Alexzander Knodel

I am a recent graduate from the University of Witwatersrand majoring in Microbiology and Biotechnology. eager to gain invaluable hands-on experience within the country's workforce. My studies have equipped me with a strong foundation in Biotechnology and Food science and honed my analytic and problem solving skills. During my post-graduate Biotechnology degree, I completed a significant research project alongside Massmart on quality control procedures, specifically researching novel techniques for seafood authentication in South Africa which can be adopted by laboratories to establish and promote sustainable fishing practices. I am an enthusiastic and diligent worker with a strong, empathetic personality and a  proven track record of academic achievements. I have taken every opportunity to gain work experience through part-time work alongside the completion of my BSc and BSc Hons degrees which have helped me develop my communication and teamwork abilities. My goal is to leverage my educational background and hands-on experience in order to establish a career within the FMCG industry. 

Easy As Pi Tutors – Tutor

July 2021 - PRESENT

Provided academic support and guidance to facilitate student learning and success through:

• Teaching further education and training phase students following the national curriculum and assessment policy statement as well as the independent examinations board curriculum.
• Designing, writing, and implementing lesson plans for a variety of subjects including advanced programme mathematics, mathematics, life sciences, and physical sciences.
• Analysing and documenting each student’s progress by updating weekly reports.
• Regularly communicating with parents and students to provide individualised education programmes.

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg - Teaching assistant

February 2023 – June 2023

Contributed to the effective delivery of biological science laboratory courses by:

• Clarifying complex concepts and assisting students in mastering key laboratory skills.
• Collaborating with educators and other tutors to set up laboratory assessments and ensure students follow laboratory safety guidelines.
• Fostering a positive and supportive learning environment to encourage student engagement and confidence in course material.
• Establishing a clear and open communication channel for students to address possible questions and concerns.
• Providing constructive feedback on assignments and assessments to guide students toward improvement and academic success.

Pet Masters, Boksburg - Sales assistant

February 2020 - June 2021

• Greeting customers and assisting them with their inquiries. 
• Providing information about different pet products including food, toys, and accessories.
• Offering advice on pet care, nutrition, and health.
• Actively promoting and selling pet products to customers and suggesting additional items or accessories that complement the customer's purchase.
• Checking inventory levels, restocking products as needed and performing general quality control checks on stocked items.
• Handling and caring for small animals. 
• Ensuring that the pet enclosures are clean and well-maintained.
• Communicating and working collaboratively with other team members to assist with the organization of store events and promotions.

Pet Masters, Boksburg - Storeman

November 2019 – January 2020

• Receiving and inspecting incoming shipments of products. 
• Updating and maintaining accurate inventory records. 
• Sorting and categorizing pet products for efficient storage and retrieval.
• Keeping storage areas clean and well-organized.
• Monitoring inventory levels and replenishing stock on as needed.
• Maintaining accurate records of received and sold products.
• Assisting customers with inquiries.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honors in Microbiology and Biotechnology - University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

January 2023 – December 2023

• Research title - Comparative analysis of DNA extraction techniques for the authentication of frozen and processed fish products commercially available in South Africa.
• Subjects - Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Cell Biology (MCBG4028A), Current Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology (MCBG4027A), and Research Project: Microbiology and Biotechnology (MCBG4032A).

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biological Sciences - University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

January 2020 - December 2022

• Majors - Microbiology and Biotechnology; Genetics and Developmental Biology.
• Subjects Passed - Microbiology and Biotechnology III (MCBG3035A), Genetics and Developmental Biology III (MCBG3034A), Molecular and Cell Biology IIA: Scientific Practice II (MCBG2036A), Molecular and Cell Biology IIB: Concepts (MCBG2032A), Molecular and Cell Biology IIC: Applications (MCBG2037A), Introductory Life Sciences (BIOL1000A), Complementary Life Sciences I (BIOL1006A), Auxiliary Mathematics I (MATH1041A), Chemistry I (CHEM1012A).

National Senior Certificate (NSC) - Hoërskool Goudrif, Primrose

Achieved in 2019

• Subjects – Mathematics (Core), Advanced programme mathematics, Physical sciences, Biological sciences, Geography, Engineering and graphical design, Life-orientation, Afrikaans, English.