Laboratory Scientist with Neuroscience & Leadership Experience

Darion Williams

Oakland, TN ************@*****.*** 901-***-**** in/darion-williams-612a68314

Objective

Detail-oriented and results-driven professional with a background in laboratory operations and military intelligence, seeking to gain more clinical and professional lab experience while pursuing a career in the field of optometry

Professional Summary

Neuroscience graduate with a Bachelor of Science, offering laboratory experience and a robust understanding of brain function, plasticity, and neuroplasticity. Proficient in advanced laboratory techniques, data analysis, and research methodologies, and computer science knowledge with a proven ability to design and execute experiments, analyze complex data sets, and present findings effectively. Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard, with a strong commitment to teamwork, discipline, and strategic planning. Seeking to leverage my scientific expertise and leadership experience in a dynamic research or clinical environment before pursuing a Masters degree, with aspirations and desire to advance into the field of optometry. EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville • Knoxville, TN • 2024

•Activities and societies: Army Reserves Officer Training Corps

•Pre-optometry club

WORK & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

American Esoteric Laboratories/Sonichealthcare USA Laboratory Specialist August 2024 - Present, Memphis, Tennessee

•Operate the P612 automation system to efficiently sort, store, and distribute clinical specimens, ensuring accurate routing to appropriate testing benches or long-term storage.

•Utilize the Apollo workstation to accurately log, track, and manage samples, determining necessary testing procedures and maintaining compliance with laboratory protocols.

•Perform urine aliquoting, precisely dividing and labeling samples for toxicology, chemistry, and microbiology testing, following strict specimen handling procedures.

•Prepare QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) assays by correctly incubating and processing blood samples for tuberculosis screening.

•Conduct hematology testing using the Sysmex XN-11 analyzer, including complete blood counts (CBCs), A1C tests, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) tests, ensuring accuracy and quality control compliance.

•Perform clinical chemistry analyses utilizing the Roche Cobas 8000 and 5800 analyzers, running diagnostic tests while maintaining strict adherence to laboratory protocols.

•Perform and document quality control (QC) procedures on hematology and chemistry analyzers before testing, ensuring instrument calibration, reagent integrity, and compliance with regulatory standards.

•Troubleshoot and resolve instrument errors on Sysmex and Roche analyzers to minimize downtime and ensure precise results.

•Process and analyze approximately 200–300 patient samples per shift in a high-throughput clinical laboratory setting.

•Report critical lab results on weekends to healthcare providers, ensuring timely patient care decisions.

•Train new staff on proper urine aliquoting, sample storage, and basic hematology analyzer operation and QC procedures, promoting accuracy and efficiency.

Army National Guard

Military intelligence Officer- 2nd Lieutenant February 2021 - Present, Knoxville, Tennessee

•Led and manage a team of 30 personnel, providing direction and guidance during training exercises and operational missions, resulting in significant improvements in team cohesion, mission readiness, and performance evaluations.

•Assist in the coordination and execution of logistics and operational planning for an 80-member unit, ensuring smooth and efficient mission execution while maintaining a high level of operational readiness and resource management.

•Develop and implement tactical operations and strategic planning exercises, enhancing operational readiness through rigorous training programs and the optimization of available resources, improving the overall effectiveness of the unit.

•Oversee the development of intelligence collection plans, analyzing and disseminating critical mission information to ensure strategic decision-making and operational success during both training and real-world operations.

•Coordinate and manage the training and development of personnel in intelligence gathering, reporting, and analysis, ensuring continuous skill improvement and compliance with military intelligence standards.

•Monitor and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of training programs, adjusting tactics and training schedules as needed to meet the evolving needs of the unit and mission objectives.

•Lead operational briefings and debriefings, providing clear, concise reports to senior officers on mission objectives, intelligence findings, and operational performance, ensuring timely decision-making.

•Ensure personnel adhere to all military regulations and standards regarding intelligence operations, physical fitness, and professional development, maintaining discipline and operational excellence within the unit.

•Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess and mitigate operational risks, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of mission operations in diverse environments.

•Maintain and analyze intelligence databases, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is available for mission planning, strategic decisions, and tactical support. University of Tennessee- Knoxville

Research Assistant January 2024 - May 2024, Knoxville, Tennessee

● Assisted in a regenerative medicine research project focused on tissue regeneration using in vivo models.

● Conducted experimental procedures on rat sciatic nerve defect models to evaluate the efficacy of biomaterials in promoting nerve regeneration.

● Utilized 3D-printed scaffolds in surgical applications to investigate cell adhesion and subsequent tissue regeneration.

● Monitored and analyzed cellular responses to biomaterials, observing successful cell attachment and initiation of regenerative processes.

● Contributed to the interpretation of experimental results, demonstrating that cells adhered to the 3D scaffold and began regenerating tissue as anticipated.

● Engaged in team discussions and data analysis sessions, contributing to the collective understanding of biomaterial interactions in regenerative medicine. America's Best Contacts And Glasses

Optometrist Intern May 2021 - August 2021, Memphis, TN

•Learned how to catalog items and present current options to patients.

•Oversaw the filling and dispensing of eyeglass prescriptions, fitting frames, lenses and contact lenses for comfort and convenience..

•Learned how to diagnose and recommend treatment to over 15 patients with optical malformation and conditions.

•Observed and assisted in comprehensive eye exams for over 50 patients, gaining hands-on experience with diagnostic equipment.

•Assisted in conducting comprehensive eye exams for patients, gaining hands-on experience with advanced diagnostic tools and patient management techniques. Laboratory Experience

University of Tennessee, Department of Psychology

Neuroscience Microbiology General laboratory biochemistry & Cellular-Molecular Biology August 2021 - May 2024

● Research Projects:

Investigated neural mechanisms underlying behavior and cognitive processes.

Designed and executed experiments, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines.

● Laboratory Techniques:

Proficient in a wide range of laboratory techniques including:

Microscopy: Conducted detailed analysis using light and fluorescence microscopy to study cellular structures and interactions.

Immunohistochemistry: Applied immunostaining techniques to visualize specific proteins in tissue sections, contributing to understanding neural pathways.

Electrophysiology: Recorded and analyzed electrical activity in neurons using patch clamp and extracellular recording techniques, enhancing understanding of neuronal communication.

Molecular Biology Techniques: Executed PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing, facilitating genetic analysis in neuroscience research.

Histology Techniques: Prepared and stained tissue samples for histological examination, contributing to studies on brain structure and function.

● Dissection of Sheep Brains: Conducted detailed dissection of sheep brains to study neuroanatomical features and pathways, gaining practical experience in brain anatomy.

● ImageJ Analysis of Rat Brains: Utilized ImageJ software to analyze brain images from rat models, measuring areas of interest and quantifying staining intensities, contributing to neuroscientific research on brain plasticity and pathology.

● General Chemistry Lab Skills: Applied principles of chemistry to neuroscience research, including chemical analysis techniques and lab safety protocols.

● Coursework and Academic Projects:

Neurobiology: Studied the structure and function of the nervous system, including synaptic transmission, neural circuits, and neuroplasticity.

Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience: Explored cellular mechanisms underlying neurological diseases, conducted lab sessions on neuron culturing and cell signaling pathways.

Cognitive Neuroscience: Investigated cognitive processes through experimental design, data collection using EEG and fMRI techniques, and analysis of brain imaging data.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Applied principles of biochemistry to neuroscience research, including protein structure/function relationships and enzyme kinetics.

Neuroanatomy: Conducted dissections of brain specimens to study anatomical features and pathways, using stereotaxic equipment for precise brain targeting.

● Research Methods in Neuroscience: Developed skills in research design, data analysis using statistical software

(SPSS), and presentation of findings in scientific formats.

● Data Analysis and Documentation:

Utilized advanced software including SPSS for statistical analysis, MATLAB for data modeling, and ImageJ for image processing.

Compiled and documented research findings in detailed reports and presentations.

Gained proficiency in using excel to compile statistical data

● Equipment and Instrumentation:

Operated a variety of advanced laboratory equipment, including but not limited to:

Confocal and electron microscopes: Used for high-resolution imaging and ultrastructural analysis.

Electrophysiology rigs: Managed patch clamp setups and data acquisition systems.

PCR machines and gel electrophoresis systems: Conducted genetic and protein analysis.

● Presentations and Collaborations:

Presented research findings at departmental seminars and academic conferences.

Collaborated effectively with peers and faculty on interdisciplinary research projects, contributing to publications and presentations.

● Skills and Achievements:

Demonstrated proficiency in specimen dissection and analysis, particularly in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology studies.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & INTERESTS

● Native English speaker

● Intermediate Portuguese speaker

● Anatomy Knowledge

● Interpersonal skills

● Multitasking, Leadership

● Team management

● Ability to motivate

● Computer Literacy

● Microsoft excel

● Data analytics

● Research Methodology

● Experimental Design

● Laboratory Skills

● Sequencing

● Computer Science

● Python

Awards Received

● Tennessee National Guard Ribbon

● Army Service Ribbon

● National Defense Ribbon

Contact this candidate