Mercedes B. Dongen Curriculum Vitae
*** ** ******* **., **** St. Lucie, FL. 34983 772-***-**** *********@*******.***
Objective:
I graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelors in microbiology & immunology and a minor
in public health this past spring. I’ve always had an interest in the field of healthcare and research,
particularly within the laboratory setting. I do plan on furthering my education and I am seeking an entry
level laboratory, or laboratory-related, position with opportunity for advancement. I am wanting to start
my career with a company that I can remain with long-term, that offers opportunities in both research and
diagnostics.
Education:
BACHELORS OF SCIENCE EARNED: 9 MAY, 2014 UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI – CORAL GABLES, FL.
Major: Microbiology & Immunology
Minor: Public Health
Related coursework: Microbio Lab, Organic Chem II Lab, Special Projects in Bacterial Pathology, 24 + credits of microbiology
and immunology course work.
PHLEBOTOMY TECH CERTIFICATION MAY – JUNE 2011 PARAMOUNT TRAINING SERVICES – FT. PIERCE,
FL.
Phlebotomy Tech (NRCPT) training course.
Related coursework: Specimen Collection, Specimen Handling, Medical terminology, Biohazards and Safety, Legal Issues and
Patient Rights.
ASSOCIATES EARNED: MAY 2011 INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE – FT. PIERCE, FL.
Major: Biology
Related coursework: Biology I/II Labs, Chem II Lab, Organic Chem I Lab, Microbio Lab, basic Computer Science
Skills, Abilities, & Qualifications:
I’m familiar with laboratory safety standards and guidelines, have had experience with basic laboratory
apparatuses and equipment, and also have some familiarity with streaking, staining, and a few
biochemical tests. Thus far, the majority of my laboratory experience has been mainly through lab
courses; where I have performed independently and at the top of my class. I have, however, volunteered
as a student research assistant in a BSL2 lab in the microbiology department of UM’s Miller campus. I
worked on assigned special projects in bacterial pathogenesis under Dr. Gregory Plano. I performed a
series of assays using 96-well plates. There I gained experience in centrifuging and using the
spectrophotometer. I was responsible for the handling, storage, and manipulation of the bacteria and the
proteins used. I was also responsible for the making and measuring of solutions and the maintenance of
the laboratory area and equipment used. I was also a volunteer research assistant for the UM’s School
Nursing and Health Sciences; and was responsible for the quality assessment and entry of data into excel
for participants in a HIV/AIDs study and for the transcription of recordings from a transgender study.
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EXPERIENCE
Course related Laboratory experience
Research Assistant at a BSL2 Lab - January 2014-May 2014
Public Health Research Assistant – June 2013-December 2013
Previously completed a phlebotomy course.
SKILLS
96 well plate assays – plating and reading plates with Various microbial identification/testing procedures;
spectrophotometer including: differential stains, smears, biochemical tests,
Handling, storage, and manipulation of bacteria and etc.
other proteins used. Western blots
Plating of bacteria and storage of cultures Wet Mount & Hang-drop Method
Making/measuring solutions and broth Centrifuge
ELISA Taking patient vitals
Spore Staining Venipuncture
CPR and AED Dermal puncture
Throat and nasal swabbing Customer service
Data entry
Basic Programs: Intermediate proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, and PRISM.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
Citi Program
-Course in the “Protection of Human Research Subjects”
-Course in the “Responsible Conduct of Research” – “Social and Behavioral
Research”
American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers
-Effective Date: 05/17/2012 - 05/2014
Volunteer/Internships:
Title: Institution: Length: Responsibilities:
Working on special projects in
bacterial pathogenesis for course
credit.
UM MILLER SCHOOL OF
Project on Ail binding to vitronectin:
MEDICINE:
RESEARCH JAN 2014 – MAY Completed a series of assays using 96-
MICROBIOLOGY &
ASSISTANT/STUDENT 2014 well plates, measuring the binding of
IMMUNOLOGY
Ail from Y. pestis and E. coli to
DEPARTMENT
vitronectin.
Transcription of recordings for a
UM SCHOOL OF
transgender study– transcribe
RESEARCH NURSING & HEALTH
OCT 2013 – DEC participant/interviewer data from a
ASSISTANT/VOLUNTE SCIENCES: EL CENTRO
2013 recorded interview.
ER RESEARCH
DEPARTMENT
RESEARCH UM SCHOOL OF MAY 2013 – JULY Data entry and quality assessment for
ASSISTANT/VOLUNTE NURSING & HEALTH 2013 an HIV/AIDs MSM study –
ER SCIENCES: EL CENTRO assessment and entry of data collected
RESEARCH from participants into Microsoft Excel
DEPARTMENT
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Previous Employment:
TUTOR THE LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION OCT. 2013 – MAR. 2014
FCAT based tutoring for sixth graders.
TUTOR UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI - AMERICA READS PROGRAM NOV. 2012 – JULY 2013
Reading tutor at Coral Gables Elementary for grades K-3 during the school year.
Tutor/counselor at South Miami Community Center for the summer camp – responsible for the first graders.
STORE ASSOCIATE T.J. MAXX AUG. 2008 – JULY 2011 / JUNE 2012 – OCT. 2012
Customer service, Jewelry Dpt, Cashier, Layaway, merchandise/display sales floor. Front desk supervisory when needed.
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