Manager Assistant

Christopher A. Weidow, M.S.

**** ***** ***** • Jacksonville, Florida, 32210 • ********@*******.*** • 904-***-****

CAREER OBJECTIVES

Currently seeking opportunities to work with any business, agency, or organization dedicated to research

and development in the field of environmental sciences with a focus on microbiology. With a strong

background in environmental microbiology, I believe that I have the professional tools required to adapt

and excel in any field, whether it be experimental research or outreach and education.

EDUCATION

Master of Science in Soil and Water Sciences, May 2013

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Specialization: Microbial Ecology/Environmental Microbiology

GPA: 3.90/4.00

Thesis Title: Diversity and Distribution of Aromatic Ring Dioxygenases among Soil Actinobacteria

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science, December 2008

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Minors in Chemistry and Religion

GPA: 3.60/4.00

LABORATORY EXPERIENCE

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Florida, August 2009 – May 2013

• Researched and developed experimental methods for conducting environmental

phylogenetics study

• Cooperated with post-doctoral personnel to develop experimental PCR primers and

modify molecular-based techniques for research purposes

• Utilized modified molecular-based techniques (DNA extraction/PCR/cloning) to survey

multiple soils for DNA sequences related to the degradation of aromatic compounds by

Actinobacteria

• Compiled clone library sequence data and utilized specialized software to determine

phylogenetic associations of clone DNA sequences with known reference organisms

• Identified soil percent organic matter (OM), pH and Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)

content as the principle factors driving the distribution of Actinobacterial aromatic ring

oxygenases in experimental soils

• Experience obtaining and processing submerged soil samples from Everglades WCA-2A

(F1, F4, and U3 sites)

Radiation Safety Officer, University of Florida, August 2009 – May 2013

• Performed monthly safety checks of workspaces dedicated to radiation-based analyses

• Inventoried and analyzed radioactive materials stored in the lab

• Coordinated with Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) staff for waste management

• Maintained and submitted records of radioactive materials and authorized radiation personnel

• Instructed and supervised new radiation personnel on proper handling and cleanup of radioactive

materials

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Teaching Assistant, University of Florida, August 2009 – May 2013

• Assisted laboratory manager in teaching the laboratory portion of Soil Microbial Ecology course

(SWS5305C) (2 semesters)

• Prepared experimental media and materials for all students both under the supervision, and

independently, of the laboratory manager

• Coordinated in organizing materials and workspace for student use

• Supervised and counseled students in performing basic laboratory techniques

• Provided additional counsel and instruction to students, outside of class

SKILLS

Laboratory: PowerSoil DNA extraction kit (MO BIO); GoTaq Green Master Mix PCR system

(Promega);

pCR4-TOPO vector cloning system (Invitrogen); PCR product purification and Gel Extraction

kit (QIAGEN); Basic laboratory maintenance; Equipment experience [autoclave, microscope,

thermocycler (Bio-Rad), gel electrophoresis, GelDoc imaging device, sterile hood and fume

hood]

Radiological: Equipment experience (Beckman-Coulter Liquid Scintillation Counter)

Analytical Software: Genbank/BLASTn; Sequin; ClustalX2; MEGA 5.0; BioEdit; UniFrac and Fast

UniFrac; DOTUR; “R” and vegan

Computer: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

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