Sylvia Renee Maldonado
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Sylvia Renee Maldonado

Sylvia Renee Maldonado
7203 Trace Buckle Dr. San Antonio, Texas 78240 | ------------ | ------------

Career Objectives:
I received a B.S. in Biology (conc. in Plant Biology and conc. in Ecology) and a B.S. in Multidisciplinary Sciences in December of 2013 and I aim to complete an advanced degree in Plant Biology. I have an academic background and training in laboratory-based and field-based ecological methods of data collection and analysis. I have laboratory experience in plant biochemistry, methods of extraction and analysis of plant metabolites and defense compounds. My field experience consists of many hours of study in Desert Ecology and Field Biology spent in the field with my professors as well as experience as a plant monitoring intern with The Nature Conservancy during the summer of 2016. I strive for quality and efficiency in my work. I am detail-oriented and thorough in documentation and maintenance of laboratory and field records. My interests primarily lie in plant stress regulatory mechanisms, plant biochemistry, conservation and restoration, coastal and forest plant communities, and mycology. I plan to continue my studies in plant biology and hope to secure a career as researcher at an academic or private institution.

Education:
? B.S. Biology | 2013 | University of Texas at San Antonio
? Concentration in Plant Biology
? Concentration in Ecology
? Related coursework: Desert Ecology, Marine Ecology, Field Biology, Medicinal Plants, Plant Cell Biology, Laboratory research in plant biochemistry
? Secondary Major: B.S. Multidisciplinary Sciences (dual B.S. degree)
? A.A. Liberal Arts | 2018 | San Antonio College
? Concentration in Music

Skills:
? Research Laboratory Skills
? Sterile techniques: agar plate preparation, stock solution/buffer, media preparation
? Plant cell culture
? Aseptic seedling germination and plant growth
? Sample treatment (chemical and physical)
? Secondary metabolite extraction, identification, and quantification using GC/MS
? Analytical instrumentation: Quantitative GC/MS, UV/Vis (operation and standard solution preparation)
? Other: instrumentation/techniques: centrifuge, pH meters, UV laminar flow hood for cell
culture, autoclave, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, custom extraction devices

? Ecology Skills:
? Dichotomous key identification of plants
? Plot sampling methods, photo plot, seed collection; Microbe sampling and identification
? Statistical analysis
? GPS navigation, 4x4 off-road navigation
? Experience with longer stretches of field work (up to 3.5 weeks in remote areas)

? General Laboratory Skills:
? Solution/stock chemical preparation, inventory, instrument maintenance/operation
? Waste collection/treatment/disposal (including reports to safety personnel)

? Computer Skills:
? Proficient in common applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
? Classwork and experience with MATLAB

? Other
? Pharmacy Technician skills (sterile compounding/ admixture, preparation of solutions, serial dilution, relevant mathematical techniques)

Relevant Work Experience:
? Laboratory Technician (Contractor) | Tech Force | May 2019-March 2020
? Run tests on gasoline and research fuels following SOPs.
? Keep detailed records of data, results and necessary assay details.
? Maintenance of chemical stock and supplies.
? Maintain a clean, well-organized work area, bench top and hood.
? Wash glassware.
? Follow proper chemical waste disposal procedures.
? GLOBE Monitoring Intern | The Nature Conservancy | May 2016-August2016
? Field Monitoring and identification of tree and plant species on nature preserves.
? Archiving, digitization, organization and filing of The Nature Conservancy’s research and correspondence documents.
? Independent Study | University of Texas San Antonio | January 2013-August 2013
? Lab of Dr. Valerie Sponsel (Plant Development)
? Quantification and analysis of anthocyanins in Arabidopsis wild type and mutant lines in response to treatments with gibberellins and growth inhibitors.
? Independent Study | University of Texas San Antonio | January 2009-May 2009
? Lab of Dr. Jurgen Engelberth (Plant Biochemistry)
? Quantification and analysis of phytohormones, phytotoxins, and volatile organic compounds in Arabidopsis and Zea mays in defense response.
? Laboratory Technician for Chemistry Teaching Labs | University Of Texas San Antonio | August 2008-December 2009
? Organization of weekly student labs (glassware, chemicals, instruments, supplies)
? Chemical preparation (solutions, dilutions, buffers)
? Inventory/ instrument maintenance and operation (pH meters, GC/MS, NMR)
? Waste disposal/treatment

Other Work Experience:
? Paraprofessional Educator | San Francisco Unified School District, San Francisco, CA | January 2017-September 2018
? One to one with special needs students. Assisted students with staying on task and within behavioral expectations. Assisted teachers with implementation of lesson plans and I.E.P. goals of special needs students. Monitored recess and lunchroom activities. Field-trip chaperone.
? Server | Sprig, San Francisco, ca | May 2015-May 2017
? Mobile server for locally-sourced, organic kitchen, customer service..
? Delivery Cyclist | Jimmy Johns, San Antonio, Tx | January 2014-March 2015
? Delivered orders to customers by bicycle, took orders by phone, customer service.
? Library Assistant, Rare Books and Special Collections| University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries| August 2012-December 2013
? Duties included shelving books, pulling requested books and documents, digitization of rare and historical manuscripts, cataloging new books, editing metadata for History Pin database, preservation of aged or damaged books, relocation of stacks as needed, assisting in projects as needed at The Institute of Texan Cultures.

Awards/Presentations/Certifications:
? UTSA College of Sciences Research Conference | October 2013
Poster title: “Anthocyanin Levels in Arabidopsis Seedlings in Response to Treatment with Sucrose, GA4, and Paclobutrazol.”
? USDA tree program fellowship| May 2009
Directed research on soil salinity and drought-tolerance of native halophyte, Ipomoea pes-caprae.
? Pharmacy Technician Certification | January 2002

References:
NAME
POSITION
CONTACT

Dr. Jurgen Engelberth
Associate Professor, Dept. of Biology
University of Texas at San Antonio
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Dr. Van Auken
Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Biology
University of Texas at San Antonio
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Oscar.V------------

Robin Atiyeh
Laboratory Supervisor
Southwest Research Institute
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Dr. Valerie Sponsel
Professor, Dept. of Biology
University of Texas at San Antonio
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Jacqueline Ferrato M.S.
Field Biologist
The Nature Conservancy San Antonio, TX
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Shawneece Hennighan
Youth Programs Alumni Coordinator
The Nature Conservancy
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