Danny Alston
Dedicated and results-driven science educator and research professional
About
Dedicated and results-driven science educator and research professional with 12+ years of experience in academic tutoring, STEM instruction, and hands-on scientific research across collegiate and secondary education settings. Adept at delivering engaging instruction in science and mathematics while supporting student development through tailored learning strategies and data-driven academic workshops. Proven track record of mentoring over 100+ students toward improved academic outcomes and college admissions.
Experienced in scientific research in wet laboratory techniques, i.e., spectroscopy, chromatography, bioassays, and other wet laboratory techniques.
Experience
Science Tutor - Upward Bound at Wilson Community College - Wilson, NC
(2014-10)
- Delivered weekly tutoring (subjects-biology, chemistry, earth & environmental science, and physical science) and retention skills to approximately 60+ high school students annually.
- Led 5+ hands-on science workshops during the school year to boost engagement and interest in STEM fields.
- Conducted college readiness sessions that successfully helped the majority of students transition to post-secondary institutions.
- Mentored underrepresented students as part of TRIO support, with many advancing to higher education.
Professional Tutor (NTA Certified) - Student Support Services at Wilson Community College - Wilson, NC
(2014-02)
- Provided one-on-one tutoring for general education collegiate courses, i.e., biology, chemistry, mathematics, etc., resulting in completion of their course and an ideal increase in their overall final course grade.
- Annually designed and led workshops for academic and professional development to enhance student success rates in targeted courses.
- Mentored caseload of 20+ students per semester, contributing to a boost in retention and graduation rates.
- Delivered ongoing Moodle platform support to students per semester, enhancing their digital learning and retention communication engagement.
Public Health Research Intern - Columbia University - New York, NY
(2013-05 - 2013-08)
Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP)
- Participated in 3 collegiate-level courses and immersed myself in public health site visits to deepen practical understanding of health inequity and the implementation of policy and prevention.
- Collaborated in group discussions with other public health interns and a teaching assistant on local and national health disparities case studies to design strategies to alleviate disasters and inequity.
- Presented in a symposium to a panel of public health professionals on the effectiveness of housing and public assistance service programs for persons subjected to mental or physical disabilities, homelessness, and/or formally incarcerated in the five boroughs of New York City: Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan, and Queens.
Research Assistant - Elizabeth City State University - Elizabeth City, NC
(2011-01 - 2013-05)
ECSU – Support Program for Academic & Research Enhancement (E-SPARE)
- Synthesized and analyzed silver nanoparticles in 30+ lab experiments, advancing eco-friendly nanoparticle research.
- Performed several UV-Vis spectroscopy tests on nanoparticles to improve characterization quality.
- Co-authored three academic posters and presented at various national conferences (e.g.-The Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists) with collegiate students, renowned scientists, and medical professionals.
- Ensured 100% lab compliance with safety protocols during a 2-year tenure.
- Mentored five junior lab assistants in research development and scientific methodology for nanoparticle research.
Research Intern - University of Alabama in Huntsville - Huntsville, AL
(2012-05 - 2012-07)
- Extracted essential oils from 10+ plants, contributing to a wide range of GC-MS (Agilent 6890 GC and Agilent 5973 mass selective detector) chemical profiles.
- Conducted 20+ bioassays using Artemia salina, identifying low-toxicity compounds for academia and medical studies.
- Helped reduce experimental time by 15% through improved documentation and workflow standardization.
Research Intern - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill, NC
(2011-05 - 2011-07)
Summer of Learning and Research Program
- Conducted site-directed mutagenesis on two strands, contributing to the antibiotic resistance protein; further analysis using various molecular biological techniques for research investigation.
- Performed various protein crystallization plates and supported structure integrity analysis using X-ray diffraction.
- Collaborated with a team of graduate students and biochemists to enhance my efficiency in laboratory techniques and scientific research development.
- Presented findings at the SOLAR Research Symposium with over 200+ professional and public attendees.
Staff - Wilson Community College - Wilson, NC
(2019-06 - 2019-06)
Wilson Engineering Camp - Elementary and Middle School Camps
- Assisted teachers and the Director of the Wilson Engineering Camp in preparing "survivor" courses and activities.
- Actively listened to approximately 30 middle school campers to support their engineering projects and presentations.
- Promoted positive reinforcement and enhance both soft and hard skills and prepare them for future STEM careers.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry, Minor: Biology - Elizabeth City State University (2013-05)
