Katherine Veal
Apex,NC
Summary
Laboratory operations professional with 12+ years of experience in clinical specimen processing and pathology send-out coordination, specializing in fixed tissue and molecular diagnostics. Proven track record of scaling high-volume workflows, optimizing laboratory processes, and improving operational efficiency within a regulated healthcare environment. Experienced in cross-functional collaboration with clinicians, pathologists, and external labs, as well as training staff and resolving specimen issues to support timely, high-quality patient care.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Laboratory Scientist I
Duke University—Referral Laboratory
Durham, North Carolina
01.2024 - Current
- Lead technologist for anatomical pathology send-out testing, coordinating the processing and referral of 20+ fixed tissue specimens daily for specialized molecular diagnostic testing
- Played a key role in scaling the anatomical pathology referral service from low-volume testing to a high-throughput operation requiring expanded staffing
- Developed and optimized workflows for fixed tissue referral testing, improving operational efficiency and supporting increased testing volume
- Train and mentor new staff on laboratory workflows, SOP’s, and documentation standards to ensure consistency and compliance
- Serve as the primary liaison between clinicians, pathologists, and national reference laboratories, ensuring accurate communication, timely specimen submission and issue resolution
- Utilize Laboratory Information Systems to track specimens, manage case documentation, and maintain accurate laboratory records
- Manage complex specimen issues, including problem resolution, documentation review, and coordination with external laboratories to ensure testing completion
- Maintain strict adherence to CLIA and CAP regulatory standards, including specimen identification, chain of custody, and quality assurance protocols
Progressive Roles From CLT II to MLS I
Duke University—Referral Laboratory | Durham, North Carolina
03.2014 - 06.2024
Education
Bachelor of Science - Zoological Sciences, Genetics
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina05-2009
Skills
- FFPE Tissue Handling
- High-Volume Specimen Processing
- Specimen Accessioning
- Workflow Optimization
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Quality Assurance & Documentation Review
- SOP Development & Adherence
- Training & Staff Development
- Problem Resolution
- Laboratory Information Systems
Timeline
Medical Laboratory Scientist I
Duke University—Referral Laboratory
01.2024 - Current
Progressive Roles From CLT II to MLS I
Duke University—Referral Laboratory | Durham, North Carolina
03.2014 - 06.2024
Bachelor of Science - Zoological Sciences, Genetics
North Carolina State University
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Bartender/Server – Various Restaurants & Bars 2004-2020
- Delivered high-level customer service in fast-paced environments
- Managed cash handling and POS systems
- Developed strong multitasking and conflict resolution skills