Andrew Wong

For SOFIE, I perform routine quality control analyses of radiopharmaceuticals quickly and efficiently, with careful documentation to GMP standards in a digitally-transitioning environment. I also assist with the preparation and operation of a cyclotron and a variety of client radiosynthesis units, as well as inventory management, materials acceptance, and other administrative duties.

• Supported continuous improvement of high-throughput analytical testing
• Operated a cyclotron and various client radiochemistry synthesis systems
• Inventory management, ordering, vendor coordination
• Analytical testing to regulatory GMP, GLP standards

In my work with Eurofins, I assisted senior scientists with the development of methods for analyzing drug substances. This work had a variety of purposes in the drug development process, including for evaluating the drug aging/degradation/dissolution process and quality control during clinical testing or mass manufacturing. I learned a lot about HPLC troubleshooting and method development in particular, and refined my wet-lab technique and dry-lab analysis skills. I also developed my ability to multitask and coordinate with others in an project-driven environment.

• Process development of assay/purity and dissolution methods
• Coordinated closely with the client to produce high-quality rapid results
• Performed dissolution with analysis via LC/UV and LC/MS

For Aronson Orthodontics, I drew from a variety of skills to assemble a well-documented stereolithography lab for the creation of bespoke retainers. In addition to coordinating with vendors, I designed and documented the process not only for producing the prints, but for reviewing and continuously improving that process as well. This assured that the newly-implemented process would continue to be well-supported and sustainable even as I had to leave to begin my work with Eurofins. The implementation of this process shortened the turn-around time to produce a retainer from several days to a handful of hours, reduced cost, and eliminated vendor leverage over the process; while expanding the range of patients the practice could serve.

• Established a new stereolithography lab producing custom-fit medical devices
• Wrote a new business process emphasizing correctness and sustainability
• Learned on the job and synthesized professional and educational experience

Guix is a software and operating system which allows researchers and engineers to declare reproducible computing environments in a legible and self-hosted way. For the project, I package and maintain a variety of software, including desktop environments, publishing tools, scientific packages, and digital art. I am inspired by the self-governance and coordination demonstrated by the Guix project and the larger open-source software culture, and from it I have learned a lot about governance, communication, diplomacy, and integrity. I hope to continue my work with this and other open-source projects for a long time.

• Maintained a software deployment system for reproducible scientific data processing workflows
• Applied effective communication skills in project governance and management discussions
• Utilized cross-functional skills in coordinating with developers to improve engineering standards compliance

For Outlier, I helped to develop a Large Language Model intended to process qualitative scientific and chemical data, such as that found in electronic lab notebook systems. I identified inaccuracies in the model's output using my specific chemistry knowledge, and developed interventional training data to correct those inaccuracies. This role especially exercised my technical writing and communication skills.

• Provided expert advice in the training of LLMs in chemistry-related topics
• Adjusted training parameters and input material to assure positive learning outcomes
• Developed training material to assure transfer of strong communication skills

I worked with Phoenix Environmental Laboratories during my summer break, performing routine preparations of soil samples for analysis via gas chromatography. I also performed maintenance and troubleshooting of the gas chromatography machines.

• Performing high-throughput analysis of soil samples via GC/MS, HPLC
• Reviewed standard procedures & compliance documentation
• Maintained and troubleshooted GC/MS machines and auto-injectors

At UConn's Center for Environmental Science & Engineering, I collaborated in a variety of environmental research, specifically including a study of the chemical composition of the American witch-hazel plant. I also maintained an interoperability layer and helped to manage a chemical database for the department's aging PerkinElmer TurboChrom software. In this role, I learned a lot about the academic research process and the interpretation of GC/MS data.

• Collaborated in research of biological compounds
• Maintained interoperability layer for legacy GC/MS data analysis systems
• Wet lab work including sample preparation and execution of HPLC, GC/MS.

During my winter breaks, I worked at Mount Hood Meadows in Oregon, teaching week-long “camp”-style courses in which I trained small, consistent groups of students from zero experience up to independent, confident skiers able to thrive in most terrain. In this role, I developed excellent pedagogical skills, learned how to communicate effectively with clientele, and balanced safety, quality, and time-management factors to produce unforgettable educational experiences.

• Applied teaching and class management skills
• Trained classes of up to 16 students
• Provided excellent customer service to visitors of a variety of ages, abilities, and demographics

In my hometown, I worked at a small local ski area serving as a “feeder resort” for the sport, with a very busy snowsports school. During my time there, I became very experienced and even helped to transfer new teaching methodology from Mount Hood Meadows across the country. I also helped arrange large “assembly-line” style lessons with hundreds of students and several instructors at once.

• Attained PSIA Certification
• Delivered lessons with over 100 students using complex coordination
• Developed excellent training and hospitality skills

Courses, lab work, and research assistance in organic, inorganic, analytical, physical chemistry, biochemistry, academic research, literature review, statistics, calculus, linear algebra, R, SQL.

• ACS Certified
• Course & lab work in organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, bio- chemistry
• Mathematics minor including statistics, calculus, linear algebra, R, SQL