KATIE L. BRYANT
Pittsboro,NC
Summary
Education professional transitioning back to microbiology with a strong background in laboratory work. Experienced microbiologist and quality management expert in pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. Demonstrated success in managing GxP microbiology labs, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and improving operational efficiency. Co-founder of an environmental advocacy group focused on enhancing drinking water standards.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
7th Grade Science Teacher
Chatham County Schools
Pittsboro, NC
01.2024 - Current
- Achieved 70% proficiency on standardized tests, demonstrating effective teaching strategies and student comprehension.
- Facilitated hands-on experiments to enhance student understanding of scientific concepts.
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles, fostering inclusivity and promoting student interest in science.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate interdisciplinary approaches in curriculum design.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to create a positive learning environment.
- Provided individualized instruction for struggling students.
- Incorporated current events into lesson plans, enhancing relevance of scientific concepts and increasing student engagement.
Co-founder/COO
Clean Haw River
Pittsboro
01.2020 - Current
- Formed and led team of advocates and environmental experts to educate/assist city, county, and state officials and regional water users on drinking water conditions to include: risks involved; necessary regulations; recommendations for improvement
- Provided interim clean water solutions to town citizens by influencing town representatives to offer reverse osmosis drinking water through local co-op
- Influenced town representatives to provide interim clean water solutions through local co-op offering reverse osmosis drinking water
- Facilitated installation of granular activated carbon treatment center, enhancing drinking water safety for Town of Pittsboro
- Developed and published comprehensive marketing and publicity campaigns to enhance community awareness.
- Created/published all marketing and publicity campaigns
Quality Manager
Azzur Labs, LLC
Cary, NC
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed full-scale GxP microbiology lab providing services to major healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturing clients
- Developed and maintained quality-controlled documents, raw data reports, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance records to ensure compliance with regulatory standards
- Planned and executed internal and external audits to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement
- Maintained all training documents and collaborated training for GMP, Safety, Ethics and Quality programs
- Coordinated and established startup laboratory operations to achieve full capacity in under 6 months
Microbiologist
Revlon
Oxford, NC
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Managed quality assurance laboratory ensuring product testing and finished goods release met compliance standards
- Developed and maintained program for quarterly environmental monitoring of water quality, air quality, and manufacturing equipment to validate cleaning and sanitizing procedures
- Conducted GMP audits across 1-million-square-foot facility, producing microbial trend reports to identify and address potential compliance issues
- Conducted monthly training program for manufacturing teams to remain GMP compliant
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Merck & Co.
Durham, NC
06.2011 - 12.2012
- Coordinated quality assurance program in pharmaceutical microbiology laboratory, utilizing current technologies to maintain FDA compliance in vaccine manufacturing.
- Performed environmental monitoring analysis of raw materials and manufacturing components through aseptic microbial and wet chemistry techniques to ensure product integrity.
- Coordinated quality assurance processes across multiple departments within Merck & Co.
- Developed and maintained quality documentation for compliance with industry standards.
- Conducted regular audits to ensure adherence to quality assurance protocols.
Research Assistant-BURS Scholar
The University of Texas
El Paso
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Conducted academic research under PhD candidate supervision, contributing to project goals
- Developed novel RNA replicon vaccine to protect against Tick-borne Encephalitis viral infection, advancing research in vaccine efficacy
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.
- Assisted in data collection and analysis for various studies.
- Organized and maintained research documentation and records.
Research Assistant-Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholar
The University of Texas
El Paso
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Conducted academic research under supervision under the guidance of PhD candidate
- Executed independent research on mucin-associated surface protein's role in host-parasite interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi, enhancing knowledge of disease mechanisms
- Assisted faculty with research projects and data collection tasks.
- Organized and maintained research materials and documentation systems.
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research initiatives.
Education
B.S. - Microbiology
University of Texas
Austin, TX01-2011
A.S. - Science
Jefferson Community College
Watertown, NY01-2002
Master of Science - Cellular and Molecular Biology
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC07-2026
Skills
- SOP Revision
- Process Improvement
- Lean Six Sigma
- GMP auditing
- CGMP
- GLP
- USP 40
- LIMS
- SAP
- Microscope operation
- Microbial ID
- Endotoxin testing
- Bioburden
- Growth Promotion
- Nitrate testing
- BSL-(1-3)
- TOC
- Effective communication
- Public speaking
Awards
- Distinguished Achievement in Undergraduate Research, University of Texas at El Paso, 05/11
- Top Ten Research Presentations, Annual Biomedical Research Conference, 10/10
Highlighted Work
- Presenter at NC Legislators Meeting with NC State's Center for Human Health and the Environment, 08/22, Raleigh, NC
- Attended National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Guidance on PFAS Testing and Health Outcomes, 07/22
- Led strategy meeting with North Carolina State Representative Robert Reives toward support of HB 1095, 06/22, Raleigh, NC
- Key Speaker at National PFAS Conference, 06/22, Wilmington, NC
- Joint speaker with Pittsboro Mayor Cindy Perry at Greensboro Board of Commissioners meeting, 12/21, Greensboro, NC
- Exclusive invite to EPA Administrator Michael Regan's announcement of comprehensive national PFAS strategy and roadmap, 10/21, Raleigh, NC
Board Positions
- American Society for Microbiology, Member, 01/10, Present
- National PFAS Contamination Coalition, Leadership Team Member, 01/22, Present
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS Community Advisory Group (CAG), Member, 01/21-01/23
- Pittsboro Water Quality Task Force, Chair, 01/19, 12/20
Timeline
7th Grade Science Teacher
Chatham County Schools
01.2024 - Current
Co-founder/COO
Clean Haw River
01.2020 - Current
Quality Manager
Azzur Labs, LLC
01.2018 - 01.2019
Microbiologist
Revlon
01.2017 - 01.2018
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Merck & Co.
06.2011 - 12.2012
Research Assistant-BURS Scholar
The University of Texas
01.2010 - 01.2012
Research Assistant-Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholar
The University of Texas
01.2009 - 12.2009
B.S. - Microbiology
University of Texas
A.S. - Science
Jefferson Community College
Master of Science - Cellular and Molecular Biology
Appalachian State University