Lauren Faulk
Columbia,SC
Summary
Meticulous and methodical Analytical Chemist with over 6 years of experience in an environmental laboratory. Extensive knowledge of Analytical Quality Control and Assurance practices. Adept at analyzing aqueous samples for organic contaminants while ensuring compliance with EPA standards, approved testing methods, and procedural QA/QC requirements. Proficient in maintaining laboratory equipment, performing scientific calculations, and interpreting data. Experienced in reviewing SOPs and developing methods to meet federal standards and regulations. Dedicated to quality, environmental protection, and continuous professional growth.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Chemist II
S.C. Department of Environmental Services
09.2021 - Current
- Utilizes gas chromatography/electron capture detector instrumentation to analyze different organic pollutants in environmental samples
- Generates valid and defensible analytical data for drinking water compliance monitoring and other environmental objectives
- Examines, stores and logs samples for testing
- Prepares glassware for usage
- Prepares working standards from chemical stock solutions
- Keeps accurate traceability logs and other quality assurance documentation
- Performs instrument quality checks (e.g., refrigerator/freezer temperatures, balance measurements) and records measurements along with any corrective actions implemented
- Extracts and analyzes routine drinking water and wastewater samples (EPA methods 504.1, 551.1, 552.2 & 608.3)
- Performs quality control requirements associated with field sample analysis
- Processes raw data according to SOP guidelines and criteria
- Maintains analytical instrumentation to ensure optimal performance
- Ensures laboratory cleanliness and compliance with safety protocols
- Maintains an adequate inventory of method-related supplies
- Addresses departmental needs to maintain laboratory efficiency
- Submits timely and accurate processed data for reporting
- Catalogs and stores hazardous chemical waste for disposal in accordance with the laboratory's approved chemical hygiene plan
- Reviews SOPs to ensure they are current and in compliance with approved EPA drinking water and wastewater methods
- Co-develops methods that adhere to revised federal regulations and streamlines laboratory operations
- Maintains inspection readiness for internal and EPA laboratory assessments
- Completes agency required training courses and tests
- Maintains proficiency and laboratory certification for assigned method analytes by conducting ongoing MDL analyses and meeting acceptance criteria for quarterly and PT samples
- Compiles, calculates and visualizes QC data in excel spreadsheets containing Shewhart Control Charts
- Assists in updating the department’s chemical inventory and laboratory risk assessment tool as needed
- Develops and maintains effective working relationships with team members, agency personnel, and services engineers
- Keeps an organized storage of physical and electronic sample results and supporting laboratory information
Environmental Health Manager II
S.C. Department of Public Health and Environmental Control
02.2019 - 09.2021
- Company Overview: Bureau of Environmental Health Services, Analytical and Radiological Environmental Service Division, Sample Receiving Data Management Section
- Verifies and maintains the integrity of incoming samples into DHEC Central Laboratory according to USEPA standards
- Ensures that all manual and digital records of sample pertinent information (e.g., biographical information, field data, and analytical results) are accurate and complete
- Prepares and ships sample containers to regional Health Departments and Program Areas for various sampling requests
- Receives laboratory samples from the public, other state agencies, and various DHEC program areas
- Verifies transcriptions of field data and sample collection information for accuracy and completeness
- Inspects shipment containers, chain of custodies and samples to ensure that collection criteria have been met
- Rejects samples that do not meet shipping, holding time, and/or preservation requirements, and notifies sample collectors and laboratory departments
- Enters appropriate notations in LIMS when no result can be reported for a requested parameter
- Resolves any inconsistencies between the samples and their paperwork
- Logs all sample collection information in LIMS, generating a unique identifier for each sample to facilitate proper tracking and distribution
- Labels, organizes and delivers samples to various laboratory departments
- Enters sample results in LIMS
- Validates sample result entries in LIMS
- Monitors system backlog and investigates lingering unprocessed samples
- Generates and disseminates sample reports to end users
- Prepares laboratory data records for archival and retrieval according to State Record Center requirements
- Develops and maintains a positive and effective working relationship with department members, sample collectors, laboratory personnel, EA program area staff, and external customers
- Provides agency resources to private well customers on interpreting their sample results and finding suitable treatment options
- Bureau of Environmental Health Services, Analytical and Radiological Environmental Service Division, Sample Receiving Data Management Section
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences, Chemistry Cognate
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC05.2018
Skills
- Sample Handling & Storage
- Data Management
- Analytical Chemistry
- Water Compliance Testing
- Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Documentation & Reporting
- Analytical Instrumentation Operation & Maintenance
- Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
- Quality Control & Assurance
- SOP Review & Method Development
- Laboratory Safety
- Data Software & Applications
- Laboratory Instrumentation
- Laboratory Techniques
- Chemical handling
Academic Achievements Affiliations
Tri Beta Biological Honor Society – Tau Mu Chapter
Technical Skills
Citrix LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), MS Office Suite, OpenOffice, ChemStation, Biotage 4790 SPE-DEX Envision Platform Software, Agilent 7890 Gas Chromatograph / Electron Capture Detector equipped with PAL autosampler, Zymark TurboVap II Automated Evaporator, Gas Chromatography, SFLLE, LLE-Microextraction, Sample Derivatization (Methylation), Sample dilutions, pH adjusting, Back extractions, Filtration, Nitrogen Evaporation, Solvent Exchange
Timeline
Chemist II
S.C. Department of Environmental Services
09.2021 - Current
Environmental Health Manager II
S.C. Department of Public Health and Environmental Control
02.2019 - 09.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences, Chemistry Cognate
University of South Carolina
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