Open to opportunities

Holly Johnstone

@hollyjohnstone

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Biology graduate and lab-trained researcher with strong leadership, tutoring, and lab skills.

Australia

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What I'm looking for

I seek a collaborative research or lab role where I can apply hands-on molecular techniques, mentor others, and contribute to data-driven projects with growth opportunities.

I am a recent Bachelor of Science (Biology) graduate with a Minor in Chemistry and a 3.979 GPA, combining academic excellence with hands-on laboratory experience. I designed and executed an independent biological research project, performed DNA extraction, spectrometry, and managed bacterial strains under safety protocols.

I bring practical lab capabilities including centrifuges, spectrophotometers, pipettes, microscopy, sample preparation, LIMS/Excel data recording, and troubleshooting procedural errors. I have analyzed and organized experimental data to improve accessibility and reporting.

Outside the lab, I have strong leadership and mentoring experience: I served as a residence assistant for ~40 students, captained a women’s soccer team, coached youth soccer, and trained and supervised retail and food-service staff. I also tutored biology and anatomy for first-level students.

I hold CPR/First Aid certification and a history of academic honors (Dean's List, Academic All-River States Conference). I seek opportunities where I can apply laboratory skills, mentorship, and data analysis to contribute to research, teaching, or lab operations in a collaborative environment.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Tutor

Current

Midway University

Feb 2023 - Present (2 years 7 months)

Facilitated biology and anatomy tutoring for first-year students, improving comprehension and course performance through targeted instruction and study strategies.

Tutoring Biology Communication Study Skills Academic Mentoring

Current

Student Worker

Current

Midway University

Feb 2021 - Present (4 years 7 months)

Trained and mentored new staff, coordinated kitchen and front-of-house operations for campus catering events, and ensured consistent healthy portioning and service quality.

Training Food Service Team Coordination Customer Service Time Management Food Safety

Biological Researcher

Midway University

Jan 2025 - May 2025 (4 months)

Executed a self-designed bacterial research project following advisor protocols, performed DNA extraction and spectrometry, and analyzed data in Excel to improve accessibility.

Lab Safety Data Analysis Excel Experimental Design

Resident Assistant

Midway University

Aug 2024 - May 2025 (9 months)

Served as peer leader for a 40-student residence hall, planned engagement and wellness programs, mediated conflicts, and managed on-call duty to ensure student support and safety.

Resident Advising Emergency Response Community Building

Online Shopping Supervisor

Woolworths

Jun 2020 - Aug 2022 (2 years 2 months)

Trained new online shopping staff, delegated tasks, and implemented time-management protocols to improve workflow efficiency and meet order deadlines.

Team Leadership Training order fulfillment Workflow Optimization Time Management Customer Support

Retail Assistant

Target

Sep 2018 - May 2020 (1 year 8 months)

Provided customer engagement, stocked and labeled merchandise, processed transactions, and trained new employees to maintain store operations and sales standards.

Customer Service Merchandising Training Stocking Point of Sale Communication

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Midway University

Bachelor of Science, Biology

2022 - 2025

Grade: 3.979 GPA

Activities and societies: Women’s Soccer Captain; Multicultural Student Association executive board; Tri Beta Society member; Dean's List every semester since Fall 2022; Academic All-River States Conference; Third Team All-River States Conference

Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Chemistry minor; graduated Cum Laude with a 3.979 GPA and served as women’s soccer captain.