Samuel West is applying for a PhD program in biochemistry. He has a strong academic background with a 3.8 GPA as a biology and biochemistry major at Carleton College. He has extensive laboratory experience in protein expression, isolation, and characterization. He also has work experience interning at a biotech company and assisting in various biology labs at his university, where he designed experiments and analyzed data. West has demonstrated leadership skills as the founder and captain of his high school ski team and has traveled internationally for educational experiences in Africa, South America, Europe, and Asia.
1. 300 North College Street Samuel Edward West 8850 Fraguero Road
Northfield, MN 55057 wests@carleton.edu Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 743-5393
Biochemistry PhD, Fall Quarter 2016
Education
Carleton College, Northfield, MN Anticipated Jun. 2016
• Candidate for Bachelor Arts degree
• Major in Biology, Concentrator in Biochemistry, GPA 3.8
• Additional Coursework: Computer Science, Data Structures, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Statistics, Probability,
Studies in American Immigration, Evolutionary Theories in Cognitive Science
• German Language Certificate
• Deans List 2014
Carleton Abroad Program, Berlin, Germany Sep. - Nov. 2013
• Coursework: Intermediate Composition and Conversation, Theater in Berlin, Projects in the Arts and
Independent Reading
• Collected biographies from eight elderly citizens and presented their life stories in a final project
Laboratory Experience and Relevant Coursework
Biological Chemistry Laboratory, Carleton College Apr. - Jun. 2015
• Express, isolate and characterize protein for practice
• Techniques used: Vector manipulation, protein expression/quantification, molecular biology
• Professor applied results to his personal research.
Cell Biology Laboratory, Carleton College Sep.- Nov. 2015
• Determine the sub cellular localization and potential host protein targets of PopS protein
• Techniques used: Yeast two hybrid, GFP tagged protein localization in plant, DNA isolation
• Presented findings and lab notebook to professor who will use both in continuing her personal research.
Biochemistry Laboratory, Carleton College Sep. - Nov. 2014
• Isolated RNA and proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana to determine their expression under various stress
conditions
• Techniques used: Western Blotting, Northern blotting, dot blotting, genomic blast analysis
• Presented findings to instructor who will use discoveries in her personal research
Genetics Laboratory, Carleton College Apr. - Jun. 2014
• Examined genes in the mitochondrial genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• Techniques used: Genetic sequencing, PCR, growing yeast cell cultures
• Presented findings to instructor who used findings in his ongoing research
Energy Flow in Biological Systems Laboratory, Carleton College Jan. - Mar. 2014
• Studied affects of varying CO2 levels and photoperiod on Lycopersicon esculentum
• Techniques used: Light spectroscopy, Bradford Assay, Aseptic procedures
• Compared findings to published data in final report
Organic Chemistry Laboratories, Carleton College Sep. 2014 - Mar. 2015
• Performed various experiments to hone skills involving synthesis and analysis
• Techniques used: DEPT NMR, H+ NMR and IR spectroscopy, GC-MS
• Gained chemistry laboratory experience which can be applied to future biochemistry labs
Newtonian Physics Laboratory, Carleton College Apr. - Jun. 2013
• Developed scientific methods and data analysis techniques
• Applied statistics and calculated uncertainty
2. 300 North College Street Samuel Edward West 8850 Fraguero Road
Northfield, MN 55057 wests@carleton.edu Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 743-5393
Relevant Work Experience
Intern, CytomX Therapeutics, South San Fransisco, CA Jun. - Sep, Dec. 2015
• Performed cytotoxicity assays to determine the potency of bispecific antibodies.
• Performed on-cell binding assays to determine the binding efficiency of therapeutic antibodies.
• Cultured six different cell lines for use as targets for killing and binding.
• Used flow cytometry and absorbance/luminescence to measure binding and killing.
• Produced three figures for poster presented at EORTC conference.
Lab assistant, Broege Lab at Carleton College, Northfield, MN Sep. 2015- Jun. 2016
• Last trimester: Designed experiments and performed background analysis.
• Next two trimesters: Determine effects of BMP agonists on osteoclast differentiation
• All data will be used by professor, may begin writing paper.
Intern, Norderheide Clinic, Bordelum, Germany Jun. - Sep. 2013
• Supported staff by attending to the needs of 150 children ages 7-16
• Cared for children by cooking food, providing medical attention and entertaining them
• Mentored younger clinic residents outside of work hours
Monitor, Carleton College Biology Department, Northfield, MN Jan. 2014 - present
• Monitored biology laboratories by granting access and supervising students while they do research
• Answered student questions and direct visitors as needed
Lab Assistant, GNF, San Diego, CA Sep. 2011
• Volunteered and provided support to the biologists working in various labs
• Prepared solutions, formatted data
Skill Summary
• Functionally fluent in German
• Strong written and oral communication skills demonstrated in academic and professional setting.
• Experience with various software applications including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe
Suite 6 (Photoshop, Indesign)
• Proficient with Java and Python
• Strong research and analytical skills developed through science and mathematics coursework
• Excellent time management skills developed by balancing academics and extracurricular activities
Additional Work Experience
Ranch Hand, Camp West Ranch, Sonora, CA Jan. 2008 - present
• Constructed and repaired fences, repaired structures, performed general upkeep
• Maintained roads and trails and tended to animals
• Gained a strong work ethic while staying fit and active
Assistant, Checkers Catering, San Ramon, CA Dec. 2013 - present
• Setup, served, cooked, and cleaned up at events; worked in warehouse
Carleton College Art Department, Northfield, MN Jan. 2014 - present
• Assisted students in their creative endeavors by instructing them on how to use wood shop and welding
equipment, constructing parts of projects for them and giving artistic advice
• Supervised workshops making sure participants were safe and using tools properly
• Maintained order in workspaces and repaired machines
3. 300 North College Street Samuel Edward West 8850 Fraguero Road
Northfield, MN 55057 wests@carleton.edu Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 743-5393
Leadership and Involvement
Club sports, Carleton College, MN Sep. 2012 - present
• Mens soccer, Alpine ski, Indoor mens volleyball, Beach volleyball, Sailing
Founder and Captain of Ski Team, Sacramento Waldorf School, CA Sep. 2010 - Jun. 2012
• First in League, and member of Men’s and Combined League champion team
Travel Experience
Tanzania Dec. 2014
• Climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro which demonstrated perseverance in a demanding setting
• Began learning Swahili
Germany Jun. - Dec. 2013
• Interned during the summer, lived alone and immersed myself in German culture
• Attended a Carleton College abroad program in the fall, resided with a host family
• Traveled independently throughout this time
Peru and Ecuador Jul. 2012
• Hiked the Inca Trail learning about the area’s history and local culture
• Explored the Amazon River studying the flora and fauna
• Visited the Galapagos to see the wildlife that inspired the theory of evolution
Botswana and Zambia Jul. 2011
• Spent an extensive time in the bush learning about the interaction between the ecology and the native peoples
• Tracked animals and studied ecosystems
• Toured cities to learn local customs and experience a different way of life