MARA HARRIS
**** ******** **, **, ** ***** · 970-***-****
***********@******.***
******.******@*****.***
I am looking to continue and advance my career in a laboratory setting or in a field of biology.
EXPERIENCE
DEC 2016– MAY 2020
LAB ASSISTANT, UT HEALTH, DIABETES DEPT.
I was responsible for all aspects of the studies and maintenance of the lab and its equipment.
I ensured the well-being of the test subjects per our Laboratory Animal Resource Department, which adhered to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. I routinely took biomedical markers and oversaw the sedation and anesthesia through survivable and nonsurvivable procedures using my veterinary experience. I oversaw handling all vital specimens from preserving, preparing, testing and storage. I also handled all the reagents from ordering, storage and preparing solutions required to perform my tasks. Helped maintain vital records of controlled substances and reagents used in the laboratory.
DEC 2010 – 2016
CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN II, Esoterix Laboratories inc./Labcorp
I was responsible for receiving samples, performing diagnostic testing, maintaining lab equipment, performing studies, compiling data for various reports and training new hires in accessioning and DNA department duties. Part of my tasks also involved streamlining preexisting standard operating procedures as well as creating some for new testing methodology including the Luminex system. A key factor in my position was bringing the lab up to International Organization for Standardization certification guidelines and keeping it in a “ready of inspection” state by instituting a communication log per the quality assurance department as well as instilling an attention to detail from duplicate samples to expiration of reagents.
MAR 2004 – 2008
HEAD PET NURSE, CVT, Banfield pet hospital
Upon completion of my apprenticeship, I quickly became the head pet nurse after becoming a certified veterinary technician. Part of the head nurses’ tasks was managing the clinic by scheduling the other clinic nurses, interns, and support staff. As new training doctors arrived, I helped with training on workflow and computer systems. As lead I also ensured that controlled substances were recorded as well maintaining our pharmacy and general inventory. Was tasked with performing sample collection, in-house testing as well as preparing samples for referral. I also performed acquisition of x-ray both dental and full body, placed intravenous and urinary catheters, administered prescribed drugs, maintained anesthesia and provided post op care. Rotated with others on opening and closing day duties, helped with general cleaning of the lobby, developing room, kennels and surgical sweet.
EDUCATION
MAY 2010
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, BIOLOGY, metro StATE COLLEGE OF DENVER,Co
Obtained degree with a concentration in medical technology and a minor in chemistry. I was honored with the title of magna cum laude.
MAY 2005
ASSOCIATES OF ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY, bel-Rea Institute
Graduated with honors, magna cum laude.
SKILLS
Well versed in medical terminology and anatomy
Experience with multiple types of equipment and testing in a veterinary and laboratory setting
Sample acquisition, testing, storage and, disposal
SOP maintenance and creation
Adaptable to adverse situations
Strong communication skills
Team management abilities
Training new hires and new methodologies
Inventory maintenance
Data collection, recording and archiving
Sterile technique
Safety
ACTIVITIES
I was a certified vet tech for over four years but worked around animals for much longer, and have taken phlebotomy training, that I excelled in but did not pursue a certification.
I am passionate about the natural world, especially the ocean, and spend much of my free time removing litter from Texas beaches and parks. I also tend to be curious, and I will often study species in these environments as well as natural phenomenon, such as astronomical events, by reading articles and journal publications.
I like the challenges the unknown provides and above all the chance to learn.