alexandra harvey -cv

Alexandra Harvey25 Munday Close, Bussage, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 8DG

07858961611 • [email protected]

Alexandra Harvey

28 The Close, Babraham, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB22 3AQ07858961611 • [email protected]

Personal statement

I am a recent first class MSc Medical Molecular Biology with Genetics graduate from Bangor University and am currently a Trainee Animal technician within the Babraham Institute. I am hardworking and organised, whilst using initiative to great effect when carrying out tasks both independently and in a team. I have applied my fast ability to learn new tasks and skills efficiently, by observing others in a working environment, as utilized within various laboratory and animal house environments. I have also communicated with others well in order to complete tasks efficiently and to a very high standard, skills which I have developed during experience both as a Home Office registered animal technician, biological science course representative and trainee technical operations scientist.

Key Skills

Can utilize a variety of laboratory equipment (pipettes, centrifuges, gel tanks etc.) and run standard diagnostic tests and assays, for example qPCR, RNA Extractions, Electrophoresis/SDS-PAGE and Western Blotting.

Adept in using computer programs such as SPSS Statistics, MEGA Gene Analysis, BLAST+ Queries, Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Completed the leadership roles of Secretary, Vice-Captain and Treasurer for the Bangor University Paintball Society, earning a Half Colours Athletic Union Award.

Currently hold a Home Office PIL Licence under, as regulated by the 1986 ASPA Act.

Employment History

Trainee Animal Technician, The Babraham Institute, Babraham (19/09/2016 - Present)

Perform general animal husbandry including feeding, watering, cage changing and health checking all rodents to a high standard, maintaining animal health and wellbeing.

Maintain accurate and detailed scientific records regrading breeding, health concerns, environmental, via the institute MCMS (Mouse Colony Management System) database.

Adhere to the 1986 ASPA (Animals Scientific Procedures Act) and Home Office regulations, when performing regulated procedures outlined within my PIL (Personal Individual Licence).

Successfully manage and timely export mice to scientists, alongside a team of technicians for genetic experiments when requested, whilst being personally responsible for over 3000 mice.

Technical Operations Scientist Work Experience, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Manufacturing, Llanberis (07/03/2016 - 19/03/2016)

Solved customer complaints about molecular diagnostic kits alongside technical operations staff within projects, which involved creating laboratory tests, analysing returned data trends and determining the cause of kit errors.



Assisted laboratory technicians with diagnostic antibody bead coating solution mixing, to be used when compiling diagnostic kits for specific assays during manufacture.

Completed an assessment and tour with every manufacturing stage team during diagnostic kit completion, as well as completing a project to improve company manufacturing times, by identifying potential administration and communication errors, that could prevent the most efficient assay development.

Alumni Telethon Fundraiser Campaigner, Bangor University, Bangor(20/05/2015 – 10/06/2016)

Negotiated alumni donations of over £5000, using my communication and listening skills, for the university’s student support and disability services, which are vital for student services to operate.

Ensured accurate record keeping and fundraising progress by using electronic calling and paperless direct debit systems to input donation amounts directly into the university’s fundraising accounts.

Independently researched achievements and developments at the university, to inform alumni of the advancements the institution is making because of their donations.

College of Natural Sciences Library Champion, Bangor University, Bangor (21/10/2014 – 01/05/2015)

Obtained student feedback about current library services, by communicating with Academic Support Librarians and Course Representatives in my College, co-ordinating how the Library and Archives Service can implement this data within a variety of projects.

Achieved 24 hour library opening times and the majority of textbooks to become e-books for easier student access, whilst ensuring all major developments and changes and campaigns were communicated to the wider student body.

Regularly met with fellow Library Champions and staff to discuss new ideas and library development progress, ensuring the wider student voice was heard.

Assistant Animal Technician, Bangor University, Bangor (02/10/2013 – 01/04/2015)

Cleaned out, handled and fed all non-venomous snake species within all laboratories and rooms housing reptiles to health and safety standards.

Implemented weekly records of reptile activity and feeding schedules, including the type of food given, if offspring were present.

Applied my animal handling and record keeping experience whilst assisting senior technicians with major duties e.g. feeding laboratory mice and reptiles and maintaining pigeon coops and external animals within Treborth Botanical Gardens.

Education Department Volunteer, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centre, Slimbridge (11/07/2014 – 18/07/2014)

Lead school group wildlife presentations and identification activities, communicating with children for successful completion of wildlife related tasks such as bird watching and identifying mini-beasts.

Used publishing software to create key education department and sanctuary resources such as worksheets and displays, for summer holiday themed week tasks for visiting children.



Volunteer Zoo Keeper, Folly Farm Zoo, Pembrokeshire (22/07/2013 – 02/08/2013)

Prepared all feeds according to the specific diet sheet for each animal in the kitchen, dispersing them throughout the day.

Ensured animal welfare and safety throughout the zoo by maintaining, cleaning out and preparing enclosures with bedding, water etc. for all animals within the zoo.

Informed the public highly about the conservation work the zoo achieves, answering any public questions by pro-actively learning background knowledge and handling species, collecting over £500 worth of donations in the process.

Education

Bangor University(September 2015 – October 2016)

Medical Molecular Biology with Genetics MSc – Distinction(September 2012– July 2015)

Zoology BSc - First Class

Downfield Sixth Form(September 2010 – June 2012)A Levels:

Biology – B Chemistry - D I.C.T – A

AS Levels: English Literature/Language – A

Stroud High School(September 2005 – June 2010)

11 GCSEs, grade B-A*, including Maths (A) and English (A)

Hobbies & Interests

I completed the leadership roles of Secretary, Vice-Captain and Treasurer for the Bangor University Paintball, earning a Half Colours Athletic Union Award. I also completed the role as Treasurer for one year for the Bangor University Sci-Fi society, within a committee of six individuals.

I enjoy the sports of paintball, climbing and walking, both as part of a team and individually, to relieve stress and maintain focus.

alexandra harvey -cv

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