SAMANTHA WATANABE
Westmont College
La Crescenta,CA
3
years of professional experience
Biochemistry graduate with hands-on experience in peptide characterization, and chromatography (HPLC, TLC, column chromatography). Skilled in executing laboratory procedures, maintaining accurate documentation, and analyzing scientific data. Experienced in NMR interpretation, lab operations, and collaborative research, with co-authored publications. Seeking an entry-level role in biopharmaceutical research, analytical development, or manufacturing.
Work History
Teaching Assistant – General Chemistry & Lab
2 Years 10 Months- Supported laboratory instruction by guiding students through experimental procedures and proper techniques
- Reinforced adherence to laboratory safety protocols and chemical hygiene standards
- Evaluated u to 40 lab reports and provided feedback to improve scientific reasoning and technical writing
- Assisted with lab setup and preparation across multiple sections
Teaching Assistant – Organic Chemistry Lab
4 Months- Guided students in TLC, column chromatography, recrystallization, and NMR interpretation
- Ensured compliance with laboratory safety standards in a high-throughput lab environment
- Assisted in troubleshooting experiments and improving technique execution
Undergraduate Research – Surface Chemistry
10 Months- Executed experiments to evaluate disorder-to-order transitions of biphenyl adlayers on Al2O3 under controlled solvent conditions
- Performed sample preparation and surface characterization techniques to support reproducible experimental results
- Collected, analyzed, and documented data to support interpretation of molecular ordering behavior
- Maintained detailed laboratory records to ensure data integrity and reproducibility
- Co-authored two research publications based on experimental findings
Undergraduate Research – Polypeptide Analysis
4 Months- Performed HPLC analysis to evaluate polypeptide growth, structure, and composition
- Prepared and handled peptide samples for chromatographic separation and analysis
- Documented experimental procedures and results to support reproducibility and data accuracy
- Interpreted chromatographic data to assess molecular characteristics
Education
B.S. - Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology
Skills
Chromatography: HPLC
TLC
Column Chromatography
Analytical Techniques: NMR Interpretation
IR Spectroscopy
Laboratory Operations: Sample Preparation
Organic Synthesis
Recrystallization
Titration
Vacuum Filtration
Data & Documentation: Lab Notebooks
Scientific Writing
Data Analysis
Literature Review
Software: Excel
GraphPad Prism
ChemDraw
Python (basic)
Compliance: Laboratory Safety
Chemical Hygiene
Accurate Documentation Practices
LANGUAGES
English (Fluent)
Spanish (Intermediate)
Timeline
Teaching Assistant – Organic Chemistry Lab
Westmont College
02.2024 - 06.2024Read More
Undergraduate Research – Polypeptide Analysis
Westmont College
01.2024 - 05.2024Read More
Undergraduate Research – Surface Chemistry
Westmont College
08.2023 - 06.2024Read More
Teaching Assistant – General Chemistry & Lab
Westmont College
08.2022 - 06.2025Read More
Westmont College
B.S. from Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology
Read More
PUBLICATIONS
- Watanabe, S. T., et al. (2023). Effect of cyclohexane and benzene on biphenyl ordering on Al2O3. Journal of Undergraduate Research
- Song, I. Z., Watanabe, S. T., et al. (2023). Defect density and ordering transitions in biphenyl adlayers on Al2O3. Journal of Undergraduate Research
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Starbucks Barista, Vons – Tujunga, CA 10/2025 to 05/2026
- Delivered high-quality service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment requiring accuracy and efficiency
- Coordinated with team members to maintain workflow during peak hours
Student Government Senator, Westmont College | 05/2022 to 05/2023
- Collaborated with leadership to address student concerns and improve campus initiatives