Robert Naturani
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About Robert
I’m a Bachelor of Science (HONS) student at Melbourne University majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I have significant experience in the design and execution of biochemical experiments and a love for science. When I’m not studying I write, cook, go to gigs and consume copious amounts of coffee.
Achievements
Learning and Problem Solving I have a passion for learning and problem solving. This is exemplified by my work as an honours student at Melbourne University’s Bio21 Institute. There I developed a system for measuring the fitness of the cell. During this project I’ve designed and implemented a unique automated filtering algorithm for identifying sick cells. Performing this task required continuous learning so as to perform unfamiliar experiments and troubleshoot complications and mistakes. As a part of this project I’ve learnt advanced cellular imaging and tracking techniques, new programming languages and developed an extensive array of programs and algorithms to reach the goal of developing this system. My efforts in this pursuit underscore my enthusiasm for learning and spirit of persistence. Teamwork and Organisation I’ve had extensive experience working as part of, and organising teams. This has come from years spent working in cafe’s, restaurants, and team based competitions. My most significant contribution in terms of teamwork and organisation comes from my time as lab manager of the 2016 Melbourne University iGEM team. In this role designed and organised the 2016 team’s project, delegated experiments, planned weekly meetings, helped develop the governing rules for the 2016 and 2017 teams, organised multiple recruitment drives, and performed outreach presentations within the science student community. As a result of these efforts I travelled to Boston MA and represented my team and university at the 2016 iGEM competition. There I displayed a poster and gave a presentation on our work. As a result of our combined efforts we were awarded a bronze medal. Technical Experience Honours, the iGEM competition and four semesters of laboratory work have introduced me to a wide array of wet and dry lab techniques and work flows. These cover a diverse range of experiments and techniques including: High throughput microscopy, cell tracking, PCR, Sequencing-PCR, Restriction Digests, DNA purification, QTL Mapping, Karyotyping, gene fusion, gene complementation, Gel Blotting, protein expression, protein purification, mammalian cell culture techniques, plasmid isolation, bacterial transformation, the use of genetic markers and more. The breadth of these techniques is reflective of my level of experience and willingness to work and expand my knowledge beyond base expectations. Academic History 2013 - Now The University of Melbourne B-Sci (HONS): GPA 76.125 2007 - 2012 Camberwell High School Employment History Temporary Executive Assistant - Surveyor - Parkville (November 2017): I recently worked as an executive assistant for an independent surveyor. My role was to help ensure the rapid and accurate completion, of an exhaustive corrosion report. As part of this work I collaborated on the writing, data management and auditing of this document. Thanks to my help we were able to successfully complete this work in a very short time frame, ultimately saving the business thousands of dollars in lost revenue should they have violated contract. This job demonstrated my sense of commitment to work and calm under pressure. Waiter - Italian Chef Restaurant - Chapel Street (February 2015 to February 2016): Before visiting Boston I worked as a waiter at an upscale Italian restaurant, my job required extensive multitasking abilities, time management and interpersonal skills. This includes requiring me to keep track of up to 45 people at once and field many requests and orders from multiple sources at the same time. This job requires excellent work ethic and has taught me the value of patience. Team Member - Dimattina Coffee - Clarendon Street (April 2013 - February 2015): As a team member my responsibilities included serving, setting and clearing tables, doing dishes and taking customer orders. In my position I was able to develop my customer service skills within a longtime resident of Melbourne’s coffee scene taking from decades of experience. Team Member - Coffeehit - Westfield Shopping Centre (June 2013 - April 2014): During my time at Coffeehit I worked multiple roles, such as; waiting tables, serving customers, preparing the food and maintaining general workplace cleanliness. Balancing my studies and work commitments I was able to enjoy my time at Coffeehit. The atmosphere was fast paced and engaging which allowed me to develop my skills in a fun and satisfying environment. Team Member - KFC - Box Hill (August 2009 - January 2012): At KFC I developed my work ethic and an ability to work under efficiently while under pressure in a team oriented environment. I spent over two years at KFC. And as well as being able to work effectively in my department as a cook I was able to extend my skills into other departments. This included customer service, for which I earned my Certificate II in Retail Operations. References Available on Request
Achievements
Learning and Problem Solving I have a passion for learning and problem solving. This is exemplified by my work as an honours student at Melbourne University’s Bio21 Institute. There I developed a system for measuring the fitness of the cell. During this project I’ve designed and implemented a unique automated filtering algorithm for identifying sick cells. Performing this task required continuous learning so as to perform unfamiliar experiments and troubleshoot complications and mistakes. As a part of this project I’ve learnt advanced cellular imaging and tracking techniques, new programming languages and developed an extensive array of programs and algorithms to reach the goal of developing this system. My efforts in this pursuit underscore my enthusiasm for learning and spirit of persistence. Teamwork and Organisation I’ve had extensive experience working as part of, and organising teams. This has come from years spent working in cafe’s, restaurants, and team based competitions. My most significant contribution in terms of teamwork and organisation comes from my time as lab manager of the 2016 Melbourne University iGEM team. In this role designed and organised the 2016 team’s project, delegated experiments, planned weekly meetings, helped develop the governing rules for the 2016 and 2017 teams, organised multiple recruitment drives, and performed outreach presentations within the science student community. As a result of these efforts I travelled to Boston MA and represented my team and university at the 2016 iGEM competition. There I displayed a poster and gave a presentation on our work. As a result of our combined efforts we were awarded a bronze medal. Technical Experience Honours, the iGEM competition and four semesters of laboratory work have introduced me to a wide array of wet and dry lab techniques and work flows. These cover a diverse range of experiments and techniques including: High throughput microscopy, cell tracking, PCR, Sequencing-PCR, Restriction Digests, DNA purification, QTL Mapping, Karyotyping, gene fusion, gene complementation, Gel Blotting, protein expression, protein purification, mammalian cell culture techniques, plasmid isolation, bacterial transformation, the use of genetic markers and more. The breadth of these techniques is reflective of my level of experience and willingness to work and expand my knowledge beyond base expectations. Academic History 2013 - Now The University of Melbourne B-Sci (HONS): GPA 76.125 2007 - 2012 Camberwell High School Employment History Temporary Executive Assistant - Surveyor - Parkville (November 2017): I recently worked as an executive assistant for an independent surveyor. My role was to help ensure the rapid and accurate completion, of an exhaustive corrosion report. As part of this work I collaborated on the writing, data management and auditing of this document. Thanks to my help we were able to successfully complete this work in a very short time frame, ultimately saving the business thousands of dollars in lost revenue should they have violated contract. This job demonstrated my sense of commitment to work and calm under pressure. Waiter - Italian Chef Restaurant - Chapel Street (February 2015 to February 2016): Before visiting Boston I worked as a waiter at an upscale Italian restaurant, my job required extensive multitasking abilities, time management and interpersonal skills. This includes requiring me to keep track of up to 45 people at once and field many requests and orders from multiple sources at the same time. This job requires excellent work ethic and has taught me the value of patience. Team Member - Dimattina Coffee - Clarendon Street (April 2013 - February 2015): As a team member my responsibilities included serving, setting and clearing tables, doing dishes and taking customer orders. In my position I was able to develop my customer service skills within a longtime resident of Melbourne’s coffee scene taking from decades of experience. Team Member - Coffeehit - Westfield Shopping Centre (June 2013 - April 2014): During my time at Coffeehit I worked multiple roles, such as; waiting tables, serving customers, preparing the food and maintaining general workplace cleanliness. Balancing my studies and work commitments I was able to enjoy my time at Coffeehit. The atmosphere was fast paced and engaging which allowed me to develop my skills in a fun and satisfying environment. Team Member - KFC - Box Hill (August 2009 - January 2012): At KFC I developed my work ethic and an ability to work under efficiently while under pressure in a team oriented environment. I spent over two years at KFC. And as well as being able to work effectively in my department as a cook I was able to extend my skills into other departments. This included customer service, for which I earned my Certificate II in Retail Operations. References Available on Request