Breanna Varela
Summary
Energetic and determined Research Chemist with a passion for exploring new areas of science and driving advancements in the field. Enjoys working collaboratively within diverse teams, leveraging different mindsets to achieve project goals. Highly interested in innovative scientific work, seeking opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research and make meaningful contributions to scientific discovery.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
MRI Tech Aide
Shields Health Care Group
07.2023 - Current
- Assist MRI technologists with patient intake, screening, and positioning, ensuring patient safety and comfort in accordance with MRI protocols
- Coordinate patient flow and scan schedules to maintain efficient throughput in a high-volume imaging center
- Prepare MRI suites between patients, maintaining strict adherence to infection control and safety standards
- Provide clear pre-scan instructions and support for patients, including those with limited mobility or high anxiety
- Document patient information in EMRs and communicate effectively with healthcare staff to support quality imaging care.
Radiopharmaceutical Chemist II
MGH Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging
04.2021 - Current
- Operate and monitor cyclotron systems for the production of F-18 and C-11 isotopes, ensuring proper target loading, irradiation, and transfer for radiotracer synthesis
- Manufacture and assist in developing novel and established PET tracers for research use
- Work with isotopes including Fluorine-18, Carbon-1, Gallium-68, and Copper-64
- Perform quality control testing using HPLC, GC, pH, BET, and radiochemical purity analysis.
- Participate in the method development of radiotracer production, analytical testing procedures, and metabolic HPLC analysis
- Conduct radio-metabolite analysis from arterial blood samples and process data using MATLAB
- Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain synthesis modules and analytical equipment
- Oversee cleanroom operations (ISO 5 and ISO 7), maintaining environmental compliance and sterile workflow
- Develop and update SOPs to ensure accurate documentation and repeatability of procedures
- Lead investigations and documentation of OOS results, deviations, and CAPA reports, ensuring timely resolution and compliance with internal quality standards and regulatory expectations
- Train and onboard new staff; lead operational meetings and assist in task delegation and prioritization
- Collaborate with principal investigators to support research studies and tracer availability
- Ensure proper handling of radioactive and biohazardous materials in line with institutional safety standards
Radiopharmaceutical Lab Tech II
Cardinal Health
05.2019 - 03.2021
- Manufactured radioactive isotopes and conducted quality control testing
- Worked in ISO 7 cleanroom for vial production
- Monitored ISO 5 and ISO 7 environments
- Coordinated production run schedules
- Maintained accurate documentation and records
- Managed SAP Inventory and performed radiation safety tasks
- Certified Authorized User
- Handled nonconformance and out-of-specification reports
Student Research
CSU East Bay
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Conducted research on SNP RS23131260 on the OPN1L gene
- Prepared protocols for gene analysis and collected DNA samples
- Performed PCR and electrophoresis gel runs for SNP analysis
- Used various sequencing applications for analysis
- Presented experimental findings through a poster
Patient Coordinator/Chiropractic assistant
Chirosports USA
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Scheduled appointments, managed billing, and verified insurance
- Recorded patient data and managed Electronic Health Records
- Assisted with chiropractic modalities and therapies
Lab Intern
Minority Health disparities Scholar
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Conducted porcine islet research experiments
- Performed tissue sectioning, histology staining, and microscopic imaging
- Presented findings through a poster and PowerPoint presentation
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Minor Chemistry (Forensic Science)
California State University, East Bay
12.2018
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Critical thinking
- Clear communication
- Collaborative teamwork
- Record keeping
- Documentation and reporting
- Lab operations
- Laboratory techniques
- Bilingual (spanish)
Timeline
MRI Tech Aide
Shields Health Care Group
07.2023 - Current
Radiopharmaceutical Chemist II
MGH Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging
04.2021 - Current
Radiopharmaceutical Lab Tech II
Cardinal Health
05.2019 - 03.2021
Student Research
CSU East Bay
08.2018 - 12.2018
Patient Coordinator/Chiropractic assistant
Chirosports USA
01.2018 - 12.2018
Lab Intern
Minority Health disparities Scholar
05.2017 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Minor Chemistry (Forensic Science)
California State University, East Bay
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