NICHOLAS A. RICKS

** ******* **** *****

St. Louis, MO 63033

314-***-**** (Cell)

Profile

I am an interested in pursuing a career as a neurodiagnostic technologist. I have taken several classes in biology and chemistry where I have conducted numerous experiments in the laboratory. I have successfully completed experiments involving genetics, developmental biology, ecology, organic chemistry, and neuroscience. I am also proficient in mathematics and computer applications for scientific research. I am highly interested in starting a career in neurophysiology, utilizing neurodiagnostic techniques in a patient care setting.

Education

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN

Graduation November 2020

Major: Biology

Minor: Neuroscience

Member of the Valparaiso Men’s Track Team August 2016 – November 2017

Finalist in Horizon League Indoor and Outdoor Conference Championships

Lutheran High School North

St. Louis, MO

Graduation May 2016

Member of National Honor Society

Team Captain and Three-Time State Finalist in Track and Field

Member of the Cross-Country Team, Team Captain last two years

First-Chair Trumpet Advanced Concert Band

Capstone Research Project

Valparaiso IN

Spring 2020

During my senior year I had the opportunity to do independent research with the help of a faculty member. I chose to research human consciousness in relation to sleep. I learned about the sleep cycle, the different stages our body goes through and the different neural pathways involved in the phenomena.

Neural Stem Cell Review Paper

Valparaiso, IN

Fall 2020

During my senior year I had the opportunity to present on a paper on neural stem cell proliferation in the adult zebrafish brain. During the course of the fall semester, I learned about neurogenesis and neural stem cell proliferation and how zebrafish have the ability to heal spinal cord injury. At the end of the semester, I presented on a research article and synthesized my own review article highlighting different aspects of what is known about neurogenesis and neural stem cells.

Indiana Dunes National Park Civic Voice Workshop

Virtual Event November 2020

The Civic Voice Workshop was an advocacy workshop organized by the National Parks Conservation Association, National Park Service and the Great Lakes Innovative Stewardship Through Education Network. It offered me a unique chance to combine my scientific knowledge with real world advocacy skills. Through the event I learned how to craft an influential message; I learned about connections between scientific research, policy, and advocacy; I learned what the best practices are when meeting with decision makers.

Diversity Awareness Partnership

St. Louis, MO

May 2015

Certificate of Completion: EXPLORE Bioscience Program

BioSTL is a company that creates, grows, and invests in innovative bioscience companies and entrepreneurs in the St. Louis area. Its mission strongly includes the push for inclusion of women and minorities in STEM fields. Together with Millipore Sigma and Venture Café, the program brought high schoolers from underrepresented groups to participate in workshops where we learned more about bioscience and entrepreneurship and how it is shaping St. Louis. We were able to connect with professional mentors and get a better sense of what careers there are and what options there are for us as students. The overall experience of this program is what really solidified my decision to choose a career in bioscience.

Employment Experience

Chapel of the Cross Summer Camp

Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church

St. Louis, MO 63033

June-August 2018: Senior Summer Camp Counselor

As a Senior Summer Camp Counselor, I was given more responsibilities where I developed and planned out the schedule for camp activities for two days of the week. I was also given financial management responsibility for payment of field trips and other camp related expenses. I served as a mentor to new camp counselors which included one on one conversations about how their work experience was going and how I could help them be a better counselor. I also served as the Camp Director with overall management of the Camp for one week during the summer of 2018.

June-August 2016, June-August 2017: Summer Camp Counselor

I was responsible for leading kids in devotion and games five days a week. I took groups of up to eight campers on various field trips including nature walks through various parks and trails, a visit to a bird sanctuary and nature centers, and trips to the St. Louis Science Center where kids get a chance to learn more about science in an interactive way that gives an experience that is both educational and fun. I provided leadership and guidance for the campers to address their individual needs. I also interacted with parents when the campers were dropped off in the morning and then again during pickup at the end of the day.

Chunky’s Tacos Restaurant and Food Truck

Valparaiso, IN 46383

June 2019-July 2020: Food Service Worker

As a worker at Chunky’s Tacos, I worked as a line cook and a prep cook on the fast-paced food truck and in the restaurant. I was responsible for opening and closing the truck after closing and prepping any food that was needed for the following day. I also delivered food while the restaurant was in operation and made trips to the gas station or grocery store when it was needed.

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