Karissa Cerda
Chicago,IL
Summary
Analytical and detail-oriented Research Specialist with 4+ years of experience in research operations, data collection, analysis, and project coordination within large university research organizations. Currently a Master of Science in Quantitative Management (MSQM) candidate at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, developing strong skills in data analytics, statistical modeling, and data-driven decision-making. Experienced in translating complex datasets into clear insights, building reports and visualizations, and improving operational efficiency.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Specialist
University of Illinois at Chicago Cancer Center
Chicago, USA
06.2022 - Current
- Assists in coordinating aspects of the competitive Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) submission, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and on‑time submissions
- Performs surveys, interviews, and observations according to established research protocol
- Manage and track outcomes of developmental and pilot project expenditures
- Collects, processes, and analyzes data for/from federal agencies
- Streamlined project submission and resource‑tracking workflows, reducing turnaround time and improving team efficiency
- Coordinates, prepares, and contributes statistical data and pertinent information for papers, grants, and other documents
- Coordinates and participates in the university’s cancer center scientific programs and working groups
- Monitored progress against project timelines, ensuring timely completion of deliverables while maintaining high-quality standards.
Research Specialist
University of Chicago Genomics Core Facility
Chicago, USA
01.2021 - 05.2022
- Manage current and incoming project submissions for Quality Control and NGS Sequencing
- Serve as a resource for doctors and graduate research students
- Maintain proper communication between principal investigators and clients
- Process multiple large volume submissions in a timely fashion
- Use proper judgment and independent problem resolution
- Responsible for prioritizing workload while maintaining an efficient and well-organized lab space
- Coordinate with other lab members to plan and maintain project deadlines
- Optimized research protocols for safety and compliance, ensuring all experiments were conducted in accordance with ethical standards.
Biorepository Research Technologist
Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
Rochester, USA
02.2020 - 12.2020
- Follow the standard operating procedures and work in accordance with CAP standards
- Receive, accession, and perform specific complex specimen processing for each study
- Provide state-of-the-art automated and manual processing on multiple types of bio-specimen
- Process large volumes of specimens, safely and accurately
- Properly prepare specimens with reagents as required for specific studies
- Work with computer information systems daily
Education
Master of Science - Quantitative Management (MSQM)
Duke University
Durham, NC05-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
St. Olaf College
Northfield, MN12.2019
Skills
- Data Analysis & Visualization (Excel, PowerPoint, Python – in progress)
- Statistical Reporting & Data Quality Management
- Relational Databases & Recordkeeping Systems
- Project Management & Workflow Optimization
- Advanced Microsoft Office (Excel, VBA – exposure)
- Research Compliance & Documentation
Timeline
Research Specialist
University of Illinois at Chicago Cancer Center
06.2022 - Current
Research Specialist
University of Chicago Genomics Core Facility
01.2021 - 05.2022
Biorepository Research Technologist
Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
02.2020 - 12.2020
Master of Science - Quantitative Management (MSQM)
Duke University
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
St. Olaf College
Activities
- Member, Posse Foundation 01/01/16, Current
- Member, CIM’s Committee for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, 03/01/20, 12/31/20
- Member & Peer Mentor, Chicago Scholars, 01/01/15, 12/31/21