Quality Assurance Manager
Resume:
NICOLE A. AYALA
Microbiologist
Oak Creek, WI 53154
************@*****.***
Education
• Master of Science, Biology.
University of the Incarnate Word, December 2011.
• Bachelor of Natural Science, Microbiology and Biology.
University of Wisconsin-Madison, August 2008.
Professional Experience
University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX. January 2011 - December 2011
Adjunct Faculty
• Taught microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and ecology.
• Prepared lectures, set up supplies, created exams and quizzes, graded assignments, met with students, and delegated tasks to laboratory assistants.
University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX. January 2011 - December 2011
Graduate Assistant
• Set up all academic microbiology labs.
• Prepared cultures, maintained stocks, and prepared media.
• Trained and directed undergraduate students in microbiology.
• Assisted in ordering supplies and clerical work.
Aurora West Allis Medical Center, West Allis, WI. July 2008 - August 2009
Laboratory Assistant
• Performed data entry, specimen processing and shipping, and quality assurance.
• Answered phone calls from clients, doctors, and patients to assist in ordering tests and processing specimens.
• Prepared specimens for delivery to the technologists
Charmony Dairy, Madison, WI. July 2007 - March 2008
Breeding Manager
• Managed the dairy cow breeding program which included maintaining breeding and vaccination schedules, assisting in birthing and post-partum calf and cow care, delegating tasks to employees.
• Performed general dairy farm maintenance such as milking cows and general animal husbandry.
• Provided all veterinary care to the cows which included administering vaccines and medications, drawing blood, monitoring diet and vitals, and general herd health.
UW-Madison Department of Medicine, Madison, WI. October 2005 - May 2008
Assistant Researcher
• Designed and performed experimental procedures. Techniques included cell and tissue culture, DNA manipulation, confocal imaging, and microbiological techniques.
• Assisted in grant writing and gave presentations of results.
• Headed the maintenance of several lines of transgenic and wildtype mice which included breeding, mouse heart myocyte isolation, and general mice care.
Research Projects
Master's Thesis, University of the Incarnate Word. San Antonio, TX. December 2011
Characterization of an S-Layer-Like Protein and Select Antimicrobial Factors of the Novel Species Lactobacillus coleohominis.
• Multiple strains of lactobacilli were analyzed for cell and colony morphology and aggregation patterns in different conditions.
• Lactic acid production was analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
• Chromosomal DNA was extracted and targeted for an S-layer protein gene.
• The surface protein was extracted and analyzed via UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy.
Bachelor's Dissertation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI. May 2008
Discovering the Signaling Mechanisms of the Regulatory Subunit of the Cardiac, Mitochondrial, ATP-Sensitive, Potassium Channels.
• Potassium channels were assembled using the genes for different subunits.
• These channels were visualized through confocal imaging and luminescence to determine what signals the channels to open or close.
Independent Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI. May 2006
Investigating Gender Differences in Cardiac Protection during Induced Myocardial Infarction.
• Myocardial infarction was induced in mice.
• The hearts were excised and examined for damage.
• Results were compared based on genders.
Mentored Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI. May 2005
Discovering the Mechanisms of CXCR3 Signaling by Analyzing Tyrosine Phosphorylation.
• This project involved studying rejection of transplanted kidneys which involved performing transplantations in mice, rats, and rhesus monkeys.
• A T-cell-leukemia cell line was propagated and treated with different chemicals to stimulate the CXCR3 pathway.
• Once stimulated, tyrosine phosphorylation was analyzed through western blots.
Internships and Field Work
• Kenya Veterinary Project, Tsavo National Park, Kenya. June 2007.
• Dairy Science Study Tour, Mexico. April 2006.
• Racine Zoo Animal Welfare Internship, Racine, WI. Summer 2004.
• Beechwood Veterinary Clinic Internship, Racine, WI. Summer 2004.
Relevant Courses
• Biology: anatomy and physiology, biology, biochemistry, genetics, clinical immunology and lab, graduate immunology, graduate cell biology, graduate biology of membranes, graduate medical physiology, graduate molecular biology, and graduate parasitology.
• Animal Science: zoology, animal behavior, horse science, livestock production, and diseases of wildlife.
• Microbiology: introduction to microbiology and lab, prokaryotic genetics, diversity ecology and evolution of prokaryotes, physiology and diversity of prokaryotes and lab, and graduate virology.
• Chemistry: inorganic chemistry and lab, organic chemistry and lab, organic chemistry II.
Lab Skills
Western blot, HPLC, gel electrophoresis, protein isolation, PCR, transformation, gene mutations, DNA manipulation, cell and tissue culture, microbiology techniques, aseptic technique, handling hazardous materials, lab safety, research animal care and regulations, research protocols for mice and non-human primates, UV-vis spectroscopy, confocal imaging, SDS-PAGE, FTIR, IFS, and general laboratory techniques.
Computer Skills
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SPSS for data analysis, Adobe Actobat, Internet, commercial lab, LIS, and AML data entry programs for hospitals.
Employee Skills
Independence, leadership, organization, communication skills, critical thinking, multitasking, handling detailed work, learning complicated procedures, record keeping, scheduling, data entry, data analysis, planning, presenting, public speaking, delegating tasks, teaching, working with complex scientific equipment, working in a team-dependent environment, managing co-workers, and problem solving.
Leadership Experience
• Charmony Dairy- Breeding Manager.
• Master's Thesis- delegated tasks to undergraduate independent research students.
• Graduate Assistant- delegated tasks to undergraduate assistants in microbiology.
Achievements and Volunteer Work
• Girl Scout Gold Award- 2004
• Dean's List for academic excellence, UW-Madison- 2004
• Top 5% of high school class
• Full scholarship to UW-Madison
• Won a grant- UW-Madison
• Acknowledged in several published research articles
• Volunteered for the Wisconsin Humane Society, Milwaukee County Zoo, Racine Zoo, large animal supportive care, Dane County Humane Society, and Brentwood Veterinary Clinic.
• Earned a certificate in college teaching and in leadership.
References
Dr. Christy MacKinnon
Biology department chair.
Relationship: Previous Employer
University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
********@*****.***
Dr. Ana Vallor
Professor of Biology
Relationship: Thesis Mentor
University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
******@*****.***
Dr. Russell Raymond
Professor of Biology
Relationship: Professor
University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
*******@*****.***
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