Kiara Kemp
Beltsville,MD
Summary
Ms. Kemp has several years of experience in the laboratory. Ms. Kemp is a Biopharmaceutical Associate II with Samsung Biologics, fulfilling production demands in upstream to help deliver quality products to patients. She uses skills learned on the job and knowledge obtained in her Masters program to execute operations on a daily basis. Ms. Kemp began her career as a Laboratory Scientist with Fisher Bioservices, where she focused on order processing, weighing and shipment of compounds with a greater focus on regulatory, database maintenance, and chemistry issues. She upheld a strong emphasis on maintaining the database by offering support to the Database Administrator at the WRAIR Forest Glenn Annex. She worked hard to reach her goal of 99% on time order processing and delivery while continuing the accurate and timely processing of new compounds. Ms. Kemp holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Trinity Washington University and a Masters of Science in Drug Discovery and Development with a Minor in Clinical Research.
Overview
1
1
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Biopharmaceutical Associate II
Samsung Biologics
Rockville, MD
03.2026 - Current
- Preparation, cleaning, sterilization, batching, pasteurization or filtration and delivery of media and solutions for cell culture and purification operations
- Perform the set-up, operation, cleaning and break-down of process equipment
- Perform sampling procedures on various analytical instruments to analyze cell culture, solution and/or product concentration characteristics.
- Operate filter integrity devices to confirm the integrity of filters pre and post use
- Perform process operations, equipment and instrument monitoring and trending to enable proactive identification of issues to escalate and correct with applicable departments
- Set-up of fixed and mobile process equipment and parts with CIP skids to carry out validated cleaning and sterilization processes
- Follow appropriate and standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols and batch records/logbooks to safely perform process operations and document compliantly with good documentation and data integrity practices
- Follow all related safety policies and procedures and put safety first by playing an active role in identifying and correcting unsafe behaviors and conditions
Biopharmaceutical Associate II
GlaxoSmithKline
Rockville, MD
09.2023 - 03.2026
- Preparation, cleaning, sterilization, batching, pasteurization or filtration and delivery of media and solutions for cell culture and purification operations
- Perform the set-up, operation, cleaning and break-down of process equipment
- Perform sampling procedures on various analytical instruments to analyze cell culture, solution and/or product concentration characteristics.
- Operate filter integrity devices to confirm the integrity of filters pre and post use
- Perform process operations, equipment and instrument monitoring and trending to enable proactive identification of issues to escalate and correct with applicable departments
- Set-up of fixed and mobile process equipment and parts with CIP skids to carry out validated cleaning and sterilization processes
- Follow appropriate and standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols and batch records/logbooks to safely perform process operations and document compliantly with good documentation and data integrity practices
- Follow all related safety policies and procedures and put safety first by playing an active role in identifying and correcting unsafe behaviors and conditions
Laboratory Technician
Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission
Silver Spring, MD
01.2023 - 09.2023
- Operates basic to specialized field laboratory instruments such as pH, conductivity, turbidity, etc.
- Performs physical collection of samples in accordance with the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, NPDES, Industrial Discharge Control, and all other applicable local, state or federal environmental regulations
- Inspects customer collected samples to ensure appropriate procedures have been followed with regard to the collection and the labeling of samples
- Maintains chain of custody throughout the collection process
- Performs a variety of chemical, physical and microbiological analyses on aqueous and non-aqueous samples including, but not limited to: color, odor, total hardness, conductivity, turbidity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, solids, alkalinity, fluoride, chlorine in accordance with standard operating procedures and quality control requirements
- Utilizes specific instrumentation or computer software to complete analysis
- Reviews, approves, and enters all resulting data into the LIMS system and all other appropriate databases
- Prepares necessary standards and reagents for chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses in accordance with standard operating procedures and quality control requirements
- Maintains, cleans, and prepares glassware and other laboratory appliances for use in various analytical procedures
- Maintains all other required analytical, quality control, and maintenance records
- Produces acceptable data according to Federal and State regulations (Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Acts) and requirements
- Maintains analytical, quality control, and maintenance records according to Laboratory QA Manual and SOPs
- Maintains field water quality panels and fish tanks
- Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
Scientist II
Thermo Fisher Scientific/ NCI Chemotherapeutic Agents Repository (NCI-CAR)
08.2022 - 01.2023
- Process shipping lists on a regular basis as other duties allow especially when there are high volumes of lists or staffing in the laboratory is low. Assist other techs when problems arise
- Perform inventory procedures on all compounds including new compounds, returns, and special inventory projects; perform quality checks on their own work as well as that of other technicians. Assist other technicians when questions arise regarding compound identity or stability
- Perform advanced queries on the DIS and Oracle DIS to answer regulatory questions and help in inventory maintenance projects. Perform large, mass updates to the DIS in addition to updates for normal inventory processing. Perform quality assurance checks for data entry by other as well as their own
- Perform compound solubilization and subsequent creation of microtiter plates on the automated liquid handling systems. Also perform plate replication using MiniTrack plate replicator. Required to perform advanced maintenance and troubleshooting of automated equipment and program robots for new procedures
- Must be able to recognize and properly segregate controlled hazardous substances for storage or disposal as necessary and assist with labeling of hazardous waste for disposal. They will also perform periodic monitoring of the hazardous waste marshalling area for compliance with facility safety guidelines
- Properly maintain the lab and compound storage areas to ensure cleanliness and organization. This includes daily cleaning of hoods and surrounding work areas and periodic cleaning of floors and straightening of common work areas. They will also assist in facility monitoring and upgrades as needed
- Adhere to all SOPs and facility safety guidelines. Provide input during the creation of new procedures, offer suggestions for improving current procedures, and may be required to write drafts of lab SOPs. Provide training to Lab Techs on SOPs and safety procedures
Scientist II
Thermo Fisher Scientific/ Division of Microbiology and infectious Diseases (DMID)
Germantown, MD
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Prepares samples, clinical agents, and biospecimens for pickups, courier deliveries, and shipments
- Worked closely with managers to support discrepancies, inventory maintenance and database updates
- Responsible for using an inventory management system for data entry, sample tracking, and management of samples
- Properly store, handle, and dispose compounds in accordance with OSHA and EPA or MDE Used an inventory management system (inTrak and Global Trace) for data entry, sample tracking, and management of samples
- Performs internal specimen consolidation and modernization projects under the mentorship of a Lead Operations Technician
- Participated in process improvement activities
- Receives and handles inventories of specimens of human, animal, and/or plant origin at temperatures ranging from ambient to -196C, and having potentially hazardous properties
- Assures compliance to cGMP parts 210 and 211 and company quality systems
- Follows standard operating procedures (SOPs), facility safety guidelines, and Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requirements which may include compliance with cGMP CFR parts 210 and 211 where applicable
- Role models behavior consistent with our values of Integrity, Intensity, Innovation & Involvement
- Other duties assigned to meet business needs
Scientist II, Chemistry
Thermo Fisher Scientific/ Fisher BioServices
Rockville, MD
07.2016 - 05.2022
- Assist in the validation of chemical structures in the chemistry database and other data in the Core laboratory information Management System (CoreLIMS) including making changes to chemistry database as appropriate
- Assist with maintenance of the CoreLIMS and other computer operations including updating databases and assisting with scanning operations
- Process orders through the CoreLIMS plus hand issue and hand inventory requests observing all OSHA, GLP, and GMP regulations as appropriate
- Properly store, handle, and dispose compounds in accordance with OSHA and EPA or MDE regulations taking into consideration compound stability, hazards, and potential chemical interactions
- Provide support at the WRAIR Forest Glenn Annex as needed, including performing accessioning, generating safety data sheets (SDS’s), and generating orders
- Train new or temporary employees in computer and laboratory operations
- Assist in writing SOP’s pertaining to laboratory and computer procedures
Pharmacy Technician- COVID 19 Vaccine Support
CVS Pharmacy
Gaithersburg, MD
03.2021 - 01.2023
- Help people on a path to better health by engaging customers to learn about their health and medications
- Communicate among a number of individuals, including patients, coworkers, insurance companies, and prescribers
- Works on a team to fulfill prescription orders from start to finish with an in depth understanding of each workstation
- Understands and follows applicable Federal and State laws (e.g., HIPAA), regulations (e.g., OSHA), professional standards, and ethical principles
- Complies with CVS policies and procedures to ensure patient safety, and protect patient privacy and security
- Actively seeks opportunities to expand clinical, technical and insurance knowledge
- Balances quality and efficiency in all tasks, contributing to both patient outcomes and broader team goals
- Greet and check-in COVID clinic patients
- Fill out vaccination cards
- Assist patients with making appointments online
Merchandise Associate
Marshalls
Rockville, MD
11.2020 - 03.2021
- Supports and embodies a positive store culture through honesty, integrity, and respect
- Accurately rings customer purchases/ returns, and counts change back to customer according to established operating procedures
- Maintains and upholds merchandising philosophy and follows established merchandising procedures and standards
- Accurately processes and prepares merchandise for the sales floor following company procedures and standards
- Initiates and participates in store recovery as needed throughout the day
- Supports and participates in store shrink reduction goals and programs
- Promotes credit and loyalty programs during customer interactions
Customer Service Specialist, Seasonal
Best Buy
Rockville, MD
11.2018 - 02.2019
- Greet and engage customers while processing product and service transactions
- Completely and accurately processes transactions
- Assist customers with completing and picking up online purchases in your store
- Stays up to date on Best Buy products and in-store service offerings and offers complete solutions to customers during each transaction
- Maintain a well-stocked and clean register area at all times
Patient Call Center Employee
Dr. Lilly & Associates
Hyattsville, MD
08.2013 - 08.2014
- Answered calls and directed calls/ messages to doctors and medical assistants
- Sent doctors notifications for patient medication refills
- Called patients for appointment reminders
- Scheduled, canceled, and rescheduled appointments
- Placed alerts in patients charts for owed bills
- Sorted through online emails and placed doctors’ emails in their charts
Receptionist
Dr. Lilly & Associates
Hyattsville, MD
01.2013 - 2013
- Logged in and signed out patients
- Took co-pays
- Verified patient’s insurance
- Scheduled follow-up appointments
- Generated work notes and referrals
Line Server, Cashier, Shift Leader, Expeditor, & Server
Carolina Kitchen
Hyattsville, MD
08.2010 - 04.2018
- Set up and open the carryout line in the morning
- Take call-in/ catering orders
- Maintain the quality of food
- Prepare carryout orders
- Prepare and deliver catering orders; Setup and serve at events
- Count and balance the till before and after shift for me and others; Dispense change
- Train new employees
- Speak to unsatisfied customers; document complaints and help resolve issues
- Assign and close tills
- Support servers and chefs
- Greet customers
- Manicure tables
Student Lab Experience
Trinity Washington University
Washington DC
01.2012 - 12.2016
- “Inhibition of γ-secretase in the Notch Signaling Pathway” independent study for Senior Seminar thesis, Spring 2015
- Ms. Kemp hypothesized that inhibiting γ-secretase will inhibit progression of cancer cells through the cell cycle and reduce tumor growth
- Ms. Kemp designed a hypothetical experiment using an immunoprecipitation assay confirmed by gel electrophoresis, western blot, and cell cycle assay by flow cytometry to test my theory
- “Unknown Lab Report” independent study in Microbiology, Fall 2014
- This Experiment focused on identifying an unknown bacterium through different methods of diagnosis. Question rose, “What bacteria could be found inhabiting the throat?”
- Sample was swabbed onto TSA blood agar and allowed to grow
- The unknown bacterium underwent methods of streak plate isolation, subculturing, gram staining, biochemical tests such as catalase and coagulase, and a confirmatory test using mannitol salt agar
- “Enteric Bacteria Lab” Group Experiment in Microbiology, Fall 2014
- Ms. Kemp used several biochemical tests to differentiate members of the Enterobacteriaceae family from other gram-negative bacteria and to identify an unknown gram-negative bacterium
- Tests: TSI, IMViC, Nitrate Reduction, MacConkey agar, Oxidase, (Dichotomous Key)
- Bacteria used: E. Coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, proteus vulgaris, pseudomonas aeruginosa, lactobacillus lacter, and an unknown
- The results from each test led Ms. Kemp to determine an unknown
- “DNA Extraction Lab” Group Experiment in Biology, Spring 2013
- Isolate DNA from E. coli by disrupting the cells with sodium lauryl sulfate
- Separate DNA fragments with Gel Electrophoresis
- Prepare written report summarizing data analysis and conclusion
Education
Master of Science - Drug Discovery & Development
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA01-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Trinity Washington University
Washington, DC01-2016
Diploma -
Laurel High School
Laurel01-2010
Skills
- CGMP Compliance
- CGLP & Lab Compliance
- Quality Assurance
- Regulatory Compliance
- Protocol Adherence
- Bio Repository Management
- Standard Operating Procedures
- MS Office & Access
- Master Control
- In- Trak
- CoreLIMS
- Weighing & Shipping Compounds
- Inventory Management
- Application of Standard ERP Processes in M-ERP
- GSK Production System Compliance
- Skills required to manage & use automation & emerging digital platforms
Certification
- DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation Certification, September 2017
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety Certification, May 2018
- CPR, AED, and Basic First Aid Certification, December 2018
- Pharmacy Technician License, September 2021
- Water Sampler Certification, February 2023
Awards & Publications
“Inhibition of γ-secretase in the Notch Signaling Pathway” Published in Trinity Washington University’s STEM journal Metamorphosis Volume 2, 2014-2015
Timeline
Biopharmaceutical Associate II
Samsung Biologics
03.2026 - Current
Biopharmaceutical Associate II
GlaxoSmithKline
09.2023 - 03.2026
Laboratory Technician
Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission
01.2023 - 09.2023
Scientist II
Thermo Fisher Scientific/ NCI Chemotherapeutic Agents Repository (NCI-CAR)
08.2022 - 01.2023
Scientist II
Thermo Fisher Scientific/ Division of Microbiology and infectious Diseases (DMID)
06.2022 - 08.2022
Pharmacy Technician- COVID 19 Vaccine Support
CVS Pharmacy
03.2021 - 01.2023
Merchandise Associate
Marshalls
11.2020 - 03.2021
Customer Service Specialist, Seasonal
Best Buy
11.2018 - 02.2019
Scientist II, Chemistry
Thermo Fisher Scientific/ Fisher BioServices
07.2016 - 05.2022
Patient Call Center Employee
Dr. Lilly & Associates
08.2013 - 08.2014
Receptionist
Dr. Lilly & Associates
01.2013 - 2013
Student Lab Experience
Trinity Washington University
01.2012 - 12.2016
Line Server, Cashier, Shift Leader, Expeditor, & Server
Carolina Kitchen
08.2010 - 04.2018
Master of Science - Drug Discovery & Development
Drexel University
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Trinity Washington University
Diploma -
Laurel High School