Technical Applications Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific (2022-2025)
- Provided technical support for Thermo Fisher Scientific Nalgene and Nunc products by answering customer technical inquiries via phone and e-mail support
- Bridged the gap between several Product Managers and our Technical Support Team through MS Teams meetings, resulting in better understanding of roles and responsibilities
- Troubleshot and followed SOP's for our customer product complaints
Head Greenhouse Grower at Olson Farms / The Garden Factory Inc. (2014-2021)
- Implemented beneficial insect IPM program, reducing chemical pesticide usage by 50%
- Programmed, operated and repaired Priva climate controls, ventilation and irrigation systems
- Negotiated with vendors to lower capital costs and increase quality of hard goods
- Optimized production schedule through daily communication with Production Manager
- Coordinated full-time, seasonal personnel and trained assistant growers
Company Owner at Tenkara Customs (2013-2020)
- Sole proprietor of an Ecommerce business. Purchased, sold and shipped goods
- Provided excellent customer service via e-mail, Zoom, MS Teams, Skype and phone
- Cultivated relationships with international manufacturers
- Managed WordPress/WooCommerce based website, SSL certificates, plugins and SEO
Laboratory and Field Technician at Cornell University (2012-2013 and 1998-2003)
- Provided technical leadership of multiyear USDA and NSF grants for aerobiology research
- Fabricated and piloted UAS for biological research and aerial photography of research plots
- Supported research through DNA extraction, PCR, lyophilization, gel electrophoresis, pH meters, microscopy, data collection and Campbell Scientific weather station calibration and operation
- Maintained fungal, bacterial and insect collections through sterile technique
Research Associate/ Laboratory Manager at Virginia Tech (2007-2012)
- Developed novel operational standards and SOP's for using unmanned aircraft systems in aerobiology research through compliance with FAA guidelines
- Acted as Pilot in Command (PIC) for fixed wing UAS systems
- Obtained FAA Private Pilot Ground School license and complied with FAA regulations including contacting local towers during times of UAS operation
- Worked with contractors for the design and construction of Virginia Tech's paved UAS airfield located at Kentland Farm
- Collaborated with primary investigators from other disciplines and universities to bridge the gap between Plant Pathology and Aerospace Engineering departments
- Directed undergraduate and graduate student research resulting in publications
Research Station Manager/ Seed Lab Manager at Monsanto Company (2004-2007)
- Expanded network of regional landowners resulting in increased field testing opportunities
- Increased safety standards for field researchers through coordination with on-site Safety Officers
- Maintained 100% compliance with USDA/APHIS movement and release guidelines
- Managed seed germplasm collection database and performed routine seed germination tests
