Microbiology Professional

SHERRE CHAMBLISS-BUSH

**** ********** **., *******, ** 30666

Phone: 678-***-**** . Email: *********@*****.***

Profile

Microbiology Professional with ten year track record of hands-on

experience. Solid knowledge of food science, microbiology, biology, and

cell biology. Ability to work independently or in a collaborative setting

efficiently and effectively with excellent problem solving skills.

Superior communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Proven

ability to prioritize multiple projects and set goals. Self-driven

individual with scientific curiosity to drive innovation. Hard worker and

fast learner with a desire to learn new skills. Excellent computer skills

to include Microsoft Word and Excel.

Areas of Knowledge/Expertise

Aseptic techniques Molecular biology Potency and identity

Microbiology Real-time PCR testing of cell free and

Mycology HPLC cell associated vaccines

Cell biology ELISA

Biology Enzyme assays Data analysis

Chemistry LIMS Time management skills

Attention to detail

Professional Experience

Merial Select, Quality Control Department - Gainesville, GA

Quality Control Master Technician, 40 hrs/week December 2012 to Present.

. Potency and identity testing of final and in-process samples for avian

Marek's disease vaccines in a USDA regulated laboratory.

. Perform cell counts, use of fluorescent antibodies testing methodology

and use of standard and fluorescent microscopes.

. Assist with ELISA testing of finished product samples and cell starts

for detection of avian leucosis virus.

. Responsible for wearing proper personnel protective equipment.

. Proper cleaning of the test areas or equipment following quality

control guidelines and documentation of cleaning on appropriate

cleaning records.

. Preparation of tissue culture for QC testing including using and

following proper aseptic techniques in the preparation of chicken

embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells to ensure sterility.

. Time management skills necessary to ensure scheduling of testing of

finished products within 5 days of receipt.

. Ability to follow all standard working procedures, departmental and

company regulations, USDA guidelines and government regulations.

. Good laboratory record keeping, monitoring of samples during testing

and proper documentation throughout testing period.

. Attention to detail necessary to identify any contamination, abnormal

plaques or abnormal fluorescence of samples.

. Data entry including data capture forms, LIMS, laboratory records,

notebooks and logs.

. Evaluate all incoming media to ensure quality control standards are

met.

. Suggest methods to improve workflow.

. Maintain a safe and clean work environment.

University of Georgia, Department of Food Science & Technology, Food

Microbiology Laboratory - Athens, GA

Graduate Research Assistant, 30+ hrs/week December 2009 to August 2012

. Provided research in food safety and microbiology through

microbiological experimental design, planning and analytical lab work.

. Studied the impact of bacteria and fungi on commodities such as whole

broiler chickens, fresh produce, whole grains, canned foods and pet

foods and evaluated the impact of control strategies on organism

survival.

. Recorded data from experimental tests in a computer, log book or

laboratory notebook. Analyzed trends and patterns of quantitative data.

. Made recommendations to supervisor concerning experimental equipment,

protocols and project revisions.

. Managed high volume of samples by organizing and multi-tasking.

. Presented research findings and technical information at industry

meetings.

. Performed microbiological methodologies of food samples in order to

determine viable organisms or total counts. Examined physiological,

morphological and cultural characteristics of bacterial isolates to

identify and classify microorganisms.

. Performed calibrations on an assortment of laboratory equipment.

. Supervised 40 students and 4 laboratory personnel in performing proper

laboratory techniques.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Toxicology

& Mycotoxin Research Unit - Athens, GA

Biological Science Laboratory Technician, 30 hrs/week October 2005 to

December 2009

. Studied the impact of fungi on corn kernels and corn plants and

evaluated the impact of control strategies on fungal survival and toxin

production.

. Performed standard techniques such as high-performance liquid

chromatography (HPLC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) for toxin

testing (aflatoxins and fumonisins) and histochemical staining to

identify and characterize isolated fungi.

. Presented research findings and technical information at industry

meetings.

. Recorded data from experimental tests in a computer, log book or

laboratory notebook. Analyzed trends and patterns of quantitative data.

. Developed and optimized culture conditions for growth, biocontrol

capability and mycotoxin inhibition of fungi.

. Managed a variety of assigned research laboratory operations.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern

Regional Research Center, FSIS Detail - Athens, GA

Biological Science Laboratory Technician, 25 hrs/week June 2003 to

September 2005

. Performed a variety of laboratory experiments in support of research

programs and projects for the USDA's Food Safety & Inspection Service

(FSIS).

. Processed regulatory and spiked food samples of raw ground meats (beef

and poultry) for detection of enteric foodborne pathogens such as

Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

. Followed laboratory protocols and conducted microbiological,

serological and molecular biology procedures such as real-time PCR,

VITEK identification and gel electrophoresis.

. Participated in activities to support the design, development and

implementation of lab methods and activities to improve detection of

pathogens in foods.

. Implemented and validated hand mixing as an alternative to stomaching

for the Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook utilized by FSIS for ground

beef and poultry samples for the detection of Salmonella.

. Recorded data from experimental tests in a computer, log book or

laboratory notebook.

. Analyzed trends and patterns of quantitative data.

. Performed statistical analyses of data using Microsoft Excel and

SigmaStat software.

. Operated and calibrated a variety of laboratory equipment.

Other Experience

TeleNet Marketing Solutions - Athens, GA

Marketing Communications Specialist, 15 hrs/week September 2012 to

November 2012

. Responsible for placing calls to target companies to gather relevant

data and uncover potential sales opportunities.

. Engage target decision makers in a dialog and determine if there is an

interest in future purchasing of Information Technology products.

Monoclonal Antibody Facility - Athens, GA

Student Laboratory Worker, 16 hrs/week April 2003 to June 2003

. Performed molecular and immunological methods such as Enzyme Linked

ImmunoSorbent Assays (ELISA) on diluted test serum from immunized mice

and saturated ammonium sulfate precipitation to purify and concentrate

antibodies.

. Maintained data, records and inventory lists.

DialAmerica Marketing - Athens, GA

Customer Service Representative, 20 hrs/week October 2001 to April 2003

. Handled inbound phone calls from customers with interests in purchasing

or receiving additional information from various contracted companies,

which provided valuable experience in effective communication skills.

. Maintained a high level of customer satisfaction and performance level.

. Able to address and resolve customer complaints effectively.

University of Georgia, Department of Poultry Science - Athens, GA

Undergraduate Student, Summer Research Experience, 16 hrs/week May 2002

to July 2002

. Maintained mammalian cell cultures using aseptic technique. Performed

direct microscopic counts of cell cultures.

. Performed media preparation and sterilized materials.

University of Georgia, Department of Cellular Biology - Athens, GA

Undergraduate Student, Summer Research Experience, 16 hrs/week May 2001

to August 2001

. Team member in one or more phases of a research project in which

transition state assessments of protease inhibitor compounds were

performed to determine their potency and efficacy against the brain

disease, neurocysticercosis.

. Used a variety of analytical equipment to perform laboratory

experiments.

Education and Computer Skills

The University of Georgia, Athens, GA - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in

Food Science (Microbiology), August 2012.

Relevant Courses: Gene Technology, Genetics.

The University of Georgia, Athens, GA - Master of Science (M.S.) in Food

Science (Microbiology), August 2005.

Relevant Courses: Food Microbiology, Advanced Food Microbiology,

Statistics, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Food Chemistry.

The University of Georgia, Athens, GA - Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in

Cellular Biology, May 2003.

Relevant Courses: Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry,

Genetics, Cell Biology.

Computer Skills: Windows 95/98/2000/XP/Vista/8, Microsoft Office

(Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), SigmaStat, SigmaPlot,

StatGraphics.

Publications

. Chambliss, S., Narang, N., Vuneja, V.K. and Harrison, M.A. 2006.

Thermal injury and recovery of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis

in ground chicken with temperature, pH, and sodium chloride as

controlling factors. Journal of Food Protection. 69: 2058-2065.

. Chambliss-Bush, S. 2007. Determination of antifungal, biochemical and

physiological features of Trichoderma koningiopsis. Phytopathology.

97:S19.

. Yates, I.E., Chambliss-Bush, S., Samuels, G., and Sparks, D. 2008.

Growth rate and temperature tolerance of diverse Trichoderma

koningiopsis isolates. Phytopathology. 98:S177.

. Chambliss, S., Harrison, M.A., Law, S.E. 2012. Biofilm removal from

stainless steel surfaces using abrasive mechanical disruption combined

with low-volume electrostatic application of sanitizer spray.

International Association for Food Protection. P1-55.

Presentations

. 2012 Poster Presentation: IAFP Annual Meeting "Biofilm removal from

stainless steel surfaces using abrasive mechanical disruption combined

with low-volume electrostatic application of sanitizer spray."

Providence, RI. July 22-25, 2012.

. 2008 Poster Presentation: APS Centennial Meeting "Growth rate and

temperature tolerance of diverse Trichoderma koningiopsis isolates."

Minneapolis, MN. July 26-30, 2008.

. 2007 Poster Presentation: APS-SON Joint Meeting "Determination of

antifungal, biochemical and physiological features of Trichoderma

koningiopsis." San Diego, CA. July 28-August 1, 2007.

Contact this candidate