Cassandra M. Boevers
*********.*******@*****.***
WORK EXPERIENCE:
University of Northern Iowa National Ag-Based Lubricants Center, Waterloo, IA
Lab Technician, February 2009 June 2012
•Manage and complete research projects both individually and collaboratively
•Research and develop several simultaneous projects funded by DON, DOT and DOE
o Microwave grease-making instead of the traditional hot oil heat transfer method
o Grease compatibility between biobased and petroleum based greases
o Fatty acid-based grease-making instead of the traditional oil-based formulation
o Biodiesel production using exotic base oils
o Hydraulic fluid testing and analysis via 1000-hour pump test
•Perform weight and volume measurements, pH, viscosity, OSI, penetrometer, biodegradability, flash/fire points, dropping/melting points, and pour/cloud points
•Report data, findings, and projections in notebooks and electronically via Microsoft Office
•Complete computer and office work, including reporting, copying, organizing, editing, and filing
•Assist in professional meetings with business collaborators both locally and internationally in order to execute industrial application of lab findings
•Communicate with customers and vendors about pricing, payment, and troubleshooting
•Facilitate lab tours to government officials, political leaders and community members
•Train and manage new employees; assist with tax paperwork and payroll
University of Northern Iowa Biology Department, Cedar Falls, IA
Botany lab assistant, September 2010 May 2012
•Characterize Arabidopsis by comparing leaf morphologies of wild-type and ICK1 mutant
•Perform DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, seed extraction, and developmental studies
•Ensure plant breeding and care, both in greenhouses and plant chambers
•Assist in applying for research grants and follow-up reports
Entomology lab assistant, August 2008 May 2010
•Identify, organize and take inventory of the university insect collection
•Direct and guide students as teaching assistant for Fall 2009 Entomology class
EDUCATION:
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States of America, Class of 2012
•Bachelor of Science: Biology / Bachelor of Arts: Biochemistry
•University Honors Program / Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society
•Cumulative GPA: 3.40 / Dean’s List: 3 semesters
Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, June 2011 December 2011
•FIPSE Iowa-Midwest Brazil Exchange on Business and Agriculture
•1-week internship experience with Monsanto in Não-Me-Toque, Rio Grande do Sul
•Fluency of Portuguese, familiarity with Brazilian culture, exposure to South American agriculture
STUDENT LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEERISM:
•Relay For Life of UNI, Advertising & Corporate Sponsorship, Sept 2009 May 2012
•Student Nature Society, Member & Secretary, Sept 2008 May 2011
•UNI-CUE Tutoring program, Volunteer math/science tutor, Jan 2011 April 2011
•Cedar Falls Lutheran Home, Volunteer Pianist, Feb 2011 – April 2011
•International Student Conversation Partner Program, Volunteer, Sept 2008 May 2009
•Northern Iowan Newspaper, Opinion Columnist, Fall 2008 and Fall 2010
•GB Performing Arts Center Student Interaction Committee, VP, Sept 2009 May 2010
•Honors Student Advisory Board, Member/Recorder, Sept 2008 May 2010