Melissa Brawner
Cumming,GA
Summary
Experienced Research Microbiologist with a strong focus on ELISA testing, microbial analysis, and quality control. Proven ability to manage laboratory protocols and ensure compliance, contributing to successful public health assessments and clinical trials.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Homemaker
self
Cumming, Georgia
05.2008 - Current
- Engaged young children during lessons with creative strategies to maintain order and discipline.
- Implemented organized schedules to effectively manage simultaneous needs of three children.
Research Microbiologist
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Atlanta, GA
09.2007 - 05.2008
- Performed diagnostics to identify a variety of parasitic diseases using the ELISA assay
- Conducted microbial analyses in environmental samples, contributing to public health assessments and safety initiatives.
- Managed quality control processes to maintain high laboratory standards and compliance.
- Prepared detailed reports on research findings for internal review and dissemination, enhancing knowledge sharing.
- Reviewed and analyzed diagnostic test results, ensuring accuracy and reliability to support effective decision-making.
- Maintained a clean and safe working environment by adhering to established safety procedures.
- Used LITS Plus, StarLIMS, Dynex Revelation, ELISA for Windows
Research Microbiologist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
Atlanta, GA
10.2001 - 09.2007
- Anthrax Vaccine clinical trial - new trial designed to test whether changing injection route or decreasing the number of doses affects the quality of the immune response or local reactions to the vaccine. This trial partnered with several clinical study sites around the country (Mayo clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham, Emory University, NIH, Walter Reed Army Institute.) All samples were sent to the CDC for testing and analysis.
- Developed and validated laboratory protocols to ensure accurate microbiological testing.
- Trained and mentored junior staff in laboratory techniques and safety procedures.
- Managed quality control processes to maintain high laboratory standards and compliance.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing research findings for internal review and dissemination.
Research Microbiologist
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Atlanta, GA
06.2001 - 10.2001
- Developed antibody detection assays for Cyclospora, Cryptosporidia, and Giardia, enhancing diagnostic capabilities using Formalin-Ethyl Acetate Sedimentation Concentration.
- ELISA assay antibody detection
- Monitored and analyzed diagnostic test results to ensure accuracy and reliability in reporting.
- Maintained a clean and safe working environment by adhering to established safety procedures.
- Interpreted test results to guarantee proper data reporting and compliance with quality standards.
Student Intern
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
Atlanta, GA
06.2000 - 08.2000
- Prepared gels for electrophoresis and buffer solutions to facilitate accurate diagnostic testing for Cysticercosis
- Managed lab inventory and ensured availability of essential supplies
- Fostered collaborative relationships with staff and management to enhance team communication
Education
Bachelor of Science - Micro/Molecular Cell Biology
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL05-2001
Skills
- Diagnostic testing
- Quality control
- Compliance standards
- Laboratory protocols
- ELISA testing
- Microbial analysis
- Research methodologies
- Data interpretation
- Safety procedures
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Effective communication
- Record keeping
Accomplishments
- Peer reviewed publication - Emerging Infectious Diseases Vol. 20 No. 2 February 2014 Validation and Long Term Performance Characteristics of Quantitative ELISA
- Peer reviewed publication - Semenova VA, Schiffer J, Steward-Clark E, Soroka S, Schmidt DS, Brawner , Lyde F, Thompson R, Brown N, Foster L, Fox S, Patel N, Freeman AE, Quinn CP. 2012. Validation and Long Term Performance characteristics of a Quantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human anti-PA-IgG. J Immanol Methods 376:97-107.
- Peer reviewed publication - Semenova V, Schmidt D, Taylor TH Jr, Li H, Steward-Clark E, Soroka S, Brawner MB, Quinn CP. Analysis of anti-protective antigen IgG subclass distribution in recipients of anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) and patients with cutaneous and inhalation anthrax.
- CDC Director's Innovation Award 2008, Innovations in Research and Technology that create new capabilities in regards to the Anthrax Clinical Trial
Timeline
Homemaker
self
05.2008 - Current
Research Microbiologist
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
09.2007 - 05.2008
Research Microbiologist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
10.2001 - 09.2007
Research Microbiologist
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
06.2001 - 10.2001
Student Intern
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
06.2000 - 08.2000
Bachelor of Science - Micro/Molecular Cell Biology
University of Central Florida