Heather De La Vega
Reynoldsburg,OH
Summary
Results-driven Senior Research Associate with expertise in histology-related assays, recognized for delivering impactful research outcomes that drive planning and innovation. Proficient in data capture procedures and action planning, showcasing strong organizational skills and effective data collection capabilities. Demonstrated leadership in small teams, fostering collaboration to achieve research objectives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Research Associate, Translational Biology
Sarepta Therapeutics
03.2025 - Current
- Responsible for the preparation of clinical study materials to support Gene Therapy, Gene Editing and RNA programs.
- Maintenance of study documents.
- Coordinates with study coordinators and study directors regarding non-clinical study program workflow as needed.
- Develops and optimizes new special stains within the histology lab.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on histological outcomes.
- Trains and mentors new laboratory staff.
- Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures in histology using frozen section and FFPE techniques.
- Assist in the execution of GLP clinical and non-clinical study sample processing, staining and analysis using a variety of assay formats such as routine and complex histochemical special stains as required.
- Execute validation activities for clinical sample testing.
- Support the necropsy function as needed.
- Maintain and track clinical and non-clinical sample using electronic sample tracking methods (Excel, Lab Vantage, etc).
- Assist in sample processing for immunoblotting and molecular biology studies as needed.
- Processes tissue, blood, urine, and other samples as needed.
- Develop and author Standard Operating Procedures as required.
- Prepare and maintain reagents and chemical inventory.
- General laboratory maintenance of general and specialized laboratory instrumentation including various types of microtomes, cryostats, microscopes and slide stainers.
- Assists in training new employees on technical procedures as assigned in standard methods, practices, procedures, and equipment operations.
- Additional duties include completing general lab tasks, preventive maintenance and quality control. Maintaining a clean working area and adheres to proper safety techniques and procedures. Performs miscellaneous related duties as required.
- Ensure compliance with GLP guidelines.
Research Associate II, Translational Biology
Sarepta Therapeutics
06.2022 - 03.2025
- Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures in histology using frozen section and FFPE techniques.
- Assist in the execution of GCLP/GLP clinical and non-clinical study sample processing, staining and analysis using a variety of assay formats such as Histochemical special stains, Immunofluorescence and Immunohistochemistry.
- Collects and analyzes morphometric data in accordance with appropriate statistical procedures, inclusive of graphs, tables, and photographs of the results for image analysis.
- Assist in sample processing for immunoblotting, and molecular biology studies.
- Processes tissue, blood, urine, and other samples as needed.
- Prepare and maintain reagents and chemical inventory.
- General laboratory maintenance of general and specialized laboratory instrumentation including various types of microscopes and slide scanners.
- Assists in training new employees on technical procedures as assigned in standard methods, practices, procedures, and equipment operations.
- Additional duties include completing general lab tasks, preventive maintenance and quality control. Maintaining a clean working area and adheres to proper safety techniques and procedures. Performs miscellaneous related duties as required.
- Ensure compliance with GCP/GLP guidelines.
Medic, NCO
Ohio Army National Guard
07.2010 - 07.2022
- Administer emergency medical treatment to battlefield casualties.
- Assist with outpatient and inpatient care and treatment.
- Instruct Soldiers on Combat Lifesaver/First Responder training course.
- Manage Soldiers' medical readiness, medical supplies and equipment.
- Administer medications and vaccines.
- Prepare patients, operating rooms, equipment and supplies for medical procedures.
- Maintain medical supplies and administrative documentation.
- Organize and direct soldiers in medical situations.
- Responsible for the training, discipline, safety, morale, and welfare of Soldiers in company.
Lead Histology Technologist
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
10.2021 - 06.2022
- Directs the daily operations and provides leadership within the clinical histology laboratory in conjunction with the lab manager in the Department of Pathology.
- Oversees, leads, and performs daily operations in the histology lab including technical lab work, methods, and procedures performed at the bench.
- Assumes leadership responsibilities to maintain workflow and to meet expected turnaround times.
- Evaluates and ensures testing quality is in adherence with various standards; provides training for on-the-job trainees, technical staff and students.
- Assists lab manager with quality improvement, safety, compliance, and inspection readiness programs.
- Investigates and implements changes in technical policies and procedures.
- Works closely with lab manager on administrative activities including human resources, finance, and budget planning and preparation.
- Assumes leadership responsibilities for resolving problems and communicating resolutions to appropriate parties.
- Communicates with colleagues, supervisors, physicians, and couriers with cooperation, professionalism, and promptness.
Histology Technician
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
11.2019 - 10.2021
- Processes, embeds, cuts and stains tissue specimens in a high volume patient care lab utilizing tissue processors, embedding centers, microtomes, stainers and coverslippers.
- Processes, cuts and stains formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples for patient diagnosis.
- Prepares and changes reagents and properly disposes chemical wastes.
- Sorts, delivers and files slides and blocks.
- Assists with ordering, receiving, labeling, and stocking incoming supplies and reagents.
- Assists with quality control and quality assurance record keeping.
- Assists in training personnel as needed.
- Completes and organizes paperwork.
- Assists with maintenance of equipment.
Medical Scribe
ScribeAmerica
08.2018 - 01.2019
- Accompany providers during patient visits to assist in documenting the provider assessment and exam.
- Gain substantial knowledge in how to appropriately document patient history, physical exams, assessments, diagnostic results, medical procedures, treatment plans, medical opinions of consultants, diagnoses, medication/prescription information, and follow-up instructions.
- Navigate the facility computer system and electronic medical record.
- Monitor pending labs and radiology orders for results to help guide patient care.
- Review past history and test results on patients which are critical in driving medical decisions by your provider.
- Adhere to medical facility's compliance requirements and ScribeAmerica's company policies and procedures.
Education
Histotechnology Certificate Program -
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OHBachelor of Science - Forensic Biology
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OHEMT-Basic -
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, OHSkills
- Histology-related assays
- Tissue Processing
- embedding
- Sectioning
- Staining
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- EPIC application
- Clinical laboratory procedures
- Non-clinical laboratory procedures
- Special stains optimization
- Laboratory documentation
- Clinical compliance
- Sample processing
- Vaccine administration
- Team leadership
- Training
- Mentoring
- Histology techniques
Certification
American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification, HTL, ASCP, Histotechnologist
Technical Scientific Expertise And Skills
- Histology related assays to include processing, embedding, sectioning and staining
- Microsoft applications including Excel and Word
- In-depth knowledge of EPIC application
- Clinical and non-clinical laboratory procedures
Accomplishments
- Published Standard Operating Procedures regarding the Leica Spectra Stainer
- Combat veteran with Army Commendation Medal
- Deployed in support of COVID response, platoon sergeant for testing and vaccinating team
Timeline
Senior Research Associate, Translational Biology
Sarepta Therapeutics
03.2025 - Current
Research Associate II, Translational Biology
Sarepta Therapeutics
06.2022 - 03.2025
Lead Histology Technologist
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
10.2021 - 06.2022
Histology Technician
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
11.2019 - 10.2021
Medical Scribe
ScribeAmerica
08.2018 - 01.2019
Medic, NCO
Ohio Army National Guard
07.2010 - 07.2022
Histotechnology Certificate Program -
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science - Forensic Biology
The Ohio State University
EMT-Basic -
Columbus State Community College
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