MARIA LAIS FINNERTY
Freeville
Summary
Cornell University graduate student with experience supporting veterinary education, diagnostic services, research, and laboratory instruction. Skilled in collaborating with faculty, students, and interdisciplinary teams to develop effective learning environments and communicate complex scientific concepts. Experienced in managing multiple projects, supporting teaching laboratories, and contributing to evidence-based educational and scientific initiatives within veterinary medicine.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Technologist – Parasitology
Cornell University – Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC)
01.2024 - Current
- Reviewed submissions for test appropriateness.
- Perform routine and advanced parasitology diagnostics on fecal samples from equines, ruminants, dogs, and cats.
- Conduct double centrifugal fecal flotation with sugar and zinc solutions.
- Perform Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Heartworm ELISA testing.
- Conduct PCR and sequencing for parasite detection and confirmation.
- Perform Modified Baermann and Modified Knott’s techniques for lungworms and microfilaria identification.
- Perform skin scraping digestion.
- Maintain updated BSL-3 laboratory safety standards training.
- Contribute to the development and optimization of parasitology projects aimed at improving diagnostic methods.
- Supervisor: John Bebee
Medical Technologist – Molecular Diagnostics
Cornell University – Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC)
05.2021 - 12.2023
- Reviewed submissions for test appropriateness and sample quality assurance.
- Processed feces, swabs, tissues, and blood samples for DNA/RNA extraction.
- Performed PCR assays for the detection of bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens.
- Analyze and interpret CT values for the detection of pathogens, including Ehrlichia spp., Leptospira spp., Streptococcus equi, Avian Influenza, and others.
- Worked in BSL-3 laboratory and trained for BSL-3 safety standards.
- Supervisor: Roopa Venugopalan
Medical Technologist
Cornell University – Animal Health Diagnostic Center (CCTL Lab)
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Accessioned and processed up to 6,000 clinical specimens daily using BIOMEK.
- Operated BIOMEK automation systems and Integra Pipetting Robot for pooled sample processing.
- Conducted DNA/RNA extraction and PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
- Analyze PCR results.
- Supervisors: Melissa Laverack, Roopa Venugopalan
Laboratory Technician
Cornell University – Department of Microbiology & Immunology
08.2019 - 09.2020
- Managed specimen labeling, inventory, and preservation for the parasitology museum.
- Implemented a new barcode-based specimen tracking system.
- Assisted with veterinary parasitology teaching laboratories (VETMI 7422, VETMI 7418).
- Supported faculty and students requiring disability accommodations.
- Prepared, stained, and mounted parasitology specimens.
- Supervisor: Dr. Bowman
Externship Trainee
Cornell University – Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences
04.2017 - 06.2017
- Cultured and purified Equid Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1).
- Performed flow cytometry and isolated primary endothelial cell cultures.
- Supervisor: Dr. Priscila Serpa
Scientific Initiation Research Trainee
Federal University of Bahia – Diagnostic Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Cultured Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum tachyzoites.
- Performed PCR, ELISA, and indirect immunofluorescence assays.
- Maintained mouse colonies (C57BL/6 and Swiss) for experimental infections.
- Work on the project for the Lytic effect of aromatic essential oils on Toxoplasma gondii oocysts.
- Supervisor: Dr. Luís Fernando Pita Gondim
Student Assistant – Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology
Federal University of Bahia
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Assisted professors during practical laboratory sessions.
- Supervised students and supported instructional activities.
- Analyzed and interpreted cytology samples.
Education
Master of Professional Studies - Veterinary Parasitology
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY06-2026
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - DVM
Federal University of Bahia
Salvador, Brazil01-2017
Skills
- Quality control
- Parasitology knowledge
- Cytology
- Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
LANGUAGES
Portuguese: Fluent
English: Fluent
Timeline
Medical Technologist – Parasitology
Cornell University – Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC)
01.2024 - Current
Medical Technologist – Molecular Diagnostics
Cornell University – Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC)
05.2021 - 12.2023
Medical Technologist
Cornell University – Animal Health Diagnostic Center (CCTL Lab)
09.2020 - 05.2021
Laboratory Technician
Cornell University – Department of Microbiology & Immunology
08.2019 - 09.2020
Externship Trainee
Cornell University – Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences
04.2017 - 06.2017
Scientific Initiation Research Trainee
Federal University of Bahia – Diagnostic Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases
08.2015 - 08.2016
Student Assistant – Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology
Federal University of Bahia
01.2012 - 01.2013
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - DVM
Federal University of Bahia
Master of Professional Studies - Veterinary Parasitology
Cornell University