Azalia James

Experience

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  NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

  Jul 2021 - Jun 2022

  Youth Leader

  I was selected as one of 10 transgender, gender non-conforming and cis-gendered youth, ages 15 to 19, years old who reside or go to school in the North Shore of Staten Island, a disinvested community of NYC that has unintended teen pregnancy rates that are higher than the NYC and national averages. The YLT are community leaders who work to reduce the high rates of unintended teen pregnancy in our community by participating in conferences, community events, peer education on health-related issues, and city-wide media campaigns to increase awareness on health-related issues. YLT members build community and develop key skills in civic engagement and leadership development through extensive sexual health training, intersectional, and political education. Show less

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  Seeds of Fortune Inc.

  Apr 2022 - Jun 2023

  Scholar

  I was selected as 1 of 32 scholars chosen from over 1000 applicants to collaborate on an Economic capstone project at Yale University. This scholarship afforded me the opportunity to stay on the Yale University campus, attend lectures, and receive mentorship from Yale University professors. My project was focused on the impact that immigrants have on the labor market. I presented my project to Yale professors and got the opportunity to pose several questions to them about the ethics of how immigrants are treated in the labor market as opposed to native born workers. Show less

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  American Museum of Natural History

  Aug 2022 - Jun 2023

  Intern

  Conducted lab research to genetically isolate and barcode DNA from crocodile museum specimens. We used a Qubit machine to quantify the amount of DNA in our extractions. In doing this, we are able to see if there is enough viable DNA in the sample to be able to amplify it with the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Here, we are focused on extracting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Because the samples we use are highly degraded due to their age and preservation methods, we concentrate on the easier to amplify mtDNA, specifically a short fragment of the 12s gene, which is a genetic marker that will assist us in differentiating between C. niloticus and C. suchus. This research is a part of an effort to reclassify the museum specimens collection. Show less

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  Shake Shack

  Oct 2023 - Mar 2024

  Restaurant Crew Member

  I began my journey at Shake Shack assembling burgers, quickly advancing through rigorous cross-training to become proficient in every station. From mastering drink and milkshake preparation to excelling in cashiering and grill operations, I thrived in a high-pressure environment at one of NYC's busiest locations. I often was the lead person on the assembling station during peak times, including holidays with over 1,000 orders, honing my ability to perform under intense pressure while maintaining exceptional service standards. My time at Shake Shack not only refined my operational skills but also instilled a deep appreciation for teamwork and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced setting. Show less

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  Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)

  Jun 2024 - Jul 2024

  Summer Health Professions Education Program

  I was enrolled in a rigorous accelerated program, taking Organic Chemistry and Physics. Throughout this 6-week intensive program, I was able to obtain a greater understanding of the required sciences for the MCAT. Alongside the extensive academic curriculum, I was able to gain shadowing hours in the Trauma Unit and Emergency Medicine at Rutgers University Hospital, while also participating in simulations to train me in CPR, BLS, Stop-the-Bleed, and Labor & Delivery.

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  New York University

  Jun 2024 - now

  As a Community Outreach Specialist dedicated to combating the opioid epidemic in NYC, I engage directly with community members to highlight the importance of having naloxone readily available. Naloxone, more commonly known as Narcan, can quickly reverse an opioid overdose, potentially saving thousands of lives in NYC in emergency situations. I distribute comprehensive safety kits that include fentanyl test strips, naloxone, CPR mouth guards, and other essential tools to help individuals and their loved ones stay safe. My mission is to educate and empower those at risk, providing them with the resources they need to make informed decisions and respond effectively in crisis situations. Show less

  • Clincial Research Assistant

    Sept 2024 - now

  • Naloxone Community Outreach Specialist

    Jun 2024 - now