• Partnered with Head of Curriculum in redesigning curriculum and contributed to the course code base in order to improve and solidify students’ comprehension of material while enhancing their learning experience.

• Mentored 150+ future engineers on building full-stack web applications with Node.js and front-end frameworks such as React, AngularJS, and other technologies.

• Handled 50 - 100 helpdesk tickets per week, answering a range of subjects including CS fundamentals, client-side frameworks, server applications, and SQL/NoSQL databases.

• Trained engineers to effectively troubleshoot bugs in their code and conducted technical interviews for program admissions.

PROCESS KNOWLEDGE:

• Understood process theory and equipment operation.

• Learned biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes including mammalian cell culture, depth filtration, tangential flow filtration, column chromatography, protein purification and the formulation of bulk drug substance.

• Supported initiatives for process optimization.

• Identified and elevated processing issues and support solutions.

• Demonstrated proficiency with automation systems (LIMS, MES, PI).

TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION:

• Provided feedback and/or suggested changes to operational procedures.

• Assisted in the incorporation of new technologies, practices and standards into procedures.

• Wrote and reviewed process documents.

QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE:

• Understood cGMPs as related to Commercial Operations.

• Utilized Quality systems (Deviations, CAPAs, Change Requests, Action/Alert Reports).

BUSINESS:

• Participated on projects and contributed to outcomes.

• Support new business systems (Track wise, ERP).

The Harmer Lab is interested primarily in the practical application of Circadian Rhythms in plants as it relates to the agricultural industry. This internship required that I learn common lab techniques, PCR, electrophoresis, etc. in addition to constructing my own research project.

My project examined the plant parasite known as dodder, specifically whether or not the development of the structures by which it infests plants, called haustoria, are triggered definitively by some kind of signal located within host sap. I created a sealed environment with an agar growth medium through which to test this theory, including a cylindrical, hollowed agar 'stem' that would hold sap and enable dodder to mimic its infestation process. To remove as many unaccounted variables as possible, it was important that this environment be insulated from contaminates and easily reproducible.

Contamination proved difficult to mitigate but dodder did infest the agar stem, establishing a platform through which further research could be conducted. I was accepted to present my work at the Undergraduate Research Conference at UC Davis and delivered the results of my project at the conference on May 2nd.