CV
Joseph Huitt
Jahuitt@csuchico.edu – Chico, CA
Education
Bachelor of Science: Microbiology: Clinical Lab Science California State University, Chico (Chico, CA) May 2024
• Minor: Chemistry
• Course Highlights: Virology, Immunology, Medical Bacteriology, Hematology, Biochemistry, Quantitative Analysis, Organic Chemistry I & II
Research Experience
Masters Research
PI: Dr. Troy Cline; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Chico (Chico, CA)
Undergraduate Research Assistant
PI: Dr. Troy Cline; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Chico (Chico, CA)
Avian Influenza Virus Surveillance Aug 2022 - March 2024
• Facilitate sample collection and processing for ongoing Avian Influenza Virus surveillance project to identify circulating strains of influenza virus in Butte County and Glenn County, California and assess the associated risk to human health.
• Oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples of wild waterfowl for the detection of avian influenza virus by PCR.
• Extraction of RNA through the use of a Kingfisher Duo to use in PCR.
• Utilization of RT-PCR to determine if the samples collected had virus present in them.
• Contributed to detection of high path H5 influenza virus at the Howard Slough Refuge in both the 2022 and 2023 hunting seasons.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
PI: Dr. Garrett Liles; Department of Agriculture, California State University, Chico (Chico, CA)
SOIL Studio Jan 2022 - May 2022
• Determined soil carbon content through element combustion analysis.
• Characterized the novel components of the element combustion analyzer.
• Developed an educational series on how an element combustion process works for entry-level soil scientists.
Posters and Presentations
• Huitt J., Cline T., Lazure L., Sharp B. (Jan 2024) Avian influenza virus surveillance in wild waterfowl in the Northern Sacramento Valley
Poster presented at the 36th Annual CSU Biotechnology Symposium, Santa Clara, CA. 2024
• Huitt J., Cline T., Lazure L., Sharp B. (Jan 2024) Avian influenza virus surveillance in wild waterfowl in the Northern Sacramento Valley
Poster presented at CSU, Chico Spring Symposium, Chico, CA. 2024
Skills
Microbiology & Immunology Laboratory Techniques
• RNA extraction | RT-qPCR | Plaque assay | ELISA | Macrophage cell culture | Bacteria cell culture | Gel PCR | Western blot
Program Proficiencies
• RStudio | GraphPad Prism | Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, and Word
Additional Experience
Executive Foreman Bordin-Huitt Ranch - Chico, CA November 2015- Present
• Provide strong customer service selling almonds and almond products at Saturday Farmers Market
• Demonstrate proper handling and care of bees and trusted to transport to various farms and orchards
• Provided daily maintenance of irrigation, pruning, and organized logistics of long-term tasks
• Driving of bees, almonds, and other cargo products all over California and Nevada
• Assisting in weekly farmers markets and selling products
Lead Driver Applegate Apiaries - Chico, CA Jan – March 2018 - Present (Seasonal)
• Demonstrate proper handling and care of bees and trusted to transport to various farms and orchards
• Provide proper feeding techniques during the almond bloom to boost colony activity
Lead Harvester Kiwi Ariza - Capay, CA Oct 2017 - Oct 2022 (Seasonal)
• Demonstrated leadership ability to oversee pickers while providing knowledge of picking
• Worked under tight deadlines to ensure kiwis were harvested on time
Farm Hand Tennis Brothers - Durham, CA June – October 2024 (Seasonal)
• Demonstrated proper technique to properly measure and mix multiple spray applications during the rice spray season
• Worked under tight deadlines to ensure specific grasses were sprayed during the proper conditions
• Driving of mixing tank to and from the rice field
• Tractor operator
• Land leveling rice checks
Involvement and Affiliations
American Society for Microbiology Member (California State University, Chico)
Aug 2022 - Present
• Attended campus meetings and helped with club exposure
Chico State Ducks Unlimited (California State University, Chico)
• Treasurer for the chapter. July 2024 - Present
• Helped to plan and coordinate Fall Banquet
• Organized donations underwriting for events and managed money in accounts
• Donations coordinator for the chapter. Jan 2024 - June 2024
• Helped to plan and coordinate Bingo for Bombsticks and Waterfowl Wednesdays fundraising events
• Organized donations and underwriting for events
• Committee Member (California State University, Chico) Aug 2023 - Jan 2024
• Raised money for wetland conservation for waterfowl through dinners and events.