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
Santa Cruz, CA
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
Santa Cruz, CA
09.2024 - 02.2025
- Performed sample preparation of cannabis samples for HPLC, GCMS, and LCMS analysis.
General Manager
CAVA
Denver, CO
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
Richmond, VA
06.2020 - 07.2021
- Developed and conducted classes to prepare individuals for the civics test for US citizenship
Chemical Technician II
Afton Chemical
Richmond, VA
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
Buenos Aires, Argentina
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Assisted in English teaching activities in a primary school in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Analytical Chemist
Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences
Petaluma, CA
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
Santa Rosa, CA
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
Rohnert Park, CA
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
Rohnert Park, CA
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