Emily Overstreet
Richmond,Virginia
Summary
Experienced scientist with a background in molecular biology and laboratory leadership. Skilled in developing and validating analytical methods, managing projects, and training teams to deliver high-quality results. Adept at translating industry needs into actionable insights and fostering collaboration between academic programs and employers. Eager to contribute to the growth and relevance of biotechnology education and workforce development.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Scientist
Department of General Services - Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services – Athena, LLC Contractor
Richmond, VA
01.2025 - Current
- Method Development and Validation: Leads the development, validation, and implementation of analytical methods for molecular testing, addressing evolving public health challenges with strategic solutions.
- Quality Assurance and Control: Establishes and monitors quality assurance and control metrics, ensuring data integrity, and compliance with industry standards.
- Team Training and Leadership: Trains, mentors, and leads scientific staff, fostering a collaborative environment, and ensuring the consistent application of validated protocols.
- Project and Resource Management: Manages project timelines, resources, and coordination to deliver high-quality results within deadlines.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyzes datasets and prepares reports for public health departments, translating technical details into understandable insights.
- Liaison and Communication: Serves as a key liaison between laboratory teams and leadership, aligning project objectives with organizational goals, and workforce needs.
- Collaboration and Partnership: Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to improve lab operations and support regional public health initiatives.
Clinical Lab Scientist
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Richmond, VA
09.2022 - 12.2024
- Molecular Biology Expertise: Skilled in a range of molecular biology techniques, with a focus on Sanger DNA sequencing, ddPCR, and RNA/DNA extraction. Executes complex molecular assays within a Biosafety Level 2 environment, with precision and attention to detail. Contributes to assay development and validation.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance: Maintains compliance with industry regulations and standards, guaranteeing quality and accuracy in all procedures. Demonstrates expertise in the operation, maintenance, and adherence to analytical instrumentation, SOPs, Personal Protective Equipment protocols, and responsible handling of hazardous materials.
- Regulatory Standards Adherence: Experienced in working with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards, holding GxP training to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Administrative Excellence: Manages clinical sample ordering, tracking, and reporting, ensuring seamless workflow efficiency. Proficient in inventory management, equipment maintenance, and providing new-hire training to support team development and success.
Lead Microbiologist
Institute of Environmental Health
Richmond, VA
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Laboratory Training and Leadership: Conducted comprehensive training sessions for analysts, focusing on laboratory testing, analysis, and molecular and microbiology methodologies, adhering strictly to Standards of Operation guidelines. Provided mentorship and guidance to enhance the team's proficiency in Microbiology testing.
- Administrative Excellence: Demonstrated attention to various office responsibilities, including managing expense reports, corrective action reports, inventory, supply ordering, equipment verifications, paperwork auditing, and vertical methodology audits. Ensured efficient and compliant office operations through precise execution of administrative tasks.
- Safety and Efficiency Optimization: Cultivated a robust skill set in laboratory practices, emphasizing safety and adherence to established procedures. Implemented effective interpersonal communication strategies to uphold the company's commitment to operating at the highest levels of efficiency and accuracy.
Microbiology Analyst
Institute of Environmental Health
Richmond, VA
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Sample Processing and Analysis: Conducted processing of biological samples, including environmental swabs, sponges, and finished food products, utilizing traditional molecular and microbiology techniques. Demonstrated expertise in PCR testing procedures and sample analysis.
- Molecular and Microbiology Analysis and Pathogen Detection: Performed analysis of gel electrophoresis results to identify specific Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Executed a range of microbiological tests for the detection of foodborne pathogens. Interpreted results based on bacterial colony morphology and growth patterns.
- Results reporting and compliance: Compiled and communicated results to clients. Ensured adherence to regulatory standards and internal quality protocols to maintain the accuracy and reliability of test results.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Philosophy
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA05.2019
Associate of Science - Social Sciences
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Richmond, VA05.2017
Skills
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Collaboration skills
- Scientific writing
- Molecular biology
- SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Excel
- Data analysis
Timeline
Senior Scientist
Department of General Services - Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services – Athena, LLC Contractor
01.2025 - Current
Clinical Lab Scientist
Thermo Fisher Scientific
09.2022 - 12.2024
Lead Microbiologist
Institute of Environmental Health
08.2021 - 08.2022
Microbiology Analyst
Institute of Environmental Health
01.2021 - 07.2021
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Philosophy
Virginia Commonwealth University
Associate of Science - Social Sciences
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College