Brandon Kendall

I joined Thermo Fisher as a GMP lab intern and dove into three major projects that taught me how real science companies tackle big challenges. Two projects focused on helping the site reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. I created detailed proposals for EV charger installations across campus. The plan covered both employee parking areas and charging stations for company vehicles. I analyzed current energy practices and mapped out future sustainability strategies that made sense for the business. My third project addressed a critical safety issue with liquid nitrogen storage. I took charge of installing oxygen deficiency monitors in gas cylinder storage rooms. I also worked to make these rooms explosion-proof, protecting employees from dangerous gas buildup. The role gave me hands-on experience with good manufacturing practices. I maintained batch records and equipment logs while following strict company procedures. I learned to document results, analyze data, and communicate findings to different teams. I worked with mycoplasma lab teams, metrology groups, and stability storage departments. Each rotation showed me different sides of pharmaceutical manufacturing. I saw how quality control works in practice and why every detail matters in regulated environments. I operated and maintained laboratory equipment according to written protocols. When problems came up, I diagnosed issues and implemented solutions. I reported safety incidents and followed tag-out procedures that keep facilities running safely. The internship taught me that pharmaceutical work requires precision and teamwork. I contributed to real projects that impact employee safety and environmental goals. I gained experience in project management while working within regulatory frameworks that govern the industry. I worked on sustainability initiatives that align with corporate goals while maintaining the safety standards that protect people and products.

The university chose me as a core member of a brand new campus-wide initiative to transform chemical safety operations. My role focused on building the foundation for safer, more efficient lab environments across hundreds of research facilities. I took charge of documenting chemical inventories by physically visiting labs and logging data into ChemManager+ software. This hands-on approach improved chemical traceability and elevated safety standards across campus. Working directly with lab staff, I gained real insights into daily challenges and practical solutions. Collaboration became essential as I worked with maintenance teams, engineers, security personnel, and quality assurance specialists. We coordinated complex operations, solved technical problems, and maintained smooth inventory processes across multiple shifts. Each team brought unique perspectives that strengthened our collective impact. Training emerged as a critical component of my responsibilities. I taught lab personnel how to use ChemManager+ software, ensuring they could manage chemical tracking independently. This training created lasting change by empowering teams to maintain safety standards long after project completion. My contributions extended beyond routine tasks. I developed streamlined processes that eliminated duplicate chemical purchases and increased operational efficiency. These improvements delivered measurable cost savings while maintaining rigorous safety protocols. The project required strict adherence to university safety and HR policies. I supported fair conflict resolution and fostered positive team dynamics, creating an environment where everyone could contribute effectively. My work helped establish the university's first comprehensive chemical inventory database. This system enhanced emergency preparedness, improved chemical accessibility, and created reliable data for future lab optimization. The database now serves as a cornerstone for ongoing safety initiatives.

Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry with a Certificate in Engineering for Energy Sustainability