The Wesleyan University stockroom exposed me to an aspect of research that would otherwise be hidden had I gone straight to do research in a lab. The stockroom is not only a room for chemical substances, instruments, or research paraphernalia. It is also a room that allows the effective production of science on campus.
Through working in the stockroom as a Chemical Materials Handling Assistant, I gained valuable skills in various scientific and laboratory settings. One of them being chemical management. A big part of my job was managing the flow of chemical substances in my university’s science building. Using a system called CEMS (Chemical Environmental Management System), I monitored the life cycle of more than one thousand chemical substances from arrivals to disposals. By going through training in chemical management, I also ensured the proper storage of chemical substances. These processes allow chemical substances to remain in great condition and easily accessible for research purposes, showing how science production can begin even before experimentation.
In addition to maintaining the flow of chemical substances, I also maintained the condition of scientific instruments for the teaching lab. This responsibility includes checking for the instruments’ functionality and performing instrument calibration. Some instruments I was responsible for include Vernier’s pH probes, LabQuests 2, and Spectrophotometer. As not all instruments were in the same conditions and calibrated, I was attentive to the conditions of the instruments to ensure proper treatment.
Another skill I developed while working in the stock room was inventory management. I was responsible for inventorying the supplies and laboratory equipment in the stock room as well as categorizing and restocking them. Cumulatively, I worked with more than 300 different types of laboratory equipment and supplies.
Developing these skills has prepared me to excel in any future laboratory environment. Additionally, it allowed me to reflect and grow an appreciation for the work behind the research process on campus.
