1. Jessica Brownell
Wellington
New Zealand
Mobile: 022 037 1293
Email: jabrownell@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jessbrownell
Website: www.jessbrownell.com
Personal statement
I am an attentive, dependable, results-oriented professional offering 4 years’ firsthand experience in the
US pharmaceutical industry (regulated laboratory operating under GLP and GMP conditions) and over 4
years in hospitality, tourism and museum education. My strengths include: being a team player, quick
learner, multi-tasking extraordinaire, having great attention to detail and working well under pressure.
In addition, I have experience with the following instrumentation for chemical analysis: HPLC (4 years),
TPWII (1 year), XRPD, 13C, 1H NMR (300 & 500 MHz), IR, Ion-Trap MS, AA, UV-Vis, GC-Quadrupole
MS, MALDI-MS, Ion Mobility-TOF-MS, IC, MPLC, GC, Microscope
Work history
Staff Chemist, Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA
December 2006 – November 2010
I performed HPLC method development and validation on new PCCs and drug formulations entering
Safety Assessment (SA) studies. Using the methods I developed, I assessed the chemical stability of the
PCCs and all SA formulations, and then regularly performed Dose Form Assays.
Responsibilities:
• Performing HPLC method development and validation for stability-indicating and concentration-
only assessment of PCCs and SA formulations
• Assessing chemical stability of PCCs and all SA formulations prior to SA studies
• Regularly analysing samples of SA formulations used in the animal studies (Dose Form Assays)
• Reporting the results of stability testing and Dose Form Assays in a timely manner
• Co-leading the automated sample preparation for Dose Form Assays using the TPW II
o Successfully worked to reduce the quantity of diluent used
• Writing detailed and accurate reports, memos, SOPs and other official documentation
• Peer reviewing laboratory notebooks and official documentation
• As Lab Safety Officer for 2 years, I was responsible for ensuring heath and safety regulations
were being followed and ordering consumables
Chemist, Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc. West Point, PA, USA
August 2008 – January 2009
In this rotation into the Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences department, I performed physical and chemical
characterisation and assessed probe chemical stability, forced degradation and physical stability on pre-
PCCs and PCCs.
Responsibilities:
• Performing physical and chemical characterisation on pre-PCCs and PCCs along with assessing
probe chemical stability, forced degradation and physical stability on drug formulations
• Accurately analysing drug formulations and reporting the results in a timely manner
• Gave a formal presentation to the Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry department (GLP and
GMP chemists) detailing the work I performed during this rotation
Summer Researcher, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
June 2005 – August 2005
I worked with a graduate student (Junha Jeon) in Dr. Thomas R. Hoye’s lab on the synthesis of (+)-
gigantecin, a novel tetrahydroxy-di-tetrahydrofuran fatty acid gamma-lactone (acetogenin). My role was to
synthesise and then purify fragment 3 of (+)-gigantecin and its precursors; TLC and MPLC were used for
purification. In March 2006, I was selected to give a poster presentation at the 231st American Chemical
Society National Meeting, Atlanta, GA, USA; Poster title: Towards the total synthesis of (+)-Gigantecin:
Synthesis and purification of fragment 3 and its precursors.
2. Jessica Brownell
Summer Researcher, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
June 2004 – August 2004
Under the supervision of then graduate student Brian Clowers in the lab of Dr. Herbert H. Hill, I performed
structural characterization of carbohydrates derived from extracellular polymeric substances using ion-trap
mass spectrometry and ion mobility mass spectrometry. I also helped build an IMS that coupled with a
time-of-flight (TOF) MS.
Summer Researcher, Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
June 2003 – August 2003
Working directly with Dr. Scott Stout, I performed organometallic synthesis to produce 5-coordinate
hypervalent tin compounds bearing triarylmethyl "propeller" ligands; my focus was on synthesising the
novel hypervalent tin compounds with bromide ligands. Using multi-nuclear NMR, I characterised the
compounds I synthesised.
Visitor Services Host Supervisor, Space Place, Experience Wellington, Wellington, NZ
December 2015 – PRESENT
Working alongside the casual staff undertaking retail, hosting and tour duties, I lead by example and help
to create a welcoming and exciting atmosphere at the Space Place. Part of my position includes
developing and undertaking planetarium shows/tours. I also work with the retail and communications
coordinators to run and trouble shoot the newly established online store and ticketing system.
Actor/Storyteller/First Person Historical Interpreter, Historic Philadelphia, Inc, Philadelphia, PA, USA
March 2011 – October 2015
I taught American history to thousands of guests from all over the world annually through interactive
storytelling and first person historical interpretation. In my primary role of portraying Betsy Ross (credited
for making the first American flag) at the Betsy Ross House, I would speak with guests about Betsy’s life
and answer any questions. I also worked as a storyteller in a highly successful innovative educational
programme called Storystrolls.
Standardized Patient (i.e Simulated Patient),
Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
June 2013 – October 2015
College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
September 2013 – October 2015
I accurately and realistically portrayed a variety of patient scenarios for the instruction, practice, and
assessment of the examining, diagnostic, and interpersonal skills of medical students, nursing students,
fellows, residents and other health care providers. I also assessed and gave both written and oral
feedback on the interpersonal skills observed during the encounters.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (Scholars Program), (chemistry major, theatre minor)
Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA, USA 2006 (transcript available upon request)
Study Abroad: May 2005 – Coe College, Paris and Southern France
Fall 2005 – Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Accomplishments:
• Worked as a lab assistant in the chemistry department for 3 years
• Performed in 2 main stage productions (Trojan Woman, 2004 and Don Juan Comes Back from
the War, 2005)
• Played trumpet in symphonic band and sang in choir as part of performance scholarship
• Public Relations Chair for sorority Alpha Omicron Pi, 2004/2005
Interests and Hobbies
I am a very active person and have a wide variety of interests: hiking, swimming, running, singing,
dancing, playing the trumpet, crocheting and hand-sewing. Each year I like to challenge myself and learn
something new; this year my goal is to learn how to play the guitar!
Referees
Art Ryan, Program Manager
Historic Philadelphia, Inc
Phone: (01) 215 629 5801 x208
Email: ArtRyan@historicphiladelphia.org
Lara Penn, Associate Principal Scientist
Merck & Co., Inc.
Phone: (01) 908 740 4000
