chemosensor molecules with potential applications for early cancer detection. I performed synthesis reactions, purification, and screening of products.
Parasitology Research, 2hr/week from 2/28/24 to 5/3/24
Volunteered in Dr. Yoder’s lab dissecting freshwater fish to locate and identify parasites.
My areas of research intrests are microbiology, molecular biology, and organic chemistry. I assisted Dr. Yoder in his lab by dissecting freshwater fish in 2023 to locate and identify parasites. I am currently working in Dr. Guo's Lab for organic chemistry research. We are synthesising UV activated fluorescent chemosensor molecules, with potential applications for early cancer detection. I plan on conducting my own grant research in the near future.
Whenever you are working as a group, depending on how opinionated your peers are, there is likely to be disagreement when making decisions. You have to plan ahead, accounting for the amount of people, so that you can make sure everyone gets some input and a comprimise can be reached. If argument continues without resolution, it can lead to frustration and rash decisionmaking. A leader is capable of remaining emotionally stable in the face of volitile situations. This can radiate a strength that gives your peers the confidence that the challenge you are facing can be overcome. A leader can also learn to deflect negative vibes amongst the group by guiding conversation away from attacking individuals.