Bio

Molecular Biology ASCP Certified, California Licensed Clinical Genetic and Molecular Biology Scientist (CLS) with 10+ years of experience in academic and CLIA laboratory settings. As a Technologist for Texas Medical Specialty Inc. I performed renal, pancreas, heart and stem cell transplant HLA typing, which included serologic, cellular, molecular PCR, sequencing, STR and flow cytometry testing. I was responsible for on-call coverage as well as inventory/expiration tracking. At The Jackson Laboratory, I was hired to establish and manage a west coast diagnostic laboratory. There I performed necropsies and diagnostic testing on research mice. Upon start up completion, I moved to Southern California where I accepted a position at Genoptix Medical Laboratory. I performed molecular assays such as BCR/ABL, MPL, JAK2, KRAS, EGFR using Real Time PCR, Rotorgene and Agilent Gels. I have been involved in projects such as: the development and validation of an automation system for RNA and DNA extraction. I held the safety lead and was an active member of the 5S laboratory organization team, I authored several protocols and perform monthly QA/QC. I began training on NextGen sequencing and have experience with analyzing Sanger Sequencing for IGVH testing. I am proficient at running the Fluidigmn system as well as washing and loading MiSeqs. At Avera I have been developing LDT's and turning a research lab into a CLIA lab. I have been performing RNA seq, Whole Genome Sequencing and Whole Exome Sequencing on the NextSeq 500s as well as working on the Nanostring platform. Now, as a manager of multiple departments including Pathology, Cytology, Precision Medicine and the morgue I have gained hospital administration experience. I have designed and carried out business plans, department moves and reorganizations. I handle payroll, time off requests, disciplinary actions, department troubleshooting, capital requests and budgeting. I also assist in managing core lab, phlebotomy and blood bank at another location. My ability to work as part of a team as well as alone with little to no supervision combined with my enthusiasm to learn and attention to detail are the main elements to my success.