AmberLaVigne

Moscow, ID 83843 | Lavi7342@vandals.uidaho.edu

Profile
I have a great passion for Oceanography, Aqueous/Soils Geochemistry interfaces, and Environmental
Science. As a non-traditional student and single mother, I received my Associate of Science at North Idaho College
in Coeur dAlene. I am now poised to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of
Idaho in May of 2016. The research that interests me most is remediation of polluted waters and sediments, and
recycling of resources for conservation. I hope to do ocean research and eventually teach at University level.

Education
Bachelor of Science* (Chemistry) | Jan 2014 - *(Anticipated) May 2016 | University of Idaho
GPA: 3.56
Associate of Science | Aug 2011 - Dec 2013 | North Idaho College
GPA: 3.70

Coursework and Skills

Statistics

Global Climate Change

Organic Chemistry I-II

Quantitive Analysis

Physical Chemistry I-II

Calculus I-III

Geochemistry

Engineering Phys I-II

Environmental Soil Chemistry

Engineering Graphics (AutoCAD)

Biochemistry

Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

Microbiology

Experience with R and Netlogo

Technical Writing

Proficient in Excel and Word

Experience

Research
Lab Technician

Dr. Daniel Strawn, University of Idaho

Project: N-E-W Tech

Iron adsorption experimentation on BioChar and subsequent phosphorus removal properties
via spectrophotometer and ICP to be used in wastewater treatment system. Developed field
testing procedures, including the setup of a Total Organic Carbon Analyzer.

Undergraduate Researcher (MURI Internship)

Dr. Daniel Strawn, University of Idaho

Project: Phosphate availability in manure-amended soils

Development of research methods and testing for Phosphorus in manure amended soils by use
of Spectrophotometer and ICP.

Chemistry Lab Tech Assistant

Kirsten Blanchette and Dave Abshere, North Idaho College

Remediated heavy metal and toxic waste solutions for reuse or affordable disposal, setup lab
supplies, reagents, and equipment; standardized solutions for experimentation. Gained
experience with NMR, IR, and Thin-Layer Chromatography.

INBRE Intern

Rhena Cooper & Mike Ethington, North Idaho College & ALK-Abello
Tested, produced, and harvested materials for use in allergen immunotherapy pharmaceutical
products. Performed quality control testing for purity, concentration, and uniformity via Gas
Chromatography, ELIZA, SDS-Page (gel electrophoresis), and Radial Immunodiffusion
Assay (RID). Allergen immunotherapy products: Pollens, dust mite proteins, animal dander,
and venoms.

Teaching

Chemistry Lab TA

Dr.Dan Stelck, University of Idaho

Oversaw and taught lab sections (Chemistry 101) by introducing students to experiments,
actively providing guidance, enforcing safety regulations, and evaluating student coursework.

Student Peer Tutor

Peer Tutoring Program, North Idaho College

Taught subjects to struggling students: built critical thinking, comprehension, and study skills.

Subjects: Chemistry, Math, Economics, and Biology.

Communication

Student Orientation Leader

Heather Erikson, North Idaho College

Presented to large groups of students by introducing services, programs, and requirements of
the college. Stimulated excitement for academia, assisted with registration, and maintained
communication with students to mentor and promote school engagement.

Student Government Work Study

Heather Erikson, North Idaho College

Prepared, promoted, and ran student events/activities. Educated students about services
available through the College and supported student success programs.

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Community Involvement

Student Leader at North Idaho College

Involvement in Student Government

Speaker for Al-Anon Family Groups

Service Member (Group Representative) for Al-Anon Family Groups

Women in Science (North Idaho College)

Volunteer at West Park Elementary

Honors and Awards

Honors: Phi Theta Kappa

Deans List

NIC Achievement and Excellence in Communication Award

Rotary Student of the Month

North Idaho College INBRE Internship Award

Miles Undergraduate Research Internship

Academic Achievement Scholarship

Drown, Lyman and Ellen Chemical Engineering Scholarship

Ross, Dorothy Scholl Non-Traditional Scholarship

Braun-Rice Scholarship

Zeigler Education Scholarship

Presentations and Projects

N-E-W Tech, Capturing nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater with biochar which can then be
used as fertilizer (2015).

Phosphorus in manure amended soils (2014).

Biotechnology in Allergen Immunotherapy. Poster Presentation. Idaho INBRE conference (2013).

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