Experiences at University of Wisconsin - Madison

Experimental Optics Research Assistant - Atomic Collisions Group
* As undergraduate, worked with Dr. Chun Lin to more precisely quantify excitation of argon atoms in metastable states. Played active role in experimental conceptualization and assay design.
* Aided in tracking and monitoring or experiments, conducted error analysis, and was active in final interpretation of data and results.
* Drafted components and worked in machine shop using lathe, drill press, and other equipment in assembly and refinement of refinement of sensitive laboratory equipment....

Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. Worked with other students in lab to complete various projects, designed protocols, combined ideas, and rectified problems when necessary. Willingness to learn and understand new techniques.

I was in the Linguistics PhD program until May 2005, when I earned my MA and left to work at Inform Technologies in NYC. I specialized in Syntax and Semantics with a focus on the structure of DP and the study of definiteness, respectively.

I worked as a PA for the Neurology Clinical Research Center at UWHC, coding ASP pages, working in SPSS, and providing support/expertise to the clinic. I also worked as a LAN/NT admin for the Hmong Research Project while participating in a survey of the Khmer language and as a Linux/OSX/Windows admin plus lab manager for Learning Support Services. Finally, I worked with a professor in the Dept. of English programming text parsers in Java.

In addition, I taught 3 sections of Linguistics 101 in the Spring of 2004....

During my research within the lab of Professor Brian G. Fox I gained considerable experience in a variety of advanced molecular biology and DNA cloning techniques. In the Fox lab my project involved the design, construction, and testing of a tailored T7 bacterial protein expression vector used for the co-expression of multimeric metalloenzymes.
Specifically, my duties included PCR of template DNA, screening by colony PCR, Qiagen PCR clean-up and agarose gel extraction, Qiagen DNA mini- and maxi-prep, site-directed mutagenesis, screening of whole cell protein expression by SDS PAGE, protein purification, and UV-visible spectroscopic determination of DNA and protein concentration. In addition to these techniques I am also experienced in both the transformation of chemically competent cells and electroporation....

I learned, practiced, and performed skills of the Hmong language and cultural awareness.

The most challenging aspect of this job was to deal with changing secretaries/supervisor and training the new secretaries while still learning all the duties myself. I was very optimistic about the new secretaries and worked well with the new hires.

Organizational and Leadership Involvement:
Textile Apparel Students Association Treasurer [2005-2006], Member [2004-2005]
* Assist in annual student fashion shows for 300+ audience held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
* Organize bank statements and documents to maintain the association's budgets
* Held fund-raising events and shows to support equipment rental and purchases
* Record member participation as well as obtain duties to increase and to motivate participation in the organization
Vietnamese Students Association Active Member [2005-2006]
* Create activities and provide refreshments for events and socials to enhance the organization's participation
* Assess conferences and seminars to submit to the University to receive funding to cover travel expenses.
* Manage planning, orders, and set-ups for cultural events and shows in relation to the organization
Vietnam Health Project Secretary, Campus Committee Representative [2005-2006]
* Coordinate volunteer events to raise money in order to support the project's mission
* Record minutes and send them to members to inform them of all events held for the Health Project
* Organize member information and participation to encourage nominations of active members for officer positions
* Contact companies to create fliers and public announcements which help build relationships with local community
* Serve as a representative for the Health Project and speak at public events to ensure collaboration with other organizations within the university...

I broadened my horizons with exploration in painting and drawing, as well as in digital interactive media: animation, video, audio, etc.

I worked in the School of Education's (SOE) Center for Instructional Materials and Computing (CIMC) as the Computer Lab Manager.
#1- I really liked working with all of the people: co-workers, students and faculty. #2- The SOE supported the Art Department, so I made use of my graduate experiences often, working to support undergrads, graduate students, alumni, faculty and staff in various types of projects. #3- I left this position on great terms with folks at the CIMC and still have contact with my previous employer....