Work with thought leaders and academic experts from Virginia Western Community College

Research Specialist / January, 2023 — March, 2024

Oversee the operations of the Biology, Biotechnology, Anatomy, Physiology, Agriculture, Microbiology, and Environmental Science labs to ensure safety protocols are followed and all lab equipment and supplies are supplied and maintained. Maintain and calibrate all equipment in labs. Collaborating with professors in creating and writing course curriculum for biology labs and lab manuals. Organizing STEM outreach programs for local K-12 students within the community Distinctive Analysis Equipment/Techniques Mastered: Protein Sequencer, Confocal Microscope, Fluorescent Cell Imager, and eVA (Virginia’s eProcurement Portal).

Project Lead and Quality Assurance Specialist / March, 2022 — January, 2023

Conducted quality assurance scientific testing on unfinished and finished products of wheat and flour to ensure the products adhered to the company’s and client’s quality standards before finalized certificates of analysis. Led research and development of project to internalize microbiological testing of new finished product of cooked flour. Inspected food processing areas and documentation to ensure compliance in sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management. Reviewed and edited documentation of SOP’s and testing documents. Communicated with employees about changes needed to ensure the quality was maintained. Distinctive Analysis Equipment/Techniques Mastered: Near-Infrared Spectrometer, Protein Analyzer, Vomitoxin Testing Method, Allergen Testing Method, Falling Number Testing Method, LIMS, Microsoft Access.

Senior Scientist / May, 2021 — January, 2022

Detected infectious agents for public health significance in regulatory testing and bioterrorism emergency response unit. Reviewed testing documentation and edited SOP’s. Led and successfully organized new testing protocol for contact tracing SARS CoV-2 in sewage water that was confirmed with real-time PCR.

Lab Manager / February, 2020 — May, 2021

Managed a team of 10 microbiologists and 8 media technicians while ensuring clients’ expectations and turnaround times were met in 24 hours / 7 days a week lab by utilizing PCR and microbiology for cultural confirmation. Led a successful physical move from a smaller lab to a larger lab to allow for higher volume and more diverse testing. This included purchasing lab equipment, supplies, hiring more personnel, performing validations, performing stability and uniformity checks on equipment. Supported the sales department and developed a trusted relationship with clients. Presented information in formats for non-scientific professionals to understand. Served as a representative during lab audits to ensure ISO 17025 compliance. Administrative duties such as creating and maintaining schedules, approving timecards, monitoring and replenishing lab supply inventory, and generating invoices for billing.

Microbiologist / October, 2018 — February, 2020

Performed scientific testing of ingredients, unfinished products, finished products, and environmental swabs for clients by utilizing PCR technology to identify potential pathogens such as Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. Researched and performed R&D and NPD testing for clients including the impact of potassium sorbate on product quality. Utilized LIMS to issue certificates of analysis to clients to verify the quality of the product.