Program Manager Training
Resume:
MARIA S. DIXON, MS, Ph.D.
*****.*.*******@*****.***
Results-driven training program manager with a strong aptitude for developing and delivering impactful learning content. Proven ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, concise language for global audiences. Expertise in managing the full training lifecycle, fostering engaging learning environments, and facilitating strategic partnerships to enhance operational efficiency. Seeking to leverage my expertise in scientific training, cross-functional collaboration, and vendor management to drive scientific innovation and excellence. SKILLS
Training Development: Expertise incomprehensive training programs, from needs assessment to evaluation, utilize blended learning and adult learning principles to enhance engagement and retention, and managed onboarding and skill development initiatives.
Project Management: Proficient in planning, executing, and managing training initiatives and projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
Effective Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Drive successful global, cross-functional collaborations by leveraging excellent presentation, facilitation, and comprehensive written and verbal communication skills. Instructional Design: Adult learning principles, blended learning modalities (classroom, on-demand, virtual and asynchronous learning)
Software Expertise: Proficient in Microsoft Suite, Learning Management Systems (Docebo LMS, Dayforce LXP), Collaboration Platforms (SharePoint), E-Learning Development (Articulate Storyline), and Project Management Tools
(Asana, Smartsheet).
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Scientist & Training Program Manager June 2020-Present BioAgilytix Labs
Learning and Development
• Conducted needs assessments, designed, developed, and delivered engaging training program curriculum across multiple modalities (in-person, virtual, asynchronous).
• Utilized data-driven methodologies to assess training effectiveness and implement continuous enhancements.
• Developed and led new hire onboarding and trainer programs, incorporating data-driven feedback to ensure training effectiveness and compliance.
• Collaborated with stakeholders to develop, review, and implement compliance policies and procedures.
• Partnered with internal and external stakeholders to assess training needs and ensure alignment with business objectives and GxP requirements.
• Collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders (Operations, Quality, Safety, IT, Compliance) to create annual training and communication strategies.
• Served as Operations training liaison, facilitator, and Subject Matter Expert (SME), and liaison for internal and external stakeholders.
• Developed and implemented communication initiatives to increase compliance awareness and accountability.
• Collaborated with the instructional designer to curate, edit, and manage learning content and SCORM files across SharePoint sites and the Docebo LMS platform.
• Served as the LMS training administrator and primary point of contact, delivering comprehensive technical support training to staff.
• Tracked training document lifecycles and records in the LMS and quality management system for timely completion and compliance.
• Partnered with internal stakeholders, vendors and clients to develop training content and facilitate effective learning sessions.
Program Management/Stakeholder Engagement
• Managed all phases of training initiatives, including curriculum development, facilitation, and evaluation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Plan, schedule and serve as primary liaison for clients, vendors, and stakeholders for vendor showcases and client seminars.
• Managed vendor relationships and timelines to ensure timely and successful event execution.
• Partnered with HR to lead bi-weekly onboarding programs, significantly enhancing new hire engagement and retention.
• Implemented a continuous improvement process, leveraging data analysis from LMS user data, surveys and focus groups to optimize training effectiveness.
• Developed and managed comprehensive training plans, including detailed timelines, milestones, and scheduling.
• Designed and implemented practical training aids, such as how-to guides, video demonstrations, SCORM e-learning content, and hands-on models.
• Collaborated with cross-functional SMEs to apply adult learning principles and blended learning modalities (classroom, on-demand, remote sessions), maximizing learner engagement and knowledge acquisition.
• Partner with quality to onboard new hires into QMS, support audits, document control and preparation of end of year training materials.
• Designed and refined training and mentorship programs, focusing on enhancing new hire onboarding and knowledge retention.
• Track and monitor the status of documents in LMS throughout their lifecycle to ensure completion of time.
Scientist
• Collaborated in project kick-off meetings, defining scope, timelines, budgets, archival and resources to support on-time, on-budget project delivery for bioanalytical studies.
• Lead and ensure the timely execution of bioanalytical assay (ADA, PK, NAb, Biomarker) development, validation, method transfer and sample analysis projects, ensuring adherence to GLP/GCLP/GMP guidelines.
• Present project findings and data to clients and sponsors, effectively communicating complex scientific and technical information using presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint).
• Manage daily workflow and provide direct supervision to direct reports ensuring scientific accuracy, adherence to standards, and effective workload management.
• Analyze and conduct data peer review generated from lab management software (Gen5, Watson LIMS) to generate reports, meet deadlines and budget requirements.
• Ensure adherence to good documentation practices for laboratory notebooks, equipment logbooks, and labels; authored and reviewed bioanalytical plans, reports, and methods to maintain quality and compliance.
• Serve as Subject Matter expert and senior scientist to provide technical support of (3) bioanalytical teams and (10) undergraduate interns on instrument use and bioanalytical assay development. Ambassador, Engagement & Special Projects Coordinator January 2019-June 2021 The Delta Research and Educational Foundation Research Matters for All of Us Program
• Collaborated with community engagement, subject matter experts (SMEs), and vendors to plan and execute local and global community engagement events.
• Managed program logistics, resources, and vendor contracts and cross-functional collaboration to support All of Us Research Program objectives and geographical outreach.
• Led the development of scalable project plans, driving timeline adherence and process optimization, ensuring alignment with precision medicine research policies, compliance standards, and operational requirements.
• Served as the primary liaison for program inquiries and partnership opportunities, building and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, training ambassadors on engagement techniques with research participants, and healthcare partners.
• Develop and manage vendor contract negotiations, driving renewals, risk mitigation strategies, and financial oversight to ensure program continuity and fiscal responsibility.
• Collaborated with community engagement teams, subject matter experts (SMEs), and external vendors to develop and implement large-scale precision medicine research local and global initiatives. Breast Cancer Postdoctoral Fellow September 2017-June 2020 North Carolina Central University -Duke Cancer Institute Translational Research
• Designed and executed research to investigate breast cancer subtypes, delivering findings to internal teams, patients, and community stakeholders.
• Led community-focused educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, enhancing patient engagement through seminars and focus groups to underserved communities.
• Established and optimized cell culture models for studying breast cancer, including the aggressive subtype, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
• Designed and conducted functional assays to assess critical aspects of breast cancer progression, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Analyzed data from these assays, including RNA and protein expression.
• Developed and implemented high-throughput drug screening assays to identify potential therapeutic options for breast cancer.
• Authored and co-authored 4 publications in peer-reviewed journals on breast cancer research.
• Presented research findings through weekly meetings, oral reports, and local/national meetings.
• Planned and facilitated community focus groups to understand breast cancer disease awareness and identify strategies to address health disparities in underserved communities. Graduate Research Assistant August 2012-June 2017
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Dissertation: Antisense AFP transcripts in mouse liver and their potential role in AFP gene regulation
• Managed and coordinated research projects focused on liver cancer and brain cancer, contributing to the development of patient-focused educational resources.
• Engaged with community partners to disseminate research findings, helping to bridge the gap between scientific research and patient care.
• Leveraged strong analytical skills using statistical software (MS Excel, GraphPad Prism and Power BI) to interpret complex oncology data. Presented findings in clear and concise formats (oral & poster presentations) at local, national, and potentially international meetings.
• Mentored and trained students in laboratory techniques relevant to oncology research, including aseptic techniques and complex experimental procedures.
• Teaching Assistant - Critical Readings Course: Trained graduate students in critical analysis and interpretation of scientific literature, a core skill for staying current in oncology research. Graduate Research Assistant August 2010-April 2012 Jackson State University College of Science, Engineering, and Technology Thesis: Validation of IRAK4: Signal Pathway Components in Brain Cancer (Glioblastoma LN18)
• Investigated the role of the IRAK4 signaling pathway in glioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer.
• Utilized Western blot, siRNA knockdown, overexpression, and cell viability assays to assess the impact of Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase 4 (IRAK4) protein on glioblastoma cells.
• Leveraged statistical software (MS Excel and GraphPad Prism) to analyze complex oncological data related to the IRAK4 pathway in brain cancer.
• Presented research findings in clear and concise formats (oral & poster presentations) at local, national meetings, potentially contributing to the advancement of brain cancer treatment. EDUCATION
2017 Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY (Dissertation Title: "Antisense AFP transcripts in mouse liver and their potential role in AFP gene regulation”)
2012 M.S. in Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS (Thesis Title: “Validation of IRAK4: Signal Pathway Components in Brain Cancer (Glioblastoma LN18)”)
2007 B.S. in Biology (Cum Laude), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Contact this candidate