Who am I?
I am someone who is always learning something new.
My core values include:
- Relationships: Communication is the master key to connection.
- Wisdom: Deciding what to do, not just knowing how to.
- Curiosity: Always questioning the "why" behind everything.
- Health: Ensuring I am physically able to meet any adventure.
- Competency: Becoming effective in any situation.
- Openness to Experience: Courage in the face of uncertainty.
Human civilization only recently became a truly globalized society. While our understanding of the universe has increased, so has our power to threaten ourselves. However, I believe the world's biggest problems are solvable.
Projects and experience
Portfolio
Communications
Toastmasters Achievements
April 2022 - Present
Edmonton Advanced Toastmasters ClubMember
Working with a mentor to achieve goals in technical communication.
April 2022 - Present
Capital Communicators Toastmasters ClubVice President - Public Relations
Attending biweekly digital meetings, taking meeting roles as needed.
September 2017 - May 2020
Achievers ToastmastersMember
Attended and hosted interview-style, traditional, and business meetings.
Dec 2017 - Jun 2019
Achievers ToastmastersSecretary
Recorded and distributed business meeting minutes. Voted on club Executive Team decisions.
June 2018
Toastmasters InternationalCompetent Communicator
May 2018
Attended District Conference in Vancouver
Notable Speech Projects
July 2022
Capital Communicators Toastmasters Club"Alien Oceans"
An educational speech about Jupiter's moon Europa.
June 2022
Capital Communicators Toastmasters Club"Finding Something To Care About"
I guided my audience through the story of my life: how discovering 80,000 Hours focused my love of science toward solving the world's biggest problems.
April 2022
Capital Communicators Toastmasters Club"Your Second Brain"
Based on How To Take Smart Notes, I outline how I employ the Zettelkastin note-taking method.
June 2018
Achievers Toastmasters"My First Pentest"
Oct 2017
Club Bilingue d'Edmonton"Australia"
Sep 2017
Club Bilingue d'Edmonton"Titan"
Presented an educational speech about Saturn's moon Titan, based on a university report that I wrote.
May 2017
MacEwan University"A Revolution In Wastewater Treatment"
Presented my final year Industrial Chemistry technology proposal.
May 2017
MacEwan UniversityScience-Business Collaborative Presentation
Februrary 2017
Club Bilingue d'EdmontonIcebreaker Speech
Communication Skills
Relationship-Building
Public Speaking
Technical Communication
Record Keeping
Time Management
Video Editing
Meeting Facillitation
Graphic Design (Canva)
Interest-Based Learning
August 2021
Nathanial Drew - SkillShareHow to Speak Confidently On Camera: A Guide for Content Creators
A great class that covers how to convey your message effectively when producing content for an audience.
July 2021
Chris VossThe Art of Negotiation Masterclass
Studied Chris Voss' book and Masterclass "The Art of Negotiation".
January 2021
SkillShare ClassHow To Study For Exams: An Evidence-based Masterclass
Ali Abdaal's SkillShare class covers how to learn anything more effectively, using strategies that actually work. Methods include taking Smart Notes, spaced-repetition, interleaving, and the retroactive revision timetable. I have summarized the lessons from the class for your benefit.
Science
Fields of Interest
Existential Risk
Biological Safety
Infectious Disease
Mid Term Goals
My short to mid-term goal is to work with an organisation that addresses global issues.
Long Term Goals
Long-term, I would like to work directly on problems like existential risk, especially AI Safety, or biosafety.
Education
Feb 2020 - May 2020
Northern Alberta Institute of TechnologyPhysiology & Medical Terminology
I completed two classes as pre-requisites for the Medical Lab Technology program at NAIT, that reviewed physiology and medical terminology.
Feb 2013 - Apr 2017
University of New EnglandBachelor of Science in Chemistry
I acquired my bachelor's with a major in Chemistry. I was only one class short of a minor in Microbiology due to restrictions of the program which capped off my degree.
Experience
May 2018 - Oct 2018
Symbol Design IncConsulting Scientist
With Symbol Design I managed inventory and lab space to research and produce cosmetic perfumes. This included autonomously performing chemical extractions and distillation to create viable raw materials. I also ordered commercial supplies in production quantities to produce over 300 saleable products that were later put up for purchase in a local store.
Sep 2017 - May 2018
Exova (Element)Laboratory Technician
As a lab technician, I met tight client turnaround times for rush samples while accurately performing test methods from standard procedures. I routinely loaded, operated, and automated GCMS tests. I also prepared samples, buffers, and reagents to industry-certified standards.
Jun 2017 - Sep 2017
Samuel Mugo, MacEwan UniversityResearch Assistant
During my time with Sam, I independently designed and conducted experiments in polymer, analytical, and electrochemistry for an NSERC Discovery Grant funded project. This included the preparation of samples for SEM-EDX, potentiometry, voltammetry, and spectrophotometry. I also wrote technical progress reports and drafted manuscripts for journal submission.
Jul 2016 - Oct 2016
University of New EnglandResearch Assistant
I volunteered as a research assistant, which involved the synthesis of macrocyclic ligands with Dean Woods (PhD candidate). I devised reactions, set up and maintained experiments, and worked up/analyzed reaction products.
Jun 2015 - Sep 2015
University of New EnglandPASS Chemistry Facilitator
As a PASS facilitator, I led peer study sessions in the discipline of Chemistry. This included designing worksheets, planning content delivery, and assisting students with problems. I also directed student attention to important areas of the course.
Tech
Experience
Apr 2019 - June 2021
Computer EmporiumComputer Technician
I troubleshooted, repaired, and optimized Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. This includes managing customer expectations and experiences in a small company environment, and generating leads to further company business. Upon leaving my role, I wrote a training document for future technicians.
Nov 2018 - Aug 2021
Fort St John Public LibraryLibrary Clerk
Working in library circulation provided me the opportunity to continue to develop my communication and technical skills, often outside of my job description.
With my IT background, I have had the opportunity to assist in troubleshooting Linux server issues that affect patrons' use of public computers. I have worked with both library and outsourced IT staff to resolve downtime, while also handling patron interactions and normal library operations.
I have provided suggestions to improve the security of the library IT systems, including the use of password managers, secure erase tools and recommendations on security policy.
Aug 2018 - Present
Project Based on GithubC# & Python Programmer
I have created projects on Github with the aim of developing C# and Python programming skills by working with and learning from 3 experienced mentors. This includes contributions to two Unity projects, including on-going development of a personal Unity project.
Skills
Linux
Microsoft Suite
Desktop Support
Malware Removal
Data Recovery
Hardware Diagnosis
Networking
Scripting / Programming
Blender
Education
Jan 2018 - Present
Self-Directed StudySelf-Study in Linux, IT & Programming
Self-Directed
I aim to be well-rounded
Projects
Oct 2022 - Present
YouTube ChannelInsights for Impact
I co-founded and currently run a YouTube channel that communicates high-impact research papers.
Feb 2022 - Present
Apple HouseAirBnB Property Manager
Assisting AirBnB owner with operations, client liaison, and housekeeping.
Feb 2021 - Present
Flashcode AnimationsProject Manager - TBA YouTube Animation Project
Assisting with the production of a new Blender animation video. Project ongoing, and currently pre-release.
Feb - March 2022
Imogen Dean Speech Language PathologyFreelance Video Editing
Worked with Imogen Dean to create an educational video for her book, "Easy For You To Say!".
Piano
2016 - Present
YouTube ChannelStemist - YouTube Channel
On my YouTube Channel, I occasionally upload piano videos.
2017 - Present
Piano Night Open-Mic
Performed at informal open-mic events.
2014 - Present
Public Piano Performances
I regularly play piano in public settings, including Calgary and Edmonton airports, universities, and colleges in Australia and Canada.
Dec 2019
Hosted Second Family Piano Recital
Acted as Master of Ceremony, and performed throughout event.
2018
MJ Café CrepeCafe Pianist
Paid piano gig at local café.
Dec 2017
Hosted First Family Christmas Piano Recital
Booked facility, designed setlist, created handouts, and performed for family.
2003 - 2010
Jennifer Warnock (Teacher)Private Piano Lessons
Fitness
2012 - 2016
Armidale Integrated Warrior ArtsMember
Attended weekly "tactical fitness" conditioning, circuit, and martial arts classes.
2015
Armidale, NSW, AustraliaAdrenal Stress Training
Received Adrenal Stress Training with Nick Wyborn.
2013
Armidale, NSW, AustraliaWolve's Combatives Warrior Weekend
Received hand-to-hand combatives training at 2-day seminar.
February - June 2012
New England Technical and Further Education (TAFE)Certificate III in Fitness
Studied and received Cert III in Fitness, allowing running of group fitness classes. Certificate number: SIS30310
Other Activities
2015 - Present
Self-DirectedArt
2019 - Sold Painting at Local Cafe
2011 - 2014
NSW State Emergency ServiceDeputy Communications Officer
2012 - Certificate II in Public Safety
2011 - Land Search Training
2011 - First Aid Training
2009
Civil Aviation Safety AuthorityStudent Pilot License
Learning and Activism
July 2022 - August 2022
Effective Altruism Virtual ProgramsEffective Altruism In-Depth Program
Completed the 8 week In-Depth educational cohort with Effective Altruism Virtual Programs, covering more more specific philosophy and readings.
May 2022 - Jun 2022
Effective AltruismEffective Altruism Introductory Program
Attended 8 week virtual educational program. Completed online and book readings, including Doing Good Better (William MacAskill), and The Precipice (Toby Ord). Attended video calls to discuss learned concepts.