Kayla Mattox
Chicago,IL
Summary
Hardworking and competent Microbiology Lab Lead with extensive knowledge in food laboratory operations. Punctual and professional, willing to work various shifts and driven to perform successfully in solitary role or as part of team. Compassionate and trained to handle issues and remain level-headed. Reliable and hardworking with great interpersonal and team collaboration skills. Highly-motivated with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Microbiology Lab Lead
Deibel Labs
Niles, IL
04.2019 - Current
- Supervised cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment to prevent errors and breakdowns.
- Gathered biological samples for laboratory tests.
- Assisted and instructed other laboratory technicians.
- Completed lab tests and communicated results to supervising staff and clients.
- Handled administrative tasks for laboratory staff and overall operations.
- Communicated with outside parties and laboratory management regarding test results.
- Managed laboratory supplies and equipment, providing maximum output to meet data deadlines.
- Attended lab meetings to participate in research discussions.
- Prepared lab for daily operations by stocking materials and equipment.
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
- Enhanced team member performance through use of strategic and tactical approaches, motivational coaching and training.
- Monitored staff performance and addressed issues.
- Recruited and hired qualified candidates to fill open positions.
- Led team meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions to continuously improve performance.
- Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.
- Minimized staff turnover through appropriate selection, orientation and training.
- Exercised good judgment and decision-making in escalating concerns and resolving issues.
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Assigned tasks to associates to fit skill levels and maximize team performance.
Microbiologist
Deibel Labs
Niles, IL
04.2019 - Current
- Performed service calls to clients about their test results
- Answered clients questions through phone conversations or email
- Helped clients understand their results and timelines for testing
- Adhered to Quality guidelines
- Performed FDA confirmation testing for different types of microbial species
- Followed FDA and USDA testing guildlines
- Interpret BAX PCR and ELISA results
- Plate counting using different types of media agar and petrifilm
- Entering and authorizing test results into LIMS system
- Communicating with Operations team about testing and/or results
- Proper handling of organisms
- Proper cleaning and sanitizing
- Maintained field equipment and performed troubleshooting techniques to keep tools fully operational.
- Developed biological sampling reports detailing research findings.
Laboratory Technician I and II
Deibel Labs
Niles, IL
04.2019 - Current
- Received specimens and reviewed for quality, labeling and accessioning
- Weigh out samples for plating and pathogen testing.
- Plated the samples based on what the client wants
- Can read and login sample request sheets into LIMS system
- Employed scientific methods to promote quality of collected samples and stored specimens.
- Streaked and transferred samples using FDA and USDA methods for Listeria and Salmonella
- Proper use of laboratory equipment
- Kept lab space and equipment clean to prevent contamination with hazardous substances.
- Trained in ELISA testing for Salmonella, Listeria, L.mono, and Staph Enterotoxin
- Trained in BAX PCR testing for Salmonella, Rapid Salmonella, Listeria, Rapid Listeria, L.mono, E.coli, and STEC
- Troubleshooting for ELISA and BAX PCR
- Interpreted test results and determined need for retesting.
- Participated in extra training and courses to refine and improve upon industry knowledge.
Waitress/Hostess
El Sarape & La Hacienda Mexican Restaurants Kenosha
Kenosha, WI
12.2013 - 12.2022
- Presented food and beverages to guests at tables.
- Communicated with kitchen staff to stay updated on item availability and customer wait times.
- Handled food safely and kept spaces clean to protect customers from foodborne illness and maintain proper sanitation.
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Utilized POS system to total meal costs and add taxes for final bill calculation.
- Developed long-term relationships with customers to increase opportunities for repeat business.
- Presented menus to patrons to answer questions about menu items and make recommendations.
- Rolled silverware and set up food stations and dining areas to prepare for next shift or large parties.
- Addressed concerns quickly to improve customer experience and escalated issues to management for resolution when necessary.
- Maintained accuracy while handling payments, giving change and printing receipts for customers.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Checked identification to verify if guests meet minimum age to legally purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to streamline process for both customer and restaurant.
- Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
- Answered phones promptly to record and confirm reservations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Mariam University of Wisconsin
Fond Du Lac, WI05-2018
Highschool Diploma -
Mary D. Bradford High School
Kenosha, WI05-2014
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Results Analysis
- Aseptic Techniques
- Lab equipment maintenance
- Bacterial Inoculation
- Equipment Troubleshooting
- Training
- Multitasking
- Communication
- Specialist in Microbiology
Timeline
Microbiology Lab Lead
Deibel Labs
04.2019 - Current
Microbiologist
Deibel Labs
04.2019 - Current
Laboratory Technician I and II
Deibel Labs
04.2019 - Current
Waitress/Hostess
El Sarape & La Hacienda Mexican Restaurants Kenosha
12.2013 - 12.2022
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Mariam University of Wisconsin
Highschool Diploma -
Mary D. Bradford High School
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