Alyss Wilkey
West Chicago,IL
Summary
Insightful Laboratory Technician brings dedication to excellence and calm demeanor. Team player trained in laboratory procedures, equipment maintenance and inventory management. Supports lab operations with accurate documentation and organized spaces.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Research Technologist
Northwestern University
04.2021 - Current
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative research methodologies and experimental designs.
- Implemented safety protocols in the lab environment, reducing workplace accidents and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
- Optimize resource allocation by creating detailed budgets and continually monitoring expenses throughout project lifecycles.
- Mentor junior staff members, providing guidance on best practices and fostering professional growth opportunities.
- Established productive partnerships with external collaborators to expand resources available for groundbreaking research efforts.
- Improved laboratory organization by maintaining accurate inventories of equipment, supplies, and samples.
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to stay informed about recent developments in relevant fields of study, ensuring research projects were grounded in the latest academic insights.
- Developed and executed detailed project timelines, ensuring all milestones were met or exceeded by coordinating team efforts and anticipating potential roadblocks.
Laboratory Scientist
Aesku-Bion
08.2019 - 04.2021
- Conducted routine maintenance on lab equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime due to malfunctions.
- Maintained accurate records of production data, up to 3/day
- Improved product quality with meticulous monitoring of manufacturing parameters and adherence to specifications.
- Increased workplace safety, conducting thorough hazard assessments and implementing corrective actions.
Laboratory Research Technician
Rush University Medical Center, RUMC
04.2018 - 08.2019
- Enhanced equipment performance by conducting regular maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.
- Developed comprehensive documentation for 12 pieces of equipment maintenance procedures, increasing efficiency among technicians.
- Organized work to meet production goals.
- Tested components and systems to evaluate performance and identify concerns
Lab Technician
Cleveland Clinic
07.2017 - 05.2019
- Inspected up to 500/day patient specimens to ensure compliance with clinical testing requirements
- Prepared daily Category B shipments at ambient, refrigerated, and frozen temperatures
- Independently resolved issues with specimens
- Received highest performance reviews from supervisor
Research Assistant
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
07.2014 - 07.2017
- Daily processing of ~20 patient samples including blood, stool, urine, and saliva
- Shipped ~5 Category B Biological shipments/month
- Trained and became independent on more complex assays, including analyzing samples via flow cytometry, DNA extraction/PCR, learning cell culture and growth assay
- Received promotion early
Seasonal Field Technician
V3 companies
08.2013 - 01.2014
- Learned to identify native and invasive plant species
- Traveled to different sites to ecologically restore and maintain the plant life: planted native species, applied herbicide to & cut down invasives
- Obtained Pesticide Applicator Certification
Education
B.S. Biology -
University of Illinois
05.2013
Skills
- Project Management
- Personnel Management
- CPR/First Aid Certified
- Quality Assurance
- Regulatory Compliance
- Sample Preparation
- Laboratory Safety Protocols
- Equipment Operation
Volunteer Experience
- Master Naturalist, 08/2023-Present. Current Naturalist Trainee, having completed the coursework and actively pursuing volunteer hour requirements.
- Green Roselle, 04/2022, 10/2023, I worked to start and develop this not-for-profit organization. We met monthly and attended community events to recruit volunteers. I led the Land/Waste/Cleanup committee and organized events and volunteers.
- Various organizations, 2010, present, Through University of Illinois Extension, Forest Preserve District of Dupage County, The Alliance for the Great Lakes, Friends of the Chicago River, and Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, I’ve been a volunteer for community clean up events to remove garbage and plant flowers to beautify neighborhoods.
Timeline
Senior Research Technologist
Northwestern University
04.2021 - Current
Laboratory Scientist
Aesku-Bion
08.2019 - 04.2021
Laboratory Research Technician
Rush University Medical Center, RUMC
04.2018 - 08.2019
Lab Technician
Cleveland Clinic
07.2017 - 05.2019
Research Assistant
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
07.2014 - 07.2017
Seasonal Field Technician
V3 companies
08.2013 - 01.2014
B.S. Biology -
University of Illinois