Biological Research Assistant/Laboratory Technician

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PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND PROFICIENCIES:

* Proficient time management and organizational skills achieved through the ability to plan, schedule, prioritize and multi-task so as to maximize productivity.

* Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to keep detailed notes and records, summarize results and provide written and verbal briefings and progress reports that are logical and coherent.

* Well-developed interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a wide range of personalities, backgrounds and cultures; able to work equally well as part of a team or independently.

* Strategic problem solving and troubleshooting capabilities with the ability to analyze and interpret research data and to devise and implement a plan in order to increase efficiency and achieve goals.

* Comprehensive computer skills which include utilizing spreadsheet, word processing, data analysis, Internet and E-mail software for both Windows and Mac OS; demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software.

* Extensive technical capabilities with hands-on experience utilizing highly specialized scientific laboratory equipment and machinery and the capacity to quickly learn new technology.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

[Wyoming Valley Healthcare System / Pennant Laboratory Services - Wilkes-Barre, PA ]

* Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Laboratory - Specimen Processing * - SPECIMEN PREP TECH (3/06 - Present)

• Verified contents of specimen transfer lists received from satellite laboratories and entered transfer list information into computer system to verify that everything was received and correct.

• Unpacked specimens from affiliated doctors, hospitals, nursing homes and home health care agencies; verified contents and that the appropriate specimens were received for the tests ordered.

• Entered orders for specimens received from clients; contacted appropriate doctors' offices, hospitals, nursing homes and home health care agencies to resolve any discrepancies regarding missing or inappropriate specimens and questions about orders.

• Identified patients' names correctly on specimens to be labeled; determined which specimens are acceptable and appropriate for each test ordered and labeled all specimens accordingly.

• Faxed and called test results according to ordering instructions; promptly reported critical and stat results to doctors; handled phone calls from clients and customers with questions about tests, lab results, specimen processing, ordering, reports, specimen pick-ups and various other client and customer questions.

• Prepared specimens to be sent out to reference labs for testing according to specific test and specimen requirements; determined what type of specimen is needed, separated serum and plasma from whole blood as necessary, aliquotted appropriate volume, stored samples at the appropriate temperature and prepared specimen packing lists according to shipping temperature.

• Performed daily QA activities by checking collections pending reports, accessions pending reports, fax and call reports for test results and reviewing orders from satellite labs to verify accuracy; corrected or resolved any and all problems and discrepancies found on reports by contacting the appropriate ordering office or hospital department to determine the appropriate action to be taken.

[American Red Cross / NEPA Blood Services - Ashely, PA]

* Blood Manufacturing Laboratory * - TECHNICAL ASSISTANT (2/05 - 9/05)

• Received deliveries of donated blood products; inspected blood transporter conditions and completed blood transporter inspection log, verified contents and completed transporting and receiving checklist.

• Entered blood donation and blood component information in computer database system.

• Performed leukocyte reduction filtration of red blood cells.

• Counted inventory and reviewed daily detailed inventory reports for all blood components.

[Children’s Mercy Hospital - Kansas City, MO]

* Department of Genetics Research * - RESEARCH ASSISTANT (9/01 - 4/02)

• Performed genetic analyses in order to discover novel mutations for steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, hereditary pancreatitis and hemochromatosis.

• Isolated DNA from patient blood to be used for genetic analysis.

• Optimized conditions and performed PCR, gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing analysis for target genes studied.

• Compared patient DNA sequences to wild-type sequence in order to detect mutations.

• Ordered all laboratory supplies and maintained records of all purchases.

• Maintained inventory of all laboratory chemicals

[University of Missouri-Kansas City; School of Biological Sciences - Kansas City, MO]

* Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics * - RESEARCH ASSISTANT (6/01 - 8/01)

• Introduced to the basic theory, technique and instrumentation of laser Raman spectroscopy.

• Prepared buffers at varying pH and examined the difference in Raman spectra.

[University of Kansas Medical Center - Kansas City, KS]

* Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine * - RESEARCH ASSISTANT (10/00 - 4/01)

• Used a mouse keratinocyte cell culture as a model system to study the p53 tumor suppressor gene signaling pathway in response to DNA damaging agents.

• Performed UVB and UVC irradiation of keratinocytes and examined the response of various molecules involved in the p53 DNA damage response pathway, using western blot ECL analysis.

• Began to look at the chemotherapeutic effect of the bioflavonoid apigenin, by examining the response of various molecules involved in the p53 DNA damage response pathway after apigenin treatment, using western blot ECL analysis.

• Performed lab maintenance duties such as dishwashing, autoclaving and making common-use buffers.

• Presented data at group meetings.

[University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine - Philadelphia, PA]

* Division of Hematology/Oncology * - RESEARCH SPECIALIST (8/98 - 7/00)

• Utilized transfected mammalian cell culture system as a model to study platelet integrin signaling.

• Used recombinant DNA techniques to sublcone and purify cDNA and plasmids for mammalian cell transfections and used PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA analysis.

• Optimized protocol for electroporation transfection of lymphocyte cell model.

• Performed immobilized cell adhesion assays and soluble binding assays on lymphocytes and platelets, using flow cytometry and colorimetric absorbance analysis, to study integrin function.

• Learned technique for isolating platelets from patient blood using gel filtration.

• Managed lab upkeep by ordering common supplies and equipment for all lab personnel.

• Trained co-workers, informally, on usage of specialized lab equipment.

[SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals R&D (GlaxoSmithKline) - King of Prussia, PA]

* Department of Biological Process Sciences * - CO-OP (9/96 - 3/97)

• Utilized techniques of protein purification (small and large scale) including affinity, cation/anion exchange, hydrophobic (HIC) and size exclusion (SEC) chromatography, concentration, centrifugation, precipitation and filtration to assist with purification process validation.

• Determined purification process efficiency for product recovery and for contaminant clearance, e.g., host cell proteins protein A, DNA and product aggregate.

• Learned techniques for protein analysis including protein concentration assays, gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), western blots, HPLC, affinity column assays for product purity and protein quantification using a densitometer.

• Utilized IBM compatible PC for data handling and analysis.

• Presented data at group meetings.

[SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals R&D (GlaxoSmithKline) - King of Prussia, PA]

* Department of Cellular Biochemistry * - CO-OP (9/95 - 3/96)

• Utilized radioligand binding assays, size exclusion chromatography and ELISA assays to determine the binding activity of lead compounds in drug discovery efforts in areas of osteoporosis, cannabinoid pharmacology and cytokine biosynthesis.

• Prepared plasma membrane containing calcium receptor.

• Scaled up cell cultures for use in binding assays.

[SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals R&D (GlaxoSmithKline) - King of Prussia, PA]

* Department of Molecular Immunology * - CO-OP (9/94 - 3/95)

• Maintained human/mouse hybridoma lymphocyte cell cultures expressing various CD4 surface markers and learned sterile cell tissue culture techniques.

• Performed lymphocyte subset analysis using flow cytometry.

• Performed cell adhesion and binding assays using monoclonal anti-CD4 antibodies in order to find a good binding inhibitor.

• Presented data at group meetings.

• Trained co-workers, informally, on usage of flow cytometer.

EDUCATION:

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, specialization in biochemistry (9/98): Drexel University - Philadelphia, PA

Dean's List (Winter term 1993-94)

Member Phi Eta Sigma (National College Freshman Scholastic Honor Society)

* Work-Study Positions:

Populations Genetics Lab (9/97 – 6/98)

• Learned technique for isolating DNA from sample tissue.

• Created Excel database to organize information on specimens and experiments.

• Enhanced organizational skills by organizing specimens and catalogs and filing papers.

Cell Physiology Lab (3/94 – 6-94)

• Assisted graduate student in Cell Physiology with general lab maintenance and experimental set-up.

• Prepared media and agar plates for use in experiments.

* Selected Coursework Includes:

Human Physiology Incl. Lab • Organismal Biology Incl. Lab • Genetics Incl. Lab • Biochemistry Incl. Lab • Growth & Heredity Incl. Lab • Immunology • Proteins • Biomembranes • Biorhythms of Pharm/Toxicol • General Chemistry I - III Incl. Lab • Organic Chemistry I/II Incl. Lab • Quantitative Analysis • Technical Writing

REFERENCES: Will be furnished upon request.

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