Maxwell Eckelbarger
Oakland,CA
Summary
Bioengineering graduate from Stanford with over four years of hands-on experience in supporting molecular biology and analytical workflows in academic and field laboratories. Proven expertise in cell culture, PCR/qPCR, and assay development, complemented by a meticulous approach to documentation and compliance standards. Recognized for transforming complex experiments into reliable, reproducible results through strong organizational skills and a detail-oriented mindset. A unique background bridging bioscience research with environmental fieldwork and visual science communication enhances adaptability across diverse lab environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Plant Care Specialist
Addlife
09.2025 - Current
- Executed comprehensive indoor plant care and design solutions to enhance workplace aesthetics.
- Acquired in-depth knowledge of care needs for a diverse collection of over 2000 plants to ensure optimal growth.
- Executed daily plant care routines for over 300 plants in various office locations, ensuring optimal health and visual appeal.
- Rapidly assimilated new buildings and routes on a monthly basis, optimizing adherence to established protocols.
Canvassing Field Manager
Fund for the Public Interest
Oakland, CA
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Executed door-to-door fundraising campaigns to mobilize community support, resulting in the collection of over 30,000 signatures aimed at protecting bees from harmful pesticides.
- Engaged in conversations with a diverse audience of over 1300 people to raise awareness about the significance of safeguarding bee populations.
- Coordinated efforts of 3–4 canvassers to optimize routes and logistics, achieving significant nightly donation totals.
- Cultivated stamina and determination by navigating 8 miles daily through the hilly landscape of San Francisco.
Project Assistant - Laboratory & Field Research
Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
08.2024 - 01.2025
- Supported environmental and biological sampling and analysis for conservation research and outreach.
- Sample Collection: Conducted biological and chemical assays of soil and water using pH meters, spectrophotometry, and turbidity testing.
- Reagent Preparation: Prepared buffers, calibration standards, and reagents in alignment with GLP and SOPs.
- Data Integrity: Maintained detailed lab notebooks and digital records with full chain-of-custody compliance.
- Instrumentation: Calibrated, cleaned, and operated field and laboratory equipment for accurate testing.
- Collaboration: Supported cross-functional conservation teams, integrating technical results into applied environmental solutions.
Project Intern - Botanical Biotechnology Outreach Observatories
The Carnegie Institution for Science
Stanford, California, United States
10.2020 - 10.2022
- Developed a national science communication initiative integrating molecular biology research with visual education, showcased at 6 institutions and reaching 2,500+ students.
- Scientific Design: Designed all graphics and molecular diagrams to explain plant biotechnology concepts, including protein, metabolite, and nucleic acid localization.
- Leadership: Directed project planning, budgeting, and delivery across multiple institutions with minimal supervision.
- Team Coordination: Coordinated cross-functional teams of biologists, educators, and stakeholders.
Biomedical Equipment Technician
MOBILE MEDICAL MAINTENANCE CO.
Leo, Indiana, United States
06.2019 - 09.2019
- Performed technical servicing and documentation of diagnostic biomedical devices in patient-care settings.
- Calibration: Serviced and calibrated diagnostic biomedical devices to maintain safety and operational standards.
- Troubleshooting: Diagnosed and resolved electrical and mechanical equipment faults under technician supervision.
- Documentation: Maintained calibration logs, service records, and QA documentation for inspections and audits.
- Safety Compliance: Followed chemical hygiene protocols, sterilization practices, and hazardous waste disposal procedures.
- Inventory Management: Tracked spare parts and consumables to ensure workflow continuity and reduce downtime.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Bioengineering
Stanford University
Stanford06-2024
Skills
Biology Lab Skills
Cell culture (mammalian, bacterial) aseptic technique DNA/RNA extraction & purification PCR/qPCR gel electrophoresis Western blot reporter assays (GFP, luciferase) fluorescence microscopy (confocal, immunofluorescence) flow cytometry transfection colony isolation/screening/plating ELISA NanoDrop spectrophotometry microplate reader assays bacterial transformation & plasmid preparation
Analytical Lab Skills
Spectrophotometry (UV-Vis, plate reader, microplate assays) chromatography (HPLC, IEX, SEC) titration & dilution buffer & reagent preparation solution standardization pH & conductivity measurement turbidity testing gravimetric analysis (sample prep, weighing) centrifugation distillation & filtration instrument calibration
Safety
ISO 9001:2015 awareness GLP/GMP compliance SOP development & adherence chain-of-custody protocols LIMS & ELN documentation hazardous chemical handling waste segregation & disposal (biological, chemical) PPE compliance & safety protocols biosafety cabinet operation (BSC Level II) QA/QC documentation & reporting inventory & reagent management
Software Proficiencies
Benchling SnapGene LIMS ELN systems ImageJ/Fiji GraphPad Prism Excel MATLAB Python CAD (SolidWorks) Adobe Illustrator Microsoft Office Suite Google Workspace Asana
Soft Skills
Attention to detail independent work project leadership scientific communication (written, verbal, visual) adaptability & learning agility time management & prioritization team collaboration & interdisciplinary work initiative & problem-solving
Timeline
Plant Care Specialist
Addlife
09.2025 - Current
Canvassing Field Manager
Fund for the Public Interest
05.2025 - 08.2025
Project Assistant - Laboratory & Field Research
Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
08.2024 - 01.2025
Project Intern - Botanical Biotechnology Outreach Observatories
The Carnegie Institution for Science
10.2020 - 10.2022
Biomedical Equipment Technician
MOBILE MEDICAL MAINTENANCE CO.
06.2019 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Science - Bioengineering
Stanford University
Publications
- Co-authored a peer-reviewed article in Trends in Plant Science on improving representation and inclusion in plant biology
Recognizing pioneering Black plant scientists in our schools and society
Maxwell Eckelbarger, Selena L Rice, Anne Osano, Jiangnan Peng, Hemayet Ullah, Seung Y Rhee
09/2021 - Present
Https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34507887/
Co-authored a peer-reviewed article in Trends in Plant Science on improving representation and inclusion in plant biology
Training / Courses
- 3D Bioprinting Laboratory
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Diagnostic Devices Lab
- Cell Biology
- Systems Biology
- Physics and Engineering Principles of Molecular Imaging
Publication
Recognizing pioneering Black plant scientists in our schools and society
Maxwell Eckelbarger, Selena L Rice, Anne Osano, Jiangnan Peng, Hemayet Ullah, Seung Y Rhee
09/2021 - Present
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34507887/
Co-authored a peer-reviewed article in Trends in Plant Science on improving representation and inclusion in plant biology