Joshua Spaulding
San Diego
Summary
Detail-oriented research professional with extensive experience supporting lab operations, data management, and protocol-driven research. Proven ability to communicate effectively and build rapport with diverse populations, enhancing collaboration and participant engagement. Skilled in recruitment, scheduling, and conducting both in-person and remote research activities, ensuring a seamless process that prioritizes data quality. Recognized for balancing scientific rigor with a people-centered approach, fostering an environment of teamwork and shared success.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Lab Assistant
Dr. Hales’ Research Lab, University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
06.2023 - 12.2024
- Presented complex research findings at Society for Neuroscience and other national conferences to audiences ranging from small groups to 100+ attendees through conferences, posters, and oral presentations.
- Managed accurate data entry and record keeping over years-long studies.
- Communicated project goals, progress, and outcomes in one-on-one and small-group discussions with faculty and collaborators.
- Contributed to grant-supported research by articulating project value, methodology, and impact.
- Managed long-term projects over 3+ years, demonstrating organization, follow-through, and cross-functional collaboration
.
Retail Sales Associate
Renewal by Andersen
St. Paul, MN
01.2021 - 08.2021
- Served as the first point of contact for prospective customers, engaging them in conversation to identify needs and spark interest in window replacement solutions.
- Generated 10–20+ qualified leads per shift through proactive outreach at conventions and storefront locations.
- Clearly communicated product benefits and next steps, helping drive consistent appointment setting and pipeline growth.
- Represented the brand professionally in high-traffic environments, engaging hundreds of prospective customers weekly.
- Represented the brand professionally in high-traffic, competitive environments.
Website Manager
Changemaker Hub, University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Implemented website updates to enhance accessibility for visually impaired users.
- Regularly updated the website to support change-making initiatives in the San Diego community, ensuring the content was current, engaging, and aligned with the organization’s mission.
- Managed website analytics, optimizing performance through data-driven decision-making.
Barista
Multiple Specialty Coffee Shops
MN & CA
06.2015 - 05.2025
- Delivered high-quality, customer-focused service to 50–150+ customers per shift in fast-paced retail environments.
- Built strong rapport with customers, contributing to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. Processed high-volume POS and cash transactions with speed and accuracy during peak hours.
- Trained and onboarded new team members, improving service consistency and reducing ramp-up time.
- Collaborated with owners and managers to improve workflows, increasing efficiency during high-traffic periods.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Neuroscience
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA05.2025
Skills
- Computer skills: Microsoft Office and G Suite
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Lab safety protocols
- Data logging
- Lab testing and reporting
- Verbal & Written Communication
- Team Collaboration & Training
- Research reporting
Timeline
Lab Assistant
Dr. Hales’ Research Lab, University of San Diego
06.2023 - 12.2024
Website Manager
Changemaker Hub, University of San Diego
01.2022 - 12.2024
Retail Sales Associate
Renewal by Andersen
01.2021 - 08.2021
Barista
Multiple Specialty Coffee Shops
06.2015 - 05.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Neuroscience
University of San Diego
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Dr. Hales’ Research Lab - The Role of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex in Memory and Spatial Navigation in the Traveling Salesperson Problem
Member (~1280 hours) Apr. 2022 - May 2025
- Conducted behavioral testing using the traveling salesperson problem (TSP) task.
- Performed histological techniques including perfusions, sectioning, mounting, and quantification of brain tissue using ImageJ.
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Researcher Summer 2023
- Led a ten-week research project, overseeing planning, team coordination, and successful completion of research objectives within the designated time frame.
Publications/Presentations
- Creative Collaborations, Apr. 2023, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, Presenter
Castro V, Foley E, Spaulding J, Wenzel JM, Hales JB. 2023. Examining the role of the endocannabinoid system in elapsed time memory in rats.
- Creative Collaborations, Sept. 2023, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, Presenter
Josh Spaulding, Maria Tavares, Luka Kazanjian, Rachel Blaser, and Jena B. Hales. The role of the medial prefrontal cortex in memory and spatial navigation in the traveling salesperson problem in rats.
- Society for Neuroscience, Oct. 2023, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C., Presenter
Josh Spaulding, Maria Tavares, Luka Kazanjian, Rachel Blaser, and Jena B. Hales. The role of the medial prefrontal cortex in memory and spatial navigation in the traveling salesperson problem in rats.
- AAAS, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA June 2024, Presenter, First Place Award for Excellence
Josh Spaulding, Maria Tavares, Luka Kazanjian, Rachel Blaser, and Jena B. Hales. The role of the medial prefrontal
cortex in memory and spatial navigation in the traveling salesperson problem in rats
- Society for Neuroscience, Oct. 2024 McCormick Convention Center, Chicago, IL, Presenter
Josh Spaulding, Maria Tavares, Luka Kazanjian, Rachel Blaser, and Jena B. Hales. The role of the medial prefrontal cortex in memory and spatial navigation in the traveling salesperson problem in rats. Presenter
Awards
AAAS, University of San Diego, CA Presenter, First Place Award for Excellence June 2024