Heather Clarke
Germantown,MD
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Cytogenetic Team Lead Technologist/Lab Specialist(GS)
Genedx
Gaithersburg, MD
12.2016 - 10.2024
- Oversaw cytogenetic employees and laboratory that included training and annual competence assessments of personnel
- Authored cytogenetic related standard operating procedures, policies, forms, and other documents to ensure the laboratory was adhering to all CAP and NYS regulations
- Ensured quality control and quality assurance of tissue culture and FISH media and reagents including validations of new reagents were performed, documented, and reviewed before approval for clinical use
- Ensured adherence to safety and quality control policies and documentation of quality control activities
- Performed monthly review and signage of equipment logs and other quality control documentation
- Processed various specimen types including amniotic fluid, chorionic villi, products of conception, skin punches, and peripheral blood for tissue culture and DNA extraction for molecular testing
- Selected and prepared appropriate specimen media and reagents for cell culture, using sterile techniques
- Performed Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) Follow-Up testing for confirmation and determination of genetic structural aberrations detected by other molecular testing
- Managed FISH BAC probe searches including determining the correct FISH probes needed for a particular hybridization and ordering probes
- Prepared FISH samples including fixing sample, preparing slides, pretreatment and hybridization for interphase and metaphase FISH
- Executed FISH analysis and report writing using standard ISCN nomenclature to identity and report normal or abnormal aberrations
- Maintained spreadsheet for current, pending, and completed FISH cases and ensured efficient turn around and that quality metrics were met for all cases
- Performed Maternal Cell Contamination analysis to ensure fetal samples are adequate for molecular testing
- Participated in several LEAN events at GeneDx to improve different testing platforms performed at GeneDx that included streamlining MCC testing and developing a better system of accessioning incoming samples at GeneDx to ensure more efficient distribution of samples to testing teams
- Implemented new procedures at GeneDx that including writing proposals, validating procedures, and recording the validation results
Cytogenetics Technical Specialist
GeneDx
Gaithersburg, MD
03.2014 - 12.2016
- Prepared, examined, and analyzed chromosomes found in biological specimens, including amniotic fluids, chorionic villi, products of conception and peripheral bloods
- Selected and prepared appropriate specimen media and reagents for cell culture, using sterile techniques
- Used brightfield microscopy and karyotyping software for the G-banded chromosome analysis of prenatal specimens
- Utilized at computer based camera capture stations and karyotyping software to analyze chromosomes
- Used standard ISCN nomenclature to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes
- Processed FISH samples for analysis which included fixing sample, preparing slides, pretreatment and hybridization for interphase and metaphase FISH
- Analyzed FISH specimens using fluorescent microscopy and FISH analysis software
- Performed MCC set up including PCR, hybridization and fragment analysis using ABI genetic analyzer
Laboratory Supervisor/Cytogenetic Technologist
The Genetics Center
Smithtown, NY
07.2004 - 01.2014
- Supervised personnel and daily laboratory workflow
- Ensured that the laboratory was up-to-date on all NYS DOS Clinical Laboratory Standards
- Authored and maintained all Standard Operating Manuals including:
- SOPMs for all equipment
- Safety Manual
- Cytogenetics Procedure Manual
- Training Manual
- Managed training for employees and Farmingdale State College interns
- Performed annual Employee Competence Evaluations
- Performed all responsibilities of a cytogenetics technologist
Cytogenetics Technologist
The Genetics Center
Smithtown, NY
12.1997 - 07.2004
- Prepared, examined, and analyzed chromosomes found in biological specimens, including amniotic fluids, chorionic villi, products of conception and peripheral bloods
- Selected and prepared appropriate specimen media and reagents for cell culture, using sterile techniques
- Harvested cell cultures at optimum time based on knowledge of cell cycle differences and culture conditions
- Prepared slides from cell culture and selected appropriate banding techniques
- Used brightfield microscopy and karyotyping software for the G-banded chromosome analysis of prenatal specimens and for high resolution banding of peripheral blood specimens
- Utilized computer based camera capture stations and karyotyping software to analyze chromosomes
- Used ISCN nomenclature to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes
- Processed FISH specimens for analysis which included fixing sample, preparing slides, pretreatment and hybridization for interphase and metaphase FISH
- Analyzed FISH specimens using fluorescent microscopy and computer program
Summary
ASCP certified Cytogenetic Technologist with over 25 years of experience in a laboratory setting with a proven ability to perform in a multitude of positions. Recognized for the ability to think independently and solve problems. Strong writing skills with expertise at drafting standard operating procedures, policies, and method validations to meet the standards of accrediting agencies.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Saint Joseph Connecticut
West Hartford, CT 09.1991 - 05.1995
Master of Science - Human Cytogenetics
Hofstra University
Hempstead 09.1996 - 05.2002
Certification
- Cytogenetics [ASCP]
- NYS License – Clinical Laboratory Technologist
Skills
- Quality Control
- Workplace Safety
- Employee Evaluation
- Equipment Maintenance
- Work assignment delegation
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Team Supervision
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Analytical Thinking
- Staff education and training
- Overseeing Daily Activities
- Documentation And Reporting
- SOP Adherence
- Multitasking
- Organizational Skills
- Data Analysis
- Written Communication
Timeline
Cytogenetic Team Lead Technologist/Lab Specialist(GS)
Genedx
12.2016 - 10.2024
Cytogenetics Technical Specialist
GeneDx
03.2014 - 12.2016
Laboratory Supervisor/Cytogenetic Technologist
The Genetics Center
07.2004 - 01.2014
Cytogenetics Technologist
The Genetics Center
12.1997 - 07.2004
Master of Science - Human Cytogenetics
Hofstra University
09.1996 - 05.2002
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Saint Joseph Connecticut
09.1991 - 05.1995
Similar Profiles
ALEJANDRO RIVEROALEJANDRO RIVERO
International Sales Director at GeneDXInternational Sales Director at GeneDX
Aiko N. BautistaAiko N. Bautista
Technologist III – DNA Extraction Department at GeneDxTechnologist III – DNA Extraction Department at GeneDx
Karla ApgarKarla Apgar
Cytogenetics Technologist II at GeneDxCytogenetics Technologist II at GeneDx
ANISHA GHODADRAANISHA GHODADRA
Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist(P&T) at GeneDXSenior Talent Acquisition Specialist(P&T) at GeneDX
Josee BellJosee Bell
Scrum Master at Community Service for Autistic Adults and ChildrenScrum Master at Community Service for Autistic Adults and Children