LIZA E. CHACKO
Lewisville, TX 75067
Email: abhg76@r.postjobfree.com
Cellphone# 267-***-****
Objective
Seeking a gainful employment in a lab setting where I can utilize my
knowledge and skills
Master of Science in Forensic Science (MSFS) Date
of Graduation: May 2008
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA
Grade Point Average (GPA): 3.81
Biotechnology Engineering Date of Graduation: May
2006
Vellore Institute of Technology
Tamil Nadu, India
Grade Point Average (GPA): 8.59/10
Skills
. Examination, collection, and preservation of biological evidence using
visible and ultra-violet light
. Presumptive identification of blood by Hemastix
. Identification of blood by Takayama Crystal Test
. Presumptive identification of semen by Acid Phosphatase (AP) Spot Test
. Location of semen stains by Acid Phosphatase (AP) mapping
. Identification of semen by Double Immunodiffusion (Ouchterlony) and Gram-
modified Christmas Tree stain of spermatozoa
. Location of saliva stains by Amylase Starch mapping
. Characterization of vaginal fluid by Lugol's staining of glycogenated
epithelial cells
. Extraction of DNA by organic, differential, and DNA IQ methods
. Quantitation of DNA using an ABI 7500 Real-Time PCR System
. Amplification of DNA by Profiler Plus, COfiler, Identifiler, PowerPlex
16, and PowerPlex Y
. Analysis of amplified DNA using an ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer
(capillary electrophoresis)
. Interpretation of DNA electropheragrams, including mixtures and
identification of PCR artifacts
. Integration of analytical findings into a laboratory report
. Detection of drugs using color test, TLC, HPLC, GC-MS, GC-ECD, ELISA
(TECANTM ), TDX-FLXTM systems
. Detection of Breath Alcohol Concentration using GC-FID
. Analysis of proteins using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, Western Blot,
SDS-PAGE
. Separation of DNA using Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, Restriction Fragment
Linked Polymorphism (RFLP) technique
. Use of LIMS system to enter data, maintain chain of custody and review
reports
. Isolation of microbial DNA and plasmid DNA using DH5alpha
. Microbiology plating techniques and identification of cultures
Professional Experiences
. Laboratory Technician (CODIS) Feb 2011- Present
. Performs quantitation and dilution of DNA samples
. Performs extraction of DNA samples using EZ1 robot
. Lab Support Specialist II (Environmental) July 2010 -
Jan 2011
NMS labs, Willow Grove, PA
. Performs all the duties of Lab support specialist 1
. Provide training to interns and new personals on different tests and
laboratory safety
. Takes part in lab improvement projects such as ISO implementation
and Lean
. Attends continuing education series to obtain additional information
about the tests performed, client services and laboratory
accreditation
.
. Lab Support Specialist I (Environmental) November 2008
- July 2010
NMS labs, Willow Grove, PA
. Perform routine rapid toxicology testing especially DUI and medical
examiners cases on blood, urine,vitreous and tissue samples
. Set-up routine calibration method using the total chrome software
. Calculate the test results and enter data into the LIMS
. Frequently monitor test skills using internal and external
proficiency tests
. Maintain clean and organize work environment
. Maintain QC charts on tests performed on different analytes
. Made standards and Quality controls for many test following SOP
guidelines
. Performed regular instrument maintenance
. Performed pipette and syringe calibrations using the pipette
tracking system
. Enter calculated result in to the Horizon database
. Maintained the chain of custody of the samples using Horizon system
. Successfully completes analysis on time to keep up with the turn-
around time
. Lab Support Specialist 1 (LCMS) October 2008-
November 2008
NMS labs, Willow Grove, PA
. Perform routine therapeutic drug testing using liquid-liquid
extraction and column based solid phase extraction
. Maintained proper chain of custody
. Use the MassLynx software to sent data to the instrument
. Lab Support Specialist 1 (Special Chemistry) June 2008 -
November 2008
NMS labs, Willow Grove, PA
. Performed routine drug screens in body fluids using ELISA Tecan
system
. Performed colorimetric testing or spot tests to identify
acetaminophen and salicylic acid
. Routine instrument maintenance done
. Implemented the LEAN policy and was the part of the 5S champs team(
laboratory maintenance)
. Ensured proper documentation of various test performed following SOP
guidelines
. Reviewed work of other analyst before releasing the results to the
toxicologist through LIMS
Internship/ Project Experience
. Intern January 2008 - May 2008
The Frederic Rieders Family Renaissance Foundation (FRFRF)
Willow Grove, PA
. 14 week internship and training in concepts involving forensic
biology, toxicology and chemistry
. Examination, collection and preservation of biological evidence
using basic and advance techniques
. Under direct supervision, performed several phases of analysis such
as
. Identification of Bodily fluids
. Performed DNA analysis using the ABI STR platform
. Blood Alcohol content
. Identify drugs using LCMS and GC-MS (chemstation
software)
. Field trip to medical examiner's office to watch an
autopsy
. Intern December 2006 - January
2007
N M S Labs, Willow Grove, PA
. Evidence collection and documentation
. Maintain proper chain of custody
. Observed analysis on PCR, RT-PCR and ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer
. Project Assistant January 2006 - May
2006
University of Agriculture Science, GKVK, Bangalore, India
. Extraction of DNA and proteins from plant and fungal sources
. Performed PCR and RFLP techniques to detect DNA
. Maintained proper cultures of fungi
. Maintained proper documentation and submitted results of the
findings
. Capstone presentation on the work done
. Intern May 2005 - June 2005
Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine Kuwait University, Kuwait
. Extracted DNA from E.coli
. DNA analysis on PCR using molecular ladders
. Extracted proteins using western blot
. Observed an autopsy under medical staff and students
. Intern May 2004 - June 2004
Cell & Neurobiology Lab, Cochin University of Science & Technology,
Kerala India
. Studied ATP synthesis using mouse models
. Performed enzyme(glutamate dehydrogenase) assay using spectrometry
techniques
. Observed pancreatectomy performed on mice
. Maintain documentation of the analysis performed
Research Experience
. Research Assistant September
2007 - May 2008
The Frederic Rieders Family Renaissance Foundation (FRFRF)
Willow Grove PA
. Performed experiments and trails on carbide derived carbon(CDC)
samples obtained from Hahneman Hospital, Drexel University
. Coordinated program with the nanoscience department of Drexel
University
. Constructed the experimental design under supervision of
Professors and Scientists
. Actively worked in obtaining the best choice of CDC samples by
varying parameters
. Results were provided to the nanoscience department for
confirmation
. Capstone presentation performed on the work done
Additional Qualification
. Graduate Assistantships
. Presented at the campus open house to represent the Forensic
Science program at Arcadia University
. Worked as a group with professors and students in deciding the
relevant coursework for the upcoming graduate students
. Worked at the school inter-library loan section. Duties involved
acquisitioned items requested by patrons and researched information
for patrons.
. Designed the international student webpage at Arcadia University
. Coordinated the community based PBS documentaries on campus
Professional Affiliations
. Student Affiliate - American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) -
October 2006-April 2010
. Life time Member - Society of Biotechnologists, India
. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Certification Blood Alcohol Analyst-
Oct 2009
Honor and Awards
Merit Scholarship (Final year Bachelors)
Phi Beta Delta Honor Society
References
Professional references furnished upon request