ELENA PONICHTERA
Scituate,MA
Summary
Detail-oriented healthcare and research support professional covering lab sample preparation, vital sign collection, and EMR/EHR updates. Highly proficient in statistical analysis, documentation accuracy, and data quality control. Effective in teamwork, problem-solving, and student support to maintain workflow efficiency.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Technician
Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts
09.2026 - Current
- Executed laboratory experiments using sterile technique to ensure sample integrity at Massachusetts General Hospital research labs.
- Prepared biological samples for downstream analysis following Harvard Medical School protocols.
- Documented experimental observations in electronic laboratory notebooks and data systems to maintain accurate research records.
- Facilitated cell culture reagent preparation and specimen processing to support investigators in ongoing research projects.
Undergraduate Learning Assistant
UCLA
Los Angeles, California
01.2024 - 06.2026
- Facilitated UCLA student learning through discussion sections and peer support
- Explained course concepts during UCLA office hours and study sessions
- Guided collaborative study groups, fostering peer engagement and deeper understanding of course material
- Tutored students one-on-one, facilitating individualized learning strategies to enhance program progression.
- Monitored student progress and communicated learning gaps to instructors for targeted support
- Graded assignments using UCLA faculty guidelines and course rubrics
Research Intern
Cedars-Sinai
Los Angeles, CA
08.2025 - 06.2026
- Compiled and presented research data, facilitating informed decision-making by senior researchers.
- Performed statistical analysis on collected data sets and wrote summaries of the results.
- Conducted literature reviews to identify and analyze current research trends.
- Interpreted research findings and drew conclusions, enhancing understanding of study implications.
- Drafted sections of research reports and manuscripts, contributing to the documentation of research outcomes.
Medical Assistant
The Roxbury Institute
Beverly Hills, CA
01.2025 - 06.2026
- Observed vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure readings, height and weight measurements, accurately and reported any abnormalities to the supervising physician.
- Documented medical data in patient charts, facilitating accurate records.
- Prepared examination rooms for incoming patients by stocking necessary materials and ensuring cleanliness of the room prior to patient arrival.
- Supported physicians in examinations, procedures, and diagnostic tests.
- Coordinated patient appointment scheduling to optimize physician availability. and maintained patient records.
Yoga Sculpt Instructor
CorePower Yoga
Los Angeles, CA
04.2023 - 06.2026
- Provided constructive feedback regarding posture corrections when necessary during class instruction.
- Designed and taught challenging, safe, and effective Yoga Sculpt sequences that incorporated strength training exercises.
- Created positive learning environment by encouraging students to focus on their individual goals and achievements.
Head Lifeguard
UCLA Recreation
Los Angeles, CA
10.2022 - 06.2026
- Demonstrated excellent customer service skills while interacting with guests, answering questions and resolving conflicts.
- Taught swimming techniques and safety education to new swimmers.
- Ensured safety of patrons by monitoring pool activity and enforcing appropriate rules.
Clinical Research Intern, Thoracic Surgery
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA
10.2023 - 06.2025
- Contributed to the writing and editing of study-related documents such as investigator's brochures, protocols, CRFs and final reports.
- Coordinated collection and management of essential documents from investigative sites including patient consents, lab results.
- Identified opportunities for process improvement within existing systems or procedures used during a trial.
- Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills while interacting with clinical staff and patients.
Dermatology Medical Assistant
Dermatology Institute of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Provided patient education on skin care and dermatology treatments.
- Ordered laboratory tests for patients based on physician instructions.
- Assisted physicians with medical procedures such as biopsies, laser treatments, and chemical peels.
Oceanfront Rescue Lifeguard
Scituate Recreation
Scituate, MA
05.2021 - 09.2024
- Recognized swimmers in need of assistance, immediately acting to provide aid.
- Administered lifesaving techniques and first aid during emergencies and immediately called for additional assistance when necessary.
- Adhered to all state and federal laws pertaining to oceanfront water safety and lifeguard operations.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Semel Institute at UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Communicated regularly with faculty supervisors regarding project progress, timelines and deliverables.
- Collaborated effectively with team members on various aspects of the research process.
- Adapted quickly to new technologies used in scientific investigations.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Psychobiology
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles06-2026
Study Abroad Semester - Social & Life Sciences
American College of Greece
Athens, Greece12-2024
High School Diploma -
Scituate High School
Scituate, MA06-2022
Skills
- Medical terminology knowledge
- Research paper writing
- Vital signs monitoring
- Statistical analysis
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Student engagement
- Group and individual instruction
- Academic advising
- EMR / EHR
- Recordkeeping
- Data entry
- Presentation preparation
- HIPAA compliance
- Peer mentoring
Certification
Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid and Administering Emergency Oxygen
American Red Cross, 50HR Yoga Sculpt Teacher Training
CorePower Yoga, Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
American Red Cross, Bloodborne Pathogens Training
American Red Cross
LANGUAGES
English - Native, French- Professional Working Proficiency
AWARDS & HONORS
Deans Honors List
Panhellenic UCLA Academic Honors Award
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- VP of Academic Excellence- Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority
- Contributing Writer- Catalyst STEM Newsletter
- VP of External Affairs- American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative at UCLA
- Youth Nonprofit Ambassador- Claire Marie Foundation for Adolescent Melanoma Awareness
- Hospital Volunteer, Patient Transport- Ronald Reagan Hospital
Timeline
Research Technician
Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital
09.2026 - Current
Research Intern
Cedars-Sinai
08.2025 - 06.2026
Medical Assistant
The Roxbury Institute
01.2025 - 06.2026
Undergraduate Learning Assistant
UCLA
01.2024 - 06.2026
Dermatology Medical Assistant
Dermatology Institute of Southern California
01.2024 - 01.2025
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Semel Institute at UCLA
01.2024 - 06.2024
Clinical Research Intern, Thoracic Surgery
Massachusetts General Hospital
10.2023 - 06.2025
Yoga Sculpt Instructor
CorePower Yoga
04.2023 - 06.2026
Head Lifeguard
UCLA Recreation
10.2022 - 06.2026
Oceanfront Rescue Lifeguard
Scituate Recreation
05.2021 - 09.2024
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Psychobiology
University of California, Los Angeles
Study Abroad Semester - Social & Life Sciences
American College of Greece
High School Diploma -
Scituate High School