Michelle Colvin
Thousand Oaks
Summary
Recent UC Santa Barbara graduate (Spring 2025) and Pre-PA student with 2+ years of clinical shadowing, research, and laboratory work. Experienced in infection control and sterilization protocols, interdisciplinary patient care observation, and research presentation. Seeking a Medical Assistant position at a dermatology clinic to contribute strong organizational, technical, and patient care skills while gaining hands-on clinical experience in dermatologic care.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Shadowing - Physician Assistant:
- Maaya Ono (PA-C), Cohen Medical Centers
Thousand Oaks
12.2024 - 01.2025
- Shadowed a Rheumatoid Arthritis PA-C for ~54 hours, observing patient consultations focused on symptom assessment, diagnosis, and development of pain-management treatment plans.
- Observed medication prescribing and injection procedures, as well as ordering and interpreting blood work and diagnostic tests for autoimmune conditions.
- Gained familiarity with specialized medical terminology, clinical decision-making processes, and the PA-C’s role in patient communication, chronic disease management, and interdisciplinary care.
Independent Research Project Presenter:
- UC Santa Barbara, EEMB Department
Santa Barbara
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Conducted an independent research project under a National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant through UC Santa Barbara into the dependence of genetically based effects of size and fitness-related traits in Nemophila menziesii, utiziling RStudio.
- Presented results in a 10-minute oral presentation to a graduate student panel at the Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology (EEMB) Undergraduate Research Symposium, Spring 2024.
Research Assistant:
- UC Santa Barbara, EEMB Department
Santa Barbara
06.2022 - 06.2024
- Dedicated 8 hours/week over two academic years to manual laboratory tasks processing plant specimens for physiological trait analysis and isotope testing; improved lab protocols to enhance efficiency and preserve sample integrity.
- Prepared tin capsule plant specimens for shipment to the UC Davis Isotope Lab, ensuring contamination control.
- Collaborated with a team of undergraduate researchers and faculty to support lab operations and weekly progress meetings.
NSF-Funded REU Summer Research Intern:
- UC Santa Barbara, EEMB Department
Santa Barbara
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Awarded a stipend-supported internship through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program to conduct full-time research.
- Supervised and trained an undergraduate research team of 26 lab members, working alongside two NSF REU interns to manage lab operations for Principal Investigator Susan J. Mazer.
- Developed and received approval for an independent research project proposal; presented project progress at weekly seminars to faculty and peers.
Clinical Shadowing - General Dentistry:
- Dr. Young W. Chung, DDS - California Wave Dental
Thousand Oaks
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Shadowed General Dentist, Dr. Chung, for ~110 hours, observing dental procedures including root canals, crown placements, fillings, and wisdom teeth extractions.
- Gained exposure to patient intake, sterilization techniques, and chairside dental assisting workflows.
Dental Assistant Trainee:
- Allied School of Dental Assisting
Westlake
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Trained in sterilization and infection control protocols, including proper cleaning of dental instruments and patient treatment rooms.
- Performed dental X-rays and intraoral imaging, applying state licensure training to ensure accuracy and patient comfort.
- Provided chairside assistance during instructional procedures, including passing instruments and managing suction equipment.
Clinical Shadowing - Orthodontics:
- Dr. Ryan Hodges, DDS - Hodges Orthodontics
Thousand Oaks
06.2020 - 09.2020
- Shadowed Orthodontist, Dr. Hodges, during patient consultations and orthodontic procedures, including bracket adjustments, impressions, and retainer fittings.
- Assisted with sterilization of patient treatment areas and disinfection of dental instruments in accordance with clinic hygiene protocols.
- Helped prepare instrument trays and treatment rooms to support clinical efficiency and patient safety.
Education
Bachelor of Science - General Biology
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara06-2025
Skills
Clinical & Patient Care:
- Patient care
- HIPAA compliance
- Proper sterilization techniques
- Treatment room setup
Laboratory & Research:
- Contamination control
- Research presentation
- Leadership
- Communication and teamwork
Technical & Administrative:
- Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Familiarity with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems
- RStudio
- ImageJ
Community Service
Volunteer: Aug 2024 to Dec 2024
- Friendship Manor Retirement Community - Santa Barbara, CA
- Served dinner to elderly residents in a hygienic buffet-style setting, adhering to safety protocols.
- Assisted elderly residents with mobility challenges by carrying trays, guiding them to tables, and providing comfort and companionship during dinner.
- Supported residents in making nutritious meal selections by providing guidance on balanced dietary options and accomodations for dietary restrictions.
Languages
English - Fluent
Spanish - Native speaker; fluent in conversation and writing (non-medical)
Certification
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), obtained Dec 2020 (inactive)
- X-ray License for Certified Dental Assistants, obtained Dec 2020 (inactive)
Timeline
Clinical Shadowing - Physician Assistant:
- Maaya Ono (PA-C), Cohen Medical Centers
12.2024 - 01.2025
Independent Research Project Presenter:
- UC Santa Barbara, EEMB Department
09.2023 - 06.2024
NSF-Funded REU Summer Research Intern:
- UC Santa Barbara, EEMB Department
06.2023 - 09.2023
Research Assistant:
- UC Santa Barbara, EEMB Department
06.2022 - 06.2024
Clinical Shadowing - General Dentistry:
- Dr. Young W. Chung, DDS - California Wave Dental
06.2022 - 09.2022
Dental Assistant Trainee:
- Allied School of Dental Assisting
09.2020 - 12.2020
Clinical Shadowing - Orthodontics:
- Dr. Ryan Hodges, DDS - Hodges Orthodontics
06.2020 - 09.2020
Bachelor of Science - General Biology
University of California, Santa Barbara