About
Summary
I am a woman with a national diploma in biotechnology. Due to the lack of opportunities in my country I have not been able to advance further or receive more experience. I find that my strength is written communication in English and perhaps a career in scientific communication would be the best fit. Junior or entry level jobs related to my qualification would be welcome too for a chance to gain experience. I am very capable and don't wish to underestimate or overestimate my abilities but would like a chance to improve. Biotechnology can be expanded to be used to help mankind live mutually beneficially or commensal with nature and I would like to be part of that.
Positions
In-Service Trainee Jan 2015 - Dec 2015
Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology
I was a trainee at IWWT for a year as part of the program to graduate with a national diploma in biotechnology from DUT. I had to carry-out a research project about the effects of filamentous bacteria on bulking in 7 wastewater treatments plants in South Africa. The topic was chosen by a postdoc mentor. I carried out sample collection, Gram and Neisser staining, light microscopy on wet mounts and stained samples for quantification. Sludge volume index was also measured. There was some training in FISH but minimal. Proposal and report writing was done. Powerpoint presentation to my peers and postdocs was done to a pass. It was very challenging. Of course I also cleaned glassware, calibrated lab equipment, disposed of old samples, organised slides and stains, filled squeeze bottles with distilled water, ethanol and assisted with admin such as purchase orders and tea for the Prof.
Education
Durban University of Technology 2013 - 2015
Field of study: Applied Sciences
Degree: National Diploma in Biotechnology
Modules included: chemistry, quantitative methods, biodiversity and ecology, microbiology1-3, biochemistry1-2, analytical chemistry, analytical biochemistry, bioprocessing, process and technology management, disease and immune response, sanitation safety and hygiene, in-service training. Practical and theoretical training was covered.
Skills
Basic lab skills: 4 way streaking, spread plate, serial dilution, preparation of media, micropipetting, dropper use, lab etiquette and dress, various staining techniques, culturing bacteria and fungi (other microorganisms were not fully covered in practise) in broth and solid media, chromatography, culturing for antibiotics, culturing for enzymes, biochemical testing, analytical chemical and biochemical testing, spectroscopy, light microscopy, basic PCR and genetic practicals. A little bit of plant and animal tissue culture was explored.
Keywords: 1D & 2D electrophoresis, analytical chemistry, Analytical Techniques, anti-microbial assay, Antimicrobial Resistance, , Aseptic techniques, assays, Bacterial culture, Biochemical assays, Biochemistry , Bioinformatic, Biology, Bioproces techology, BioTechnology, chemistry, Chromatography, Data Analysis , disk difussion, effective communication, Enzyme Assays, Fermentation, Food quality and safety, Genetics, green energy, Image quantification, Imaging and Microscopy, Immunoassay, microbiology, microscopy, Microsoft Office, natural products, organic chemistry, Protein assay, quality assurance, R&D , Renewable Energies, sample preparation, Science Communications, Spectroscopy, Virology, water resources, WritingProfessional interests
Gaining further experience in the applied sciences. Green technologies, technologies that assist in preserving and restoring nature so that people can live comfortably alongside nature with minimal effects. Making such technology known and practised widely. Innovating new foods or food additives (lab grown meat, proteins, veg, insect, fungi etc). Alternative fuels. Improving livelihoods of my family and people in general through applied sciences and writing.
Keywords: experience , green energy, learning, practical biotechnology , quality and cost, sustainable living, Writing