Danielle Maynard
Fayetteville
Summary
Scientist with a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology and extensive experience teaching Microbiology and General Biology laboratories. Committed to structured, student-centered instruction, reflective teaching through Instructor Coaching, and mentoring diverse learners to support retention and academic success. Prepared to teach Microbiology, Botany, and General Biology while contributing to curriculum development and collaborative initiatives.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Microbiology Technician
Simmons Food Lab
Siloam Springs, AR
06.2026 - Current
- Performed microbiological and chemistry testing on raw materials, finished products, and environmental samples, including pathogen detection, using strict aseptic technique.
- Received, prepared, and processed samples according to standardized protocols, ensuring accuracy and full compliance with laboratory procedures.
- Interpreted bacterial growth and verified all test results before reporting to customers; entered results accurately and on time via electronic and hard-copy systems.
- Trained and supported new team members on laboratory workflows, safety requirements, and quality management procedures; participated in weekly task rotations across all testing areas.
- Contributed to the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System by identifying process gaps, eliminating errors, and maintaining accreditation standards.
- Met annual individual and team performance goals while balancing routine testing responsibilities and ongoing project work.
Specimen Processor and phlebotomist
Mercy
Springfield, MO
12.2013 - 08.2015
- Performed blood draws on patients
- Centrifuged blood tubes
- Organized where specimens needed to go within the laboratory
- Helped nurses with ordering the correct lab work for patients
- Processed specimens to be sent to outside laboratories such as Quest Diagnostics
- Helped in the Microbiology lab
- Performing different cultures, such as wounds, fecal, and urine cultures
- Ran tests for RVS and Flu samples
Education
Ph.D. - Cellular and Molecular Biology
The University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR08-2024
Bachelor of Biology - Minors: Chemistry and Global Awareness
Drury University
Springfield, MO05-2012
Skills
- Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment
Received Certifications in three out of four ACUE Certifications in Effective College Instruction, including:
- Promoting Active Learning
- Inspiring Inquiry and Preparing Lifelong Learners
Teaching Experience
Instructor, Biology Department, University of Arkansas, Aug 2022-May 2025
- Taught general and honors Microbiology lab with structured, safety-focused instruction.
- Participated in the Instructor Coaching Program to enhance student engagement and retention.
- Mentored students on academic probation to improve performance and persistence.
- Graduate Teaching Assistant, Biology Department, University of Arkansas, Aug 2015-May 2022
- Instructed Microbiology and Principles of Biology laboratory sections
- Prepared laboratory materials and bacterial cultures for multiple course sections
- Introduced foundational lab techniques and experimental design principles
- Provided structured feedback and academic support to diverse learners
- Promoted safe laboratory practices and proper scientific documentation
- Use of a microscope
- Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Drury University, 2010-2012
- Diabetes laboratory
- Introduced undergraduates to the process of research
- Guided undergraduates in coming up with their own experiments and in executing those experiments
- Maintained the cleanliness of the laboratory
Research Experience
- Doctoral Research
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Department of Biology, University of Arkansas
- Prokaryote Genetics Laboratory Dr. Mack Ivey
- “Purification and Crystallization of Protein SpoIIE in Clostridium difficile”
- Prepared cell cultures
- Used a nephelometer to measure the turbidity of cell cultures
- Conducted the transformation of plasmids into bacterial cells
- Performed plasmid mini prep of cell cultures to obtain plasmids
- Performed electrophoresis and analysis of results
- Performed SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and analysis of results
- Designed primers
- Used PCR
- Undergraduate Research
- Department of Biology, Drury University
- Diabetes Research Laboratory
- Conducted in vitro research investigating compounds that inhibit the complications of diabetes, specifically the binding of glucose to nerve cells in hands and toes.
- Used a spectrophotometer to measure the absorbance of light in samples
Conference Presentations
- “Quercetin as an Inhibitor of Protein Glycation”, Annual Biology Conference, Poster presentation, Washington, D.C., 2011
- “Quercetin as an Inhibitor of Protein Glycation”, Annual Biology Conference, Poster presentation, San Diego, CA, 2012
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Graduate Professional Student Congress (GPSC)
- At Large Representative for Graduate School and International Education School 2021-2022
- Student Rights Committee 2020-2022
- Research Committee 2019-2021
- Department Student Organization (DSO) Cellular and Molecular Biology 2019-2020
Timeline
Microbiology Technician
Simmons Food Lab
06.2026 - Current
Specimen Processor and phlebotomist
Mercy
12.2013 - 08.2015
Ph.D. - Cellular and Molecular Biology
The University of Arkansas
Bachelor of Biology - Minors: Chemistry and Global Awareness
Drury University