Alex Best

Experience

• 

  University of Minnesota

  May 2012 - Jan 2015

  In the Zuk Cricket Lab, I personally maintain several colonies of crickets with different geographic origins, with each colonies having around 100 to 500 adult crickets. Teleogryllus oceanicus (Black Field cricket) typically lives 2 to 6 months in lab, and requires consistent temperature, humidity, and space. I also help slow the spread of CPV (Cricket Paralysis Virus) within the population. I am the sole technician in the lab, therefore my responsibilities are ubiquitous. I feed the lab colonies of bed bugs, moths, and assorted pest species. I prepare sample for chemical analysis via GC. I take and record data for major experiments in the lab, many of which are contracted by major pesticide and extermination companies. Very rarely do I worked supervised. As a Training Monitor, I am responsible for teaching classrooms and completing field training with new monitors, as well as supervise all monitors when a superior is not available. Increased hours and additional training are required for the position. In this position, I have also trained to be a First Responder EMR. My work at the U of M Frog lab was twofold: to assist in animal care, and to aid in the various research projects. Frogs numbering over 100 were fed and in-cage water was tested for certain chemicals/toxins. Research was both in-lab and in the field. Field work included catching the amplexed frogs in ponds late into the morning. Lab work consisted of auditory testing of preferences and signal receiving.

  • Care Technician

    Dec 2012 - Jan 2015

  • Research Technician

    Jun 2014 - Aug 2014

  • Training Monitor

    Aug 2011 - May 2014

  • Care Technician

    May 2012 - Jul 2012
• 

  Calyxt

  Aug 2014 - Mar 2018

  Research Technician

  I work on core services in our Plant Platform, mainly performing routine sub-culturing, media preparation, and a variety of tasks directed toward providing service to our trait development teams. I also am responsible for pesticide application in a broader IPM strategy I have helped to develop with our greenhouse team. https://www.linkedin.com/company/calyxt-inc?trk=top_nav_home

• 

  Rainbow Treecare, Lawncare, Pest Experts

  Mar 2018 - Jul 2022

  Master Pest Management Professional (PMP) and ISA Certified Arborist

  In this role, I advise homeowners and business professionals on structural integrated pest management for a wide variety of both vertebrate and invertebrate pests. Rainbow is unique in its development of rodent exclusion methods, longer term insect protection, and pragmatic prevention plans, making it a leader in the industry. For a phone consultation, call 952-252-0585.

• 

  SavATree

  Jul 2022 - now

  Residential Arborist

  I am an arborist looking to help my clients with long term solutions to their tree problems, leaving them with a more safe, environmentally responsible, and beautiful property.