Experience

Laulima Government Solutions, LLC

• United States
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Core Services Lead | Leading the planning, execution & scientific reporting of BSL-4 programs

  • Mar 2020 - Present

  ▶️ 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄 I continued to lead the Core Services Group, following the contract change from Battelle to Laulima, and supported the Integrated Research Facility within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID). My team focuses on researching, developing, and delivering biomedical and biodefense solutions that prevent and treat infectious diseases in tight timelines for government clients. Currently, I manage and collaborate across all phases of the R&D project management lifecycle, including research methodology, project scheduling, resource management, process validation, research prototype, risk assessment, QA/QC, and cost containment. As the primary study liaison, I chair weekly meetings and lead discussions on project status and timelines. Within a short period, I built a reputation for adapting to last-minute project changes and ensuring their on-time and under-budget delivery. ▶️ 𝐑&𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 🧫 Transformed team performance by instilling a working culture that promoted the exchange of new ideas and building collaborative working relationships 🧫 Accelerated COVID-19 treatment and countermeasure development under Operation Warp Speed, in partnership with multiple 500 pharmaceutical companies, and performed monoclonal antibody testing on animal models 🧫 Coordinated patient sample processing for a multicenter, adaptive, randomized, blinded controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of investigational therapeutics for treating COVID-19 in hospitalized adults 🧫 Worked with a biopharmaceutical company on evaluating an Ebola antibody cocktail by designing and executing an animal study plan Show less



Battelle

• United States
• Research Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• • Jan 2019 - Mar 2020

  ▶️ 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄I was appointed to lead the Core Services Group, an 11-member team under the NIAID's clinical research division, on highly visible, public sector mission-critical projects involving Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 viruses.This experience expanded my project management skills. I designed and executed the R&D project strategy, including defining, tracking, and reporting key project milestones, lab results, costs, deliverables, and performance objectives.▶️ 𝐑&𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓🧫 Enhanced quality systems and clinical diagnostic decision-making by securing approval for investments into new hematology, chemistry, and hemostasis analyzers🧫 Streamlined client communication channels by creating a method to track project performance metrics in the Core Services Group▶️ 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍🏆 Outstanding Performance Award | Identified, developed, and delivered an RT-qPCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 project completionThis initiative was completed as Acting Core Services Lead while I was managing my regular Molecular Lead duties. Show less

• • Sep 2017 - Dec 2018

  ▶️ 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄I supervised 3 Scientists in the Molecular Group in designing and executing complex studies, including plaque, RT-qPCR, and bacterial identification, and virus propagation and purification experiments involving deadly pathogens.I also performed QC on cell lines and virus stocks facility-wide and wrote study data reports, laboratory methods, and SOPs.▶️ 𝐑&𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓🧫 Co-developed a novel real-time PCR assay to quantitatively detect the Nipah Virus by recognizing only replicated viral RNAThis new development later led to co-authorship on a scientific publication.▶️ 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍🏆 2x Winner, NIAID Merit Award1) Demonstrated activation of immune response genes and identified critical transition points in severe Ebola Virus Disease2) Worked with the Broad Institute on novel and next-generation technologies for BSL-4 pathogen studies Show less



MRIGlobal

• United States
• Research Services
• 200 - 300 Employee

• • Aug 2014 - Sep 2017

  ▶️ 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄My strong background in PCR validation led to my promotion to Molecular Lead In this capacity, I led and coordinated a 3-member team in virus propagation and purification experiments focused on identifying organisms isolated and cultured from animal studies.Additionally, I drove the development and troubleshooting of plaque, real-time qPCR, QC, and bacterial identification assays for investigating, monitoring, and combating high consequence pathogens.▶️ 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍🏆 NIH Director's Award | Member of the NIH Ebola Patient Care Response Team🏆 MRIGlobal Director's Award | Recognized for outstanding performance Show less

• • Jun 2011 - Aug 2014

  ▶️ 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄My preclinical study support and hands-on experience using chemistry, hematology, and hemostasis analyzers led to my hiring at this independent research and technology center.As a Medical Technologist, I supported animal studies by carrying out routine and moderately complex molecular biology and clinical analyses, using RT-PCR and plaque assays on serum, plasma, and whole blood samples in a BSL-2 laboratory.▶️ 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍🏆 2x Winner, MRIGlobal Spotlight Award1) Outstanding performance rooted in consistent, on-time test completion2) Accurate clinical data documentation within tight timelines and QA processes Show less



Covance

• United States
• Research Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• • Apr 2010 - Jun 2011

  ▶️ 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄For my second promotion, I supported research studies and drug development programs as a Genetic and Molecular Toxicology Group member. My efforts focused on managing routine and complex laboratory testing activities, including tissue culture, karyotyping, harvesting, staining, microscopy, and toxicology assays.I also oversaw general laboratory operations, including method development, procedure documentation, QA/QC monitoring, instrument maintenance, staff training, and various certification, licensure, and accreditation preparation processes.▶️ 𝐑&𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓🧫 Decreased Technician touch time in 2 departments by introducing a protocol to archive cytogenetic slides, which increased analytical throughput and lab results integrity🧫 Lowered risk and the number of citations by updating the cytogenetic workbook with best practices in quality management, design control, and FDA guidelines for lab-developed tests and preclinical validation study designs Show less

• • Mar 2008 - Apr 2010

  ▶️ 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄I progressed to Medical Technologist and supported research by performing hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, coagulation, immunoassay, protein electrophoresis, urine/serum osmolality, and genetic toxicology assays.My efforts also expanded to developing new methods, initiating investigations, implementing corrective actions involving animal care, and leading laboratory tours for FDA, USDA, and foreign government officials.▶️ 𝐑&𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓🧫 Eliminated outsourcing—saving $75K—by qualifying new reagents (IgG, IgA, IgE) for in-house species🧫 Diversified specialized assay offerings by spearheading qualification of Cystatin C and GLDH🧫 Regularly selected for temporary supervisor roles for strong leadership and work performance🧫 Reduced excess ordering costs and expenditures on shared equipment and supplies by consolidating the clinical path control point station with dose analysis and sample processing🧫 Expedited sample analysis and disposal times by 50% after participating in a DPIC Six Sigma project, focused on discarding chemistry samples▶️ 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍🏆 Customer Won Award | Continued dedication in completing work and going above and beyond Show less

• • Mar 2006 - Mar 2008

  ▶️ 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄I joined this global CRO and supported scientific research teams through study management, preclinical and clinical data documentation, and routine maintenance checks on the hematology, chemistry, and urinalysis analyzers.In addition to research support, I helped oversee the daily laboratory operations, including inventory, logistics, QA/QC audits, and internal/external client communications.▶️ 𝐑&𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓🧫 Created a method for Technicians to track lot numbers, calibrators, and reagents, while reducing analyzer troubleshooting🧫 Improved quality management by implementing a monthly maintenance system for the CLINITEK Atlas analyzer Show less