Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Awards
Affiliations
Publications
Teaching
RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS
Timeline
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Rebekah Brantley

Lebanon,TN

Summary

Detail-oriented Research Assistant with hands-on experience performing clerical and laboratory work to advance research goals. Drives team success with expertise in data review, reporting and specimen handling. Specializes in diabetic research, specifically with animal research.

Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.

Reliable individual with skills and experience as Laboratory Technician. Smart and committed to job well done and offering exceptional drive.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Research Assistant II

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
12.2022 - Current
  • Trained and supervised junior technicians in laboratory protocols.
  • Collaborated with researchers and scientists to design and execute experiments.
  • Assisted scientists by collecting and organizing laboratory data.
  • Troubleshot and resolved equipment and process issues.
  • Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
  • Prepared reagents and solutions following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
  • Monitored and documented safety standards to verify compliance.
  • Developed new protocols and improved existing laboratory processes.
  • Operated and performed preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments.
  • Analyzed results using analytical software and created reports.
  • Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
  • Set and oversaw quality assurance guidelines for laboratory work.
  • Coordinated and managed laboratory projects and experiments.
  • Participated in research projects by designing and executing experiments.
  • Kept abreast of current industry, scientific and regulatory developments and issues.
  • Provided support and guidance to junior lab staff.
  • Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
  • Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.

Graduate Research

University of Cincinnati
08.2019 - 12.2022
  • Company Overview: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Cincinnati (UC)
  • Understanding the underlying mechanism that controls the release and the reuptake of norepinephrine and levels ex vivo
  • Improving techniques for optimal catecholamine release in mesenteric lymph node (MLN)
  • Understanding the underlying effects that selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have on inflammation of MLN
  • Surface modifications of carbon fiber microelectrodes for enhanced sensitivity toward ex vivo detection of neurotransmitters via graphene-based materials
  • Utilizing known pharmacological drugs (i.e., Yohimbine HCl) for underlying activation or inhibition of norepinephrine release in MLN
  • Apply optogenetics to control release of norepinephrine in MLN
  • Skills: experimental design, instrument trouble shooting, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, microelectrode fabrication and surface modifications, animal care, surgical skills, tissue histology, & scanning electron microscopy, slice work, animal handling, animal experience 2+ years, optogenetics, Raman spectroscopy, Python, Origin, Microscopic imaging
  • Advisor: Prof. Ashley Ross
  • Conducted document review, organization and quality control of data acquisition to draw relevant conclusions and direct research activities.
  • Analyzed data collected from surveys to identify potential threats to biological life.
  • Followed health and safety regulations while handling dangerous or toxic substances.
  • Conferred with scientists, engineers or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
  • Learned new laboratory techniques and applied expertise in carrying out enhanced experiments under supervision of senior lab members.
  • Applied theories and methods of life sciences to interpret and perform analyses of experimental results.
  • Collaborated with other scientists to develop strategies for conservation of habitats.
  • Assisted in development of new methods for studying effects of climate change on biodiversity.
  • Worked as member of integrated project team in highly collaborative work environment.
  • Advised or assisted in obtaining patents or meeting other legal requirements.
  • Detailed study findings and updated research upon new discoveries.
  • Performed accurate quantitative analysis of targeted data research, collection and report preparation.

Pharmacy Technician

CVS Pharmacy
02.2022 - 08.2022
  • Dispensing pharmacy drugs for needed prescriptions for customers as well as work with doctors and insurance companies about prescriptions
  • Counted, measured, and compounded medications following standard procedures.
  • Ordered medicines daily to replenish stock and increase inventory in anticipation of need.
  • Restocked pharmacy shelves with current merchandise to drive consistent peripheral sales.
  • Consulted with insurance company representatives to complete claims processing, resolve concerns, and reconcile payments.
  • Counted and labeled prescriptions with correct item and quantity.
  • Calculated dosage, filled prescriptions, and prepared prescription labels with absolute accuracy.
  • Maintained proper drug storage procedures, registries, and records for controlled drugs.
  • Solved customer problems in-person or over telephone by providing assistance with placing orders, navigating systems, and locating items.
  • Stocked, labeled, and inventoried medication to keep accurate records.
  • Performed various pharmacy operational activities with strong commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and service quality.
  • Collected co-payments or full payments from customers.
  • Performed wide range of pharmacy operations with strong commitment to accuracy, efficiency and service quality.
  • Managed opening and closing duties for pharmacy.
  • Resolved third-party billing, computer system and customer service issues.
  • Prepared packaging and labels for prescriptions, verifying accuracy of dosage, side effects, interactions, and refill instructions.
  • Helped pharmacist clear problematic prescriptions and address customer questions to keep pharmacy efficient.
  • Coordinated with physicians and insurance agency representatives for speedy resolution of prescription discrepancies.
  • Precisely measured and combined ingredients to deliver scrupulous formulation on customer compound prescription orders.
  • Answered incoming phone calls and addressed questions from customers and healthcare providers.
  • Communicated with patients to collect information about prescriptions and medical conditions or arrange consultations with pharmacists.

Undergraduate Research

Carson-Newman University
08.2015 - 05.2019
  • Company Overview: Department of Chemistry, Carson-Newman University (CNU)
  • Prepping and Identifying Nanodiamond structures for future hybridization work
  • In charge of IR maintenance and upkeep
  • Using Python and Origin for figure analysis and construction
  • Skills: diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform FTIR, attenuated total reflection FTIR, Python for coding, & Origin for data analysis, UV-VIS, management of others
  • With scholarships
  • Advisor: Prof. Caroline Keenan
  • Researched and tested new materials for production.

Education

M.S. - Chemistry, Bioanalytical, Immunology, and Materials

University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
01.2022

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry, Applied Psychology

Carson-Newman University
Jefferson City, TN
01.2019

Skills

  • Research reporting
  • Subject recruitment
  • Activity tracking
  • Field research
  • Protocol design
  • Experimental design
  • Research documentation
  • Recordkeeping
  • Research design
  • Materials restocking
  • Teaching students
  • Equipment maintenance

Awards

2017-2018 Ochrin Fellowship Award, UC, 2017 Alpha Chi Award, CNU, 2015-2018 Chemistry and Biochemistry Scholarship Awards, CNU, 2015-2018 Dean’s List. CNU with scholarship, Summer 2015 Freshman Chemistry Internship Award, CNU

Affiliations

  • 2021 – Present Vice President of CCDC, UC
  • 2020 – Present Member of the Society of Neuroscience
  • 2015 – Present Member of the American Chemical Society

Publications


  • Brantley, R. A., Li, Yuxin, & Ross, A. E. “: Comparison of Graphene-oxide, N-Doped graphene, and Graphene-modified carbon-fiber microelectrodes for fast-scan cyclic voltammetry detection” 2022.
  • Posters
  • 2017 Brantley, R. A.; Keenan, C. “Probing Sample Regularity with Increasing NV Nanodiamond Grain Size: A Spectroscopic”. Sermacs, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
  • 2021-2022 Brantley, R. A.; Li, Yuxin; Ross, A. “Comparison of Graphene-Based Modified Modified Carbon-Fiber Microelectrodes for Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry”. Midwest Universities Analytical Chemistry Conference (MUACC), Columbus, OH
  • Talks
  • 2022 & 2023 Brantley, R. A.; Li, Yuxin; Ross, A. “Comparison of Graphene-oxide, N-doped graphene, and Graphene-Modified Carbon-Fiber Microelectrodes for Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry”. Pitcon.

Teaching

  • Fall 2017-Spring 2018 CHEM300 General Chemistry I & II, CNU Instructor: Dr. Caroline Keenan
  • Fall 2019-Spring 2020, Fall 2022 CHEM1040 General Chemistry I & II, UC Instructor: Dr. Daniel Waddell

RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS

Fall 2021 – Fall 2022 Prof. Steve Davidson Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Optogenetics of Catecholamine Release in Mesenteric Lymph Nodes

Timeline

Research Assistant II

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
12.2022 - Current

Pharmacy Technician

CVS Pharmacy
02.2022 - 08.2022

Graduate Research

University of Cincinnati
08.2019 - 12.2022

Undergraduate Research

Carson-Newman University
08.2015 - 05.2019

M.S. - Chemistry, Bioanalytical, Immunology, and Materials

University of Cincinnati

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry, Applied Psychology

Carson-Newman University
Rebekah Brantley