Gwendolyn Mcknight
Durham,North Carolina
Summary
Dependable Site Coordinator effective in managing operations. Successful in encouraging team members to work efficiently and meet production targets. Well-organized, self-motivated and knowledgeable about successful strategies for managing fast-paced work.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Site Coordinator• Laboratory Phlebotomist Lead • All of Us/NPH Research Study
UNC-Chapel HILL
01.2023 - Current
- Development of the research team at the Chapel Hill location
- Assisted with Developing and implementing standard operating procedures, clinic, and staffing schedules
- Development and implementation of the UNC-CC participant engagement plan
- Participant recruitment, screening, and eligibility verification
- Data collection includes obtaining informed consent, study measurements and providing instructions to study participants
- Oversee biospecimen (blood, urine, stool, saliva, hair, nail) sample collection, processing, and shipment
- Disbursement of participant incentives (gift cards and e-cards)
- Maintaining inventory and ordering of study supplies
- Overseeing participant meal pick-up for the controlled feeding study and related adherence counseling for consumption of provided food
- Development and/or implementation of quality assurance/quality control procedures
- Reporting to ensure successful completion of study aims
- Assist with candidate interviews, onboarding, and training of new staff members.
Research Assistant • Laboratory Phlebotomist Lead • Novel Polio Vaccine Study
UNC- Chapel Hill
03.2021 - 04.2023
- Tracked blood draw and specimen testing intervals, ensuring prompt collection and submission
- Collected and Prepared 4,300 blood and Stool specimens for shipment to reference laboratory
- Coordinated participant specimen pickups via commercial medical courier service
- Performed cryogenic duties, including temperature checks and shipments to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Contributed to quality control checks on vials and conducted routine laboratory quality control assessments
- Monitored and maintained inventory of laboratory supplies
- Conducted routine cleaning of laboratory equipment.
Research Assistant • Phlebotomist • Novavax/Moderna Vaccine Study
UNC-Chapel Hill
01.2021 - 03.2021
- Provided technical guidance and consultation to students and employees, facilitating skill development and maintaining high-quality standards in specimen collection
- Conducted regular audits and assessments to ensure adherence to CLIA requirements, producing comprehensive reports and implementing corrective actions where necessary
- Collaborated with the Study director to evaluate workflow patterns, leading to the identification of bottlenecks and the implementation of streamlined processes
- Performed routine venipunctures and specimen collection on study participants.
Research Assistant • Phlebotomy Lead • COVID-19 Assessment Project
UNC-Chapel Hill
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Orchestrated clinic flow by organizing supplies, preparing paperwork, and liaising with study and clinical staff
- Recruited, consented, and managed research participants for clinical trials and research projects
- Collected, processed, and prepared specimens for shipment per study protocols
- Managed clinical data, maintained study databases, and ensured accurate documentation
- Maintained patient confidentiality, communicated professionally, and worked effectively within a team
- Conducted participant enrollment visits (inform consents, vitals, and specimen collection)
- Trained new hires on participant enrollment and specimen collection procedures
- Delivered administrative support by answering phones, scheduling appointments, and entering data into databases.
Patient Health Educator • Phlebotomist • Sexual Health Focus Project
UNC-Chapel Hill/Durham County Health Department
04.2016 - 05.2020
- Recruited and obtained consent from research participants for various clinical trials and research projects
- Managed daily operations of a high-volume clinical laboratory, overseeing specimen processing, quality control, and equipment maintenance
- Processed patient specimens for analysis, ensuring proper prioritization, sorting, and routing to Mayo Clinic for testing
- Reviewed test orders for accuracy and completeness, contacting clients to obtain missing information when necessary
- Addressed and resolved specimen inquiries throughout the day, providing exceptional customer service
- Coordinated specimen receiving and accessioning, tracking, and routing samples in the Laboratory Information System
- Monitored and maintained consumable inventory, ensuring adequate supplies for seamless laboratory operations
- Created SOP guidelines to maintain regulatory compliance and CLIAA quality standards
- Phlebotomist on a Hepatitis C and HIV Testing and Linkage to Care Focus Grant
- Conduct HIV/STD testing and outreach with the Durham County Health Department
- Assisted Public Health Educators with planning and Testing HIV/STD at outreach events
- Worked closely with North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition for targeted testing and outreach
- Educated patients safety of using Hypodermic needles with the health department's safe syringe program activities and community outreach.
Counselor • HIV/STI Testing Specialist
Alliance of AIDS Services- Carolina
11.2015 - 04.2016
- Conducted HIV and STI testing
- Provided confidential and non-judgmental counseling to individuals seeking information about HIV, other STIs, testing options, and risk reduction techniques
- Conducted pre-and post-test counseling sessions for HIV testing, ensuring clients are well informed about the process, potential outcomes, and follow-up resources
- Maintained accurate and confidential records of client interactions, test results, and progress, adhering to organizational and legal guidelines
- Exhibited strong interpersonal and communication skills for effectively connecting with clients and providing emotional support
- Explained complex medical information in an understandable and empathetic manner.
Phlebotomist II • Traveling Phlebotomist
Quest Diagnostic
02.2014 - 11.2015
- Conducted venipunctures and capillary punctures on patients of all ages
- Followed proper protocols to ensure patient safety and comfort during procedures
- Accurately labeled and documented collected specimens for further processing.
Lead Clinical Laboratory Technician• Phlebotomist •Duke Primary Care- Sutton Station
Duke Health
02.2010 - 09.2012
- Expertly collect blood specimens using proper venipuncture techniques, ensuring minimal patient discomfort and maximum sample integrity
- Prepared and initiated special tests and procedures, including Point-of-Care Testing, and urinalysis adhering to established protocols
- Accurately determined urine volume, perform aliquoting, and maintained proper labeling for specimen containers, ensuring precise documentation
- Positively identified patient specimens and verified laboratory labels/requisitions to prevent errors and ensure valid orders
- Received, processed, and sorted specimens, maintaining accurate documentation
- Contributed to the distribution of specimens and supplies to laboratory staff, optimizing workflow efficiency
- Managed inventory of supplies, restocking carts and trays, and ensuring uninterrupted laboratory operations
- Proficiently utilized hospital information systems and software to track and manage laboratory data.
Clinical Laboratory Technician I• Phlebotomy • Certified Medical Assistant
Duke Primary Care-Hillandale
06.2006 - 02.2010
- Performed a diverse range of routine and specialized laboratory procedures, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established protocols
- Initiated and conducted special tests, including cytogenetics, Point-of-Care Testing, urinalysis without microscope, and phlebotomy, while maintaining high standards of quality control
- Managed urine specimens, accurately determining total volume, preparing aliquots, and ensuring proper labeling of containers
- Maintained positive patient identification by registering and accessioning patients and specimens using hospital information systems
- Effectively communicated with patients, families, and medical personnel, addressing concerns, explaining procedures, and providing support to ensure cooperation and understanding
- Adhered to strict quality control, safety, and infection control procedures, ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations.
Education
Master of Science Disaster and Emergency Management-Public Health -
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida05.2021
Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science -
St. Augustine’s University
Raleigh, NC05.2015
Associates Of Science in Medical Assisting -
Miller-Motte
Raleigh, NC06.2010
Skills
- Proficient in creating SOPs
- Certified Phlebotomist
- Specimen Collection and Handling
- Administrative Support
- Supervision & Team Coordination
- Phlebotomy and Blood Specimen Collection
- Specimen Management and Distribution
- Quality Control and Infection Control
- Participant Interaction and Communication
- Laboratory Equipment Maintenance
- CLIA Compliance
- Aseptic Techniques
- Inventory Management
- Technical Assistance and Consultation
- Workflow Optimization
- Venipuncture/ Capillary
Certification
- Certified Phlebotomist, National Healthcare Association
- Group 2 Social and Behavioral Research
- GCP for Clinical Trials with Investigational Drugs, Biologics and Devices Course
Profession Summary
Dedicated and experienced Senior Lab Phlebotomist with 18 years proven track record of maintaining proficiency in all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Certified in phlebotomy and adept at performing a wide range of duties, from specimen collection to administrative support. Strong leadership and supervisory skills with a focus on optimizing workflow efficiency and ensuring compliance with CLIA requirements. Known for exceptional attention to detail, excellent patient care, and a commitment to maintaining high-quality laboratory standards. Seeking a challenging role in a progressive healthcare setting to leverage expertise in phlebotomy techniques, team leadership, and quality assurance.
Timeline
Site Coordinator• Laboratory Phlebotomist Lead • All of Us/NPH Research Study
UNC-Chapel HILL
01.2023 - Current
Research Assistant • Laboratory Phlebotomist Lead • Novel Polio Vaccine Study
UNC- Chapel Hill
03.2021 - 04.2023
Research Assistant • Phlebotomist • Novavax/Moderna Vaccine Study
UNC-Chapel Hill
01.2021 - 03.2021
Research Assistant • Phlebotomy Lead • COVID-19 Assessment Project
UNC-Chapel Hill
06.2020 - 12.2020
Patient Health Educator • Phlebotomist • Sexual Health Focus Project
UNC-Chapel Hill/Durham County Health Department
04.2016 - 05.2020
Counselor • HIV/STI Testing Specialist
Alliance of AIDS Services- Carolina
11.2015 - 04.2016
Phlebotomist II • Traveling Phlebotomist
Quest Diagnostic
02.2014 - 11.2015
Lead Clinical Laboratory Technician• Phlebotomist •Duke Primary Care- Sutton Station
Duke Health
02.2010 - 09.2012
Clinical Laboratory Technician I• Phlebotomy • Certified Medical Assistant
Duke Primary Care-Hillandale
06.2006 - 02.2010
Master of Science Disaster and Emergency Management-Public Health -
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science -
St. Augustine’s University
Associates Of Science in Medical Assisting -
Miller-Motte