Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Jonathan Galea

Troy

Summary

Forensic DNA & Serology M.S. candidate and laboratory professional with comprehensive background in analytical techniques and methodologies. Capable of exceptional accuracy and reliability in conducting probative testing procedures. Prioritizes team collaboration and adapts seamlessly to dynamic environments and novel methods. Proficient in data analysis, quality assurance and control, accreditation and compliance, and laboratory safety protocols. Valued for meticulous attention to minutiae and resilient problem-solving abilities alongside a continuously evolving ardor for biological forensic casework.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Toxicology Lab Technician

Integrated Laboratory Providers (ILP)
02.2022 - 12.2024

Standard Operating Procedure and Laboratory Analysis

• Performed quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis of 84 pain panel metabolites utilizing validated methodology, maintaining throughput of 400+ patient specimens daily
• Ensured consistent analytical performance while maintaining CLIA and COLA compliance standards
• Validated method performance through systematic evaluation of analytical parameters

Quality Assurance, Control, & Analytical Validation
• Prepared and validated daily calibration curves and matrix-matched quality controls from certified reference materials
• Conducted weekly hydrolysis efficiency testing for enzymatic method validation
• Performed Levie-Jennings statistical analysis for method performance QC analysis
• Coordinated laboratory proficiency testing of toxicology techs through CAP and other third party vendors
• Prepared and validated internal standard solutions for quantitative analysis

Laboratory Quality Management
• Established and maintained quality systems documentation
• Verified equipment calibration and preventative maintenance schedules
• Validated specimen integrity through immunoassay screening protocols
• Maintained chain of custody documentation
• Ensured compliance with hazardous material handling protocols via third party bio-disposal companies

Technical Supervision & Process Implementation
• Provided technical oversight and training for laboratory personnel
• Contributed to technical staff hiring decisions
• Managed inventory and ordering of daily consumables and reference standards
• Assisted in developing and validating new oral fluid testing method

Regulatory Compliance & Inspection Management
• Served as lead technical representative through five successful regulatory inspections (3 CLIA, 2 COLA)
• Maintained complete compliance with all quality and safety standards
• Documented and tracked all inspection findings and corrective actions

Advanced Technical Competencies
• Performed EtG/EtS quantitation via LC-MS/MS for alcohol metabolite analysis
• Executed multiplex qPCR methodology for SARS-CoV-2 detection utilizing 96-well format
• Validated internal standard preparation methodologies
• Maintained analytical instrument calibration verification protocols
• Implemented new testing procedures while maintaining quality standards


Gross Pathology Technician

Mercy Health St. Mary’s
01.2020 - 04.2021
  • Performed processing and gross evaluation of small tissue biopsies, preparing them for diagnostic interpretation via the pathologists (skin, cervical, gastrointestinal)
  • Coordinated and prepared frozen tissue sections, operated and maintained Cryostat and tissue processing equipment (Sakura Tissue-Tek VIP6)
  • Assisted in fetal autopsy procedures
  • Preparation of complex specimens for gross evaluation ensuring proper fixing, accessioning, and documentation (mastectomies, colectomies, whipple specimen)
  • Acted as a liaison between pathologists and the laboratory team, communicating key findings and supporting efficient lab operations

Cytology Prep Technician

Mercy Health St. Mary’s
05.2019 - 07.2020
  • Processed patient bodily fluids and microscopic samples (e.g., fine needle aspirations, core biopsies, pleural & pericardial effusions, cerebrospinal fluid) for evaluation
  • Operation of Leica ST2000 automated system for cell block preparation and specimen staining, both gynecological and non-gynecological
  • Operation of ThinPrep Pap smear processors (nightly caseload of approximately60)
  • Managed patient case accessioning within EPIC, ensuring proper documentation and tracking of samples
  • Ordering laboratory tests, reflexes and add-ons within Michigan Co-Tenancy Laboratories

Academic Tutor

Grand Valley State University
01.2017 - 04.2019
  • Provided tutoring services to over100 GVSU science students in biomedical courses such as biology, microbiology, organic chemistry, and anatomy
  • Taught individual and group sessions to reinforce complex concepts, enhancing student comprehension and academic performance
  • Organizing and attending monthly meetings via the Student Academic Success Center (SASC) with peer tutors to discuss our experiences and perceived student progress, facilitating a continually-evolving and perceptive learning atmosphere
  • Also provided science and test-prep tutoring freelance online through Varsity Tutors

Education

Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Science Forensic DNA & Serology

University of Florida - UF
Gainesville, FL
08-2025

Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Science

Grand Valley State University - GVSU
Allendale, MI
01.2019

Skills

  • Laboratory Management and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Implementation
  • Facilitating and Supporting Ongoing Method Validation
  • ISO17025 Compliance and Regulatory Inspection/Audit Preparation (CAP, CLIA, COLA)
  • QC Data Collection, Compilation, Organization, Reporting, Archiving
  • Mentorship and Training New Technical Personnel
  • Competency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (Omnia, EPIC, iTox)
  • Clinical Toxicology Pain Panel Metabolite & EtG/EtS Sample Processing for LC-MS
  • Laboratory Instrumentation Operation (BioRad Thermal Cycler, LC-MS, Sakura Tissue-Tek)
  • Chain of Custody & Evidence Handling (Training in Progress)
  • Forensic Chelex100 and Organic DNA Extraction (Training in Progress)
  • Multiplex qPCR for DNA quantitation via Quantifiler Trio (Training in Progress)
  • Multiplex PCR for downstream STR profiling/CODIS compatibility (Training in Progress)
  • Capillary Electrophoresis of amplified STR alleles (Training in Progress)
  • Forensic STR Electropherogram Profile Analysis and Interpretation (Training in Progress)

Certification

  • Forensic DNA Analysis Training (In Progress)
  • CLIA, COLA, and CAP Compliance (Pathology and Toxicology contexts)
  • OSHA Safety Compliance

Timeline

Lead Toxicology Lab Technician

Integrated Laboratory Providers (ILP)
02.2022 - 12.2024

Gross Pathology Technician

Mercy Health St. Mary’s
01.2020 - 04.2021

Cytology Prep Technician

Mercy Health St. Mary’s
05.2019 - 07.2020

Academic Tutor

Grand Valley State University
01.2017 - 04.2019

Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Science Forensic DNA & Serology

University of Florida - UF

Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Science

Grand Valley State University - GVSU
Jonathan Galea