Katherine Atwell
Sandy,UT
Summary
Proficient Medical Laboratory Technologist with a strong background in data documentation, technical troubleshooting, and effective communication. Contributed to enhanced laboratory efficiency and accuracy through routine maintenance and adherence to safety protocols.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Specialist
Huntsman Cancer Institute
Salt Lake City, Utah
10.2024 - 09.2025
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of laboratory equipment and workspaces.
- Followed safety protocols while handling hazardous materials in the lab.
- Supported data entry and documentation for laboratory procedures and results.
- Assisted in preparing laboratory samples for analysis and testing.
- Collaborated with team members on routine maintenance of laboratory supplies.
- Learned proper disposal methods for biological and chemical waste materials.
- Participated in training sessions to understand laboratory safety standards and practices.
- Collaborated with other departments within the organization to ensure efficient completion of tasks.
- Implemented changes or improvements based on feedback from colleagues or supervisors.
- Monitored inventory levels of laboratory supplies and reordered when necessary.
- Managed hazardous waste disposal activities according to local laws and regulations.
- Prepared specimens for analysis and conducted sample preparation techniques, such as centrifugation, filtration, and dilution.
- Cleaned and prepared lab equipment for solutions, specimens and samples.
- Prepared trial-specific kits for upcoming processing and testing.
Medical Laboratory Technologist
ARUP Laboratories
Salt Lake City, Utah
12.2019 - 12.2023
- Performed phenotypic identification of molds.
- Performed MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry on mycology samples.
- Processed and tested mycology samples for DNA extraction and DNA analysis.
- Processed and analyzed samples in susceptibility testing.
- Conducted quality control testing as required by laboratory standards and documented results in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Calibrated and performed routine maintenance to keep laboratory equipment in satisfactory condition.
- Performed quality control procedures to validate test results according to established standards.
- Evaluated and processed biological specimens to support accurate and appropriate testing procedures.
- Tested samples within required timeframes and following appropriate standards, logging results in files.
- Completed regular checks and documented use dates for controls, reagents and calibrators.
- Maintained accurate records of patient data, test results, and instrument calibrations in accordance with established guidelines.
- Handled and disposed of chemicals, reagents and biological samples in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Adhered to all applicable regulations governing laboratory operations such as CLIA and OSHA.
- Followed standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
- Used appropriate collection and processing procedures to avoid inadequate specimens and promote reliability of blood products.
- Coordinated prioritization, receipt and delivery of laboratory specimens.
- Performed quality control checks on test results, identifying and rectifying discrepancies.
- Maintained detailed records of tests performed and results obtained, ensuring traceability and accountability.
- Operated point-of-care testing equipment in a fast-paced environment, ensuring rapid response times.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to provide timely and accurate test results, aiding in patient care decisions.
- Participated in the development and validation of new laboratory tests and procedures, enhancing service offerings.
- Assisted in the training and orientation of new staff, promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Calibrated and performed routine maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including HIPAA and OSHA standards.
- Implemented and monitored laboratory safety protocols, including the handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Engaged in the troubleshooting and resolution of technical problems with laboratory equipment and assays.
- Maintained strict adherence to laboratory quality control and assurance measures, reducing error rates significantly.
- Performed high-complexity testing in areas such as microbiology, hematology, and biochemistry under minimal supervision.
- Utilized Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) for the entry and retrieval of patient data, improving efficiency.
- Set up, cleaned and maintained laboratory equipment.
- Maintained safe work environment by wearing personal protective equipment.
- Cultivated, isolated or assisted in identifying microbial organisms or performing various tests on microorganisms.
Laboratory Assistant
DeVry University
Phoenix, Arizona
2017 - 2019
- Assisted in preparing laboratory materials and equipment for experiments.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of laboratory workspace and supplies.
- Supported instructors in conducting experiments and demonstrations for students.
- Coordinated inventory management of laboratory supplies and reagents.
- Operated and calibrated laboratory instruments following safety protocols.
- Provided technical support to students during laboratory assignments and projects.
- Prepared samples for analysis by following standard laboratory procedures.
- Ensured that laboratory procedures are followed correctly at all times.
- Performed routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning glassware and other lab equipment.
- Obtained samples for testing following standard protocols.
- Monitored lab supplies and proactively replenished for convenience and availability.
- Isolated, identified and prepared specimens for examination.
- Maintained clean and organized work area with adequate supplies and reagents.
- Followed safety protocols while working with hazardous materials or chemicals in the lab.
- Cleaned, maintained and calibrated laboratory and field equipment to ensure continuous accuracy and functionality.
- Assisted in training new personnel on proper use of laboratory equipment or techniques.
- Maintained lab inventory and ordered supplies as needed.
- Prepared lab for daily operations by stocking materials and equipment.
- Disposed of laboratory materials and samples using well established guidelines and instructions.
- Cleaned and prepared lab equipment for solutions, specimens and samples.
- Oversaw lab equipment stock and placed orders to expand inventory.
- Employed scientific methods to promote quality of collected samples and stored specimens.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
DeVry University
Phoenix, AZ12-2019
Skills
- Laboratory safety
- Sample preparation
- Quality control
- Equipment calibration
- Data documentation
- Test result analysis
- Inventory management
- Technical troubleshooting
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Microscopy expertise
- Instrumentation operation
- PCR techniques
- Laboratory techniques
- Chemical handling
- Data collection
- Molecular biology techniques
- Analytical testing
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Instrument Calibration
- Clinical chemistry
- Medical records management
- Microbiological analysis
- DNA extraction
- Laboratory documentation
- Quality control procedures
Timeline
Laboratory Specialist
Huntsman Cancer Institute
10.2024 - 09.2025
Medical Laboratory Technologist
ARUP Laboratories
12.2019 - 12.2023
Laboratory Assistant
DeVry University
2017 - 2019
Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
DeVry University