Melissa Makita
Santa Cruz
Summary
Reliable and versatile professional with a strong background in management, analytical chemistry, and education. Resourceful, detail-oriented, and self-motivated team player who thrives in collaborative environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lab Analyst
SC Labs
02.2025 - Current
- Prepared solutions for HPLC, LCMS, and GCMS analysis
- Performed data analysis of cannabinoid, terpenoid, residual solvent, and pesticides assays
- Completed instrument maintenance and troubleshooting
Lab Technician
SC Labs
09.2024 - 02.2025
- Performed sample preparation of cannabis samples for HPLC, GCMS, and LCMS analysis.
General Manager
CAVA
11.2021 - 07.2024
- Upheld operational standards including food safety, controllable costs, facilities, inventory, customer satisfaction, and employee development.
ESL & Citizenship Teacher
Sacred Heart Community Center
06.2020 - 07.2021
- Developed and conducted classes to prepare individuals for the civics test for US citizenship
Chemical Technician II
Afton Chemical
01.2019 - 07.2021
- Performed routine analysis and instrument maintenance of ICP-OES elemental analysis, coulometric titration, acid/base titration, kinematic viscosity, and thermogravimetric analysis.
- Executed method development and validation of automated Mitsubishi coulomertic titrator
English Teaching Assistant
United Through Sport
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Assisted in English teaching activities in a primary school in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Analytical Chemist
Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences
01.2017 - 08.2018
- Performed wet chemistry, HPLC, and LCMS analysis for pharmaceutical product development under GMP compliance
- Prepared data summary reports and performed peer review of GMP compliant data reports
Laboratory Technician
Thermochem
02.2015 - 12.2016
- Performed laboratory prep work for analytical instruments (HPLC, IC, AA, ICP), wet chemistry analysis (pH, alkalinity, conductivity), reagent preparation, and laboratory maintenance.
Supplemental Instructor
Sonoma State University
08.2014 - 12.2016
- Observed general chemistry courses and developed curriculum for group tutor sessions to help students develop a deeper understanding of course material.
Research Assistant
Sonoma State University
01.2015 - 05.2016
- Gathered and analyzed data to build a computational model to predict changes in atmospheric ozone in Sonoma County, California, due to the employment of a new locomotive transit system (SMART).
Education
Bachelor - Chemistry (BS), Spanish (BA)
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA12.2016
Skills
- Data interpretation
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Sample preparation
- Instrument troubleshooting/maintenance
- Scientific/technical writing
- GMP compliance
Certification
ACS Technical Writing Course
Timeline
Lab Analyst
SC Labs
02.2025 - Current
Lab Technician
SC Labs
09.2024 - 02.2025
General Manager
CAVA
11.2021 - 07.2024
ESL & Citizenship Teacher
Sacred Heart Community Center
06.2020 - 07.2021
Chemical Technician II
Afton Chemical
01.2019 - 07.2021
English Teaching Assistant
United Through Sport
08.2018 - 12.2018
Analytical Chemist
Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences
01.2017 - 08.2018
Laboratory Technician
Thermochem
02.2015 - 12.2016
Research Assistant
Sonoma State University
01.2015 - 05.2016
Supplemental Instructor
Sonoma State University
08.2014 - 12.2016
Bachelor - Chemistry (BS), Spanish (BA)
Sonoma State University