For Competency 5, to exhibit the disposition for life-long learning and continuous professional growth I chose to submit two artifacts. The first piece of evidence I chose to present is a paper on steps to  Investigating Career Interests and Professions which will guide my choices in possible STEM careers. Meeting proficiency requirements relative to my job duties assist my water distribution lab in obtaining governmental compliance through rigorous testing measures, lab certification and identification of issues that can potentially impact water quality. Recently I began a new position as a Chemist for the Great Lakes Water Authority. For over 20 years I have trained as a lab technician in various scientific roles and currently have the opportunity to expand in the area of water chemistry. The second artifact exhibited is a Plankton-Algae 2023 Course PowerPoint. I was appointed by management to perform a presentation to impart what I had learned during a company training sponsored by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The purpose of this course was to equip water operators with the ability to differentiate between the characteristics of various plankton-algae that cause harmful algal blooms that cause toxins to be released in water sources causing dangerous health concerns and water-related taste/odor issues that necessitate immediate mitigation to resolve.

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Previously, I taught both Biology & Integrated Science for 4 years to middle and high school students. I enjoyed teaching because I was able to help my students draw connections on how all sciences are integrated. They were also able to gain an understanding of the interdependence of science and its relation to the world we live in. Teaching science fostered an inquisitive nature in students, developing STEM mindsets that will drive the 21st century workforce.

 

Seeking personal growth and opportunities of career advancement I began to search for a position as a Laboratory Chemist.  Due to not having gone the traditional route to teaching, I  gained work experience in different fields of science, culminating in a growing interest in laboratory bench work. My skills include being employed as an autopsy attendant, medical research assistant, and lab tech (petroleum industry). Since childhood, I have had a passion for science and all it encompasses.

 

My goal was to either gain a position as a Chemist with GLWA (which I accomplished) in the water industry and/or work toward ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) certification(s) to advance in laboratory- based careers. Ultimately, I hope to become a manager in a clinical/research setting where I could apply the skills I have learned in Purdue’s MSEd (Integrated STEM) Program to develop and implement training for incoming Chemists. During my short time employed here I have learned there is nothing that really prepares you for working in this industry but experience.. However, having an understanding of testing methods, standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and treatment processes, facility management, along with a willingness to learn is a great start. This is also a field in which I can demonstrate professional development and be of service to surrounding communities. Proficiency in chemical testing.ensures public health through providing water that is safe to drink. I chalked the skills I acquired early on as similar to “ never forgetting how to ride a bike, but I was wrong. Both chemical and biological evaluations require being able to apply technical and troubleshooting skills. The slightest mishap leads to making simple pipetting errors, inconsistencies quantifying bacteriology, mistakes identifying plankton-algae or miscalculations in qualitative data which can be detrimental. One has to be always focused with the ability to pull from compartmentalized shelves of memory prior water quality issues and recall how they were remediated and decide in an instance if the past practices applies to the current case. I am learning constantly in this area. My mentor (Senior Chemist) was excited to show me  documentation verifying mastery in analysis that certifies the lab in water quality. I was thankful that I was able to engage in professional development that provided evidence of growth and productivity in the content area.  Also, my ability to relay significant data acquired in the 3-day class in the managers meeting was confirmed by the Chief Manager expressing  he was very impressed with my presentation.