DUCATION Doctoral Degree in Plant & Environmental Sciences Emphasis in Mass Spectral Analysis of Plant Primary and Secondary Metabolism from GMOs New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 2012 Master of Science in Agronomy Emphasis in Natural Product Isolation New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 2005 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Minor in Chemistry New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 2002 CURRENT POSITION Assistant Professor Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences Nov. 2012 to Present NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Las Cruces, New Mexico I am establishing a program that enables me to utilize my diverse background and interdisciplinary research experience for the improvement of regional traditional crops and development of future bio-renewable resources in New Mexico. Largely my focus has been in developing a national and internationally known program in phytochemical analysis and metabolism of microalgae and higher plants. I largely focus on applying a “multi-omic” approach to hypothesis within a systems biology framework. My expertise in the field of analytical instrumentation and its direct application to analyzing phytochemicals has allowed me to develop multiple national and international collaborations. EXPERIENCE Senior Research Associate Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation Laboratory 2010 to 2012 NMSU Center for Animal Health and Food Safety Las Cruces, New Mexico Currently I am employed in a research laboratory studying algal lipids and co-products. During the course of my employment I have developed and implemented methods for the analysis of a diverse class of compounds in algae, culture media and produced bio-crude as well as converted bio-fuel. I am responsible for instrument calibration/validation and supervise the use and maintenance of analytical instrumentation. My skills and expertise are used to provide data for grant proposals, manuscripts, and technical reports. My work supports a variety of multidisciplinary collaborations within the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuel and Bio-products (NAABB) consortium in which our laboratory serves as the chemical analysis center for algal lipids. I also provide expertise in experimental design and supervision of algal research at both the bench and outdoor production scale of our algal cultivation efforts at NMSU. Through my direct involvement in algal research at NMSU I have developed novel analysis of algal/plant lipids, proteins, biofuel, cellular exudates and metabolites to meet our consortium research needs. Laboratory Manager Metabolomics Laboratory 2007 to 2010 NMSU Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences Las Cruces, New Mexico I worked in a research laboratory with a team of researchers and graduate students studying primary and secondary metabolism in plants and animals. I provided information and direction in the analysis of various compounds using mass spectral analytical platforms. My expertise was used to provide preliminary data for grant proposals as well as to educate students and staff in utilizing the available instrumentation. I was directly responsible for acquisition, maintenance and repair of the instrumentation. Outside of laboratory work my responsibilities also included grant and manuscript writing. Laboratory Director Counter Terrorism Chemical Technologies Laboratory 2005 to 2007 NMSU Physical Science Laboratory Las Cruces, New Mexico I worked in an active research laboratory with a team of research chemist’s and students. I directed, trained and supervised staff and students in conducting mass spectral analysis for toxins in complex matrices such as food and drugs. The work was used for method validation protocols for the FDA forensics chemistry center. I ensured that all university guidelines, safety and chemical hygiene were in place and observed by all staff and students working within the laboratory. My responsibilities also included performance evaluations, hiring of new staff, procuring and overseeing the efficient utilization of instrumentation and supplies; scheduling repairs and maintenance of equipment. I held a Department of Defense Secret Clearance while in this position. Research Chemist (Mass Spectroscopist) 2004 to 2005 NMSU Physical Science Laboratory Las Cruces, New Mexico I worked as a research chemist specializing in analytical and forensic chemistry; conducting mass spectral analysis for poison in complex matrices such as food and drugs. Analysis included identifying the stability and bio-availability of poisons within matrices, and the establishment of chemical profiles of poisons and other deleterious substances in foods and drugs. My duties included the preparation, evaluation and revision of standard operating procedures to assure accurate and prompt analyses as well as the development of novel, efficient methodology in the area of mass spectrometry/forensic chemistry. Responsibilities also included training laboratory employees in chemistry and analytical

Mass Spectroscopist, forensic chemistry