Detail oriented public health professional with 20 years of experience supporting regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and program operations within a state laboratory environment. Proven ability to develop and maintain SOP's, validation reports and implementations, support audits, ensure regulatory appearance, and coordinate cross functional initiatives. Skilled in documentation management, training development with strong focus on accuracy, organization and audit readiness. Experienced in working in highly regulated healthcare environments with strict compliance standards.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
LABORATORY SUPERVISOR – NEWBORN SCREENING
Missouri State Public Health Laboratory
Jefferson City, MO
06.2019 - 02.2026
Directly responsible for the accurate reporting of over 80,000 newborn screening tests covering five testing platforms.
Direct and supervise laboratory staff and operations to ensure compliance with regulations and quality standards.
Develop, implement, and update policies and procedures (SOPs), ensuring clarity and compliance.
Conduct quality assurance reviews, evaluate outcomes, and recommend improvements based on data.
Coordinate cross-department communications and project needs to support statewide public health goals.
Managed inventory of reagents and supplies, optimizing resource allocation for laboratory operations while overseeing $2.5 million budget.
Communicate effectively with internal teams, leadership, and external stakeholders.
Evaluated laboratory equipment performance and coordinated maintenance schedules to minimize downtime.
Led initiatives to enhance data accuracy in sample processing and result interpretation.
Reduced turnaround time for test results by optimizing workflows and laboratory procedures.
Contributed to the development of new tests or methodologies through collaborative research efforts with colleagues or external partners.
GYMNASTICS JUDGE (CONTRACT EMPLOYMENT)
USA Gymnastics
Various Gymnastics Gyms Around Missouri
09.2009 - 12.2019
Certified Level 10 Judge responsible for evaluating routines and enforcing all safety and technical regulations.
Ensured consistency, fairness, and integrity in scoring through detailed knowledge of standards.
Collaborated with event organizers to support successful meet operations.
Demonstrated strong attention to detail, rule interpretation, and professional communication.
SENIOR HEALTH LABORATORY SCIENTIST – NEWBORN SCREENING
Missouri State Public Health Laboratory
Jefferson City, MO
03.2015 - 03.2019
Trained staff and developed resources to support consistent understanding of procedures and expectations.
Wrote and updated Standard Operating Procedures and other documentation used for training.
Conducted outcome and process evaluation for testing workflows, contributing to continuous improvement.
Served as a subject matter expert, communicating essential result information to physicians and genetic centers.
Monitored inventory and provided recommendations for resource and program planning.
Supervised laboratory scientists rotating through specialized testing areas.
PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY SCIENTIST – NEWBORN SCREENING
Missouri State Public Health Laboratory
Jefferson City, MO
03.2007 - 03.2015
Conducted testing daily, ensured compliance with safety and quality standards, and maintained detailed logs.
Prepared required documentation, records, and high-risk reports to support program operations.
Collaborated with team members and supervisors to maintain efficient workflows and timely results.
Supported internal operations through accurate data entry, recordkeeping, and quality assurance.
HOSPITAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN II
Boyce & Bynum Pathology Laboratory
Columbia, MO
07.2006 - 02.2007
Performed daily testing in Cytology and Histology preparing specimens for analysis.
Managed specimen workflows, ensured accuracy, and supported department operations.
Collaborated across teams to support high-quality patient services.
Maintained quality control, documentation, and safety compliance.
HOSPITAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN II
University Hospital
Columbia, MO
11.2005 - 02.2007
Performed laboratory testing procedures in Cytology and maintained accurate documentation.
Ensured adherence to protocols, safety standards, and processing accuracy.
Supported team functions and workflow efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Minor in Fitness & Wellness
SENIOR HEALTH LABORATORY SCIENTIST – NEWBORN SCREENING
Missouri State Public Health Laboratory
03.2015 - 03.2019
GYMNASTICS JUDGE (CONTRACT EMPLOYMENT)
USA Gymnastics
09.2009 - 12.2019
PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY SCIENTIST – NEWBORN SCREENING
Missouri State Public Health Laboratory
03.2007 - 03.2015
HOSPITAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN II
Boyce & Bynum Pathology Laboratory
07.2006 - 02.2007
HOSPITAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN II
University Hospital
11.2005 - 02.2007
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Minor in Fitness & Wellness
University of Central Missouri
PUBLICATIONS
Vermette L, Washburn J, Klug T. Analysis of the Effect of Demographic Variables on Lysosomal Enzyme Activities in the Missouri Newborn Screening Program. Int J Neonatal Screen. 2025 Jun 19;11(2):48. doi: 10.3390/ijns11020048. PMID: 40559185; PMCID: PMC12193128.
Bilyeu H, Washburn J, Vermette L, Klug T. Validation and Implementation of a Highly Sensitive and Efficient Newborn Screening Assay for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II. Int J Neonatal Screen. 2020 Oct 14;6(4):79. doi: 10.3390/ijns6040079. PMID: 33124617; PMCID: PMC7711921.
Hopkins PV, Klug T, Vermette L, Raburn-Miller J, Kiesling J, Rogers S. Incidence of 4 Lysosomal Storage Disorders From 4 Years of Newborn Screening. JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(7):696–697. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.0263
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