Nada Sayed

• Interpreted over 100 diverse culture specimens daily using automated (Snsapys) and manual methods. Consistently recognized for meticulous documentation of daily culture updates in EHR and strategic test selection to ensure accurate & timely organism identification.
• Performed high-complexity testing using the BD Kiestra automation line for culture setup, incubation, and digital reading via Synapsys software.
• Processed and cultured a variety of specimens (respiratory, wound, urine, blood, CSF, etc.). for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures.
• Interpreted Gram stains and STAT direct smears for critical pathogens, ensuring timely results; often reporting 100+ per day.
• Conducted organism ID and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) both manually and via MALDI-TOF automated systems.
• Maintained quality control logs, validated media and reagents, and performed troubleshooting of Kiestra modules and ancillary equipment.
• Collaborated closely with infectious disease physicians and pharmacists on culture results and resistance patterns.
• Trained and evaluated new employees and students in microbiology workflows, instrumentation, and safety protocols.

• Performed high volumes of comprehensive hematology testing, including CBCs, differentials, coagulation studies, and body fluid analyses.
• Operated and maintained Beckman Coulter analyzers for hematology and body fluid counts (DxH series).
• Conducted 50-100 manual and automated (CellaVision software) differentials daily; skilled in identifying abnormal cell morphology and escalating critical findings to clinicians promptly.
• Ran coagulation assays and ensured accuracy through QC and delta checks (ACL TOP series).
• Independently ran the hematology bench at the UC Davis Cancer Center, and handled STAT and routine oncology samples with high accuracy.
• Maintained strict compliance with CAP, CLIA, and hospital protocols in documentation, quality control, and safety.
• Participated in proficiency testing, instrument calibration, and validation of new methods.
• Collaborated with pathologists for case reviews, and supported student and new employee training.

• Actively participated in the main lab research study regarding Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation, a process that is being studied as a natural alternative to chemical fumigants, by designing and setting up greenhouse trials, collecting soil samples, conducting DNA/RNA extractions, performing PCRs/qPCRs, and doing any other molecular work necessary to analyze samples.
• Maintained the daily lab flow by autoclaving supplies, making biological media, maintaining inventory, preparing for scheduled and random inspections, segregating chemicals based on GHS hazard statements, and properly disposing of hazardous chemical wastes.
• Published in Microbial Ecology, in Temporal Responses of Microbial Communities to Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation.

Salmonella typhi Research Project:

• Preformed RNA extractions, made cDNA and ran qPCRs on Salmonella typhimurium and cecum samples.
• Performed DNA extractions and ran qPCRs on mouse fecal pellets.
• Analyzed H&E slides of cecum of colon samples under a light microscope for signs of inflammation and took representative pictures using the ZEISS ZEN software.
• Made pimonidazole stained and DAPI counterstained slides of Salmonella infected tissue to indicate hypoxic and non-hypoxic situations and then took pictures using fluorescent microscopy.
• Published in Cell Host & Microbe, in Genetic Ablation of Butyrate Utilization Drove a Transition from Gastrointestinal to Extraintestinal Salmonella Pathovars.

Brucella abortus Research Project:

• Assisted in all aspects of cloning the putrescine ABC transporter, puuP gene, into a vector to prove that it has significant importance to the survival of Brucella abortus in macrophages.
• Presented findings at the 27th Annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference and the CAMP Statewide Undergraduate Symposium.

• Executed general laboratory maintenance through making liquid & solid bacteriological media, preparing chemical reagents (e.g. antibiotics, buffers, etc.), autoclaving supplies, decontaminating lab tools, and disposing of biohazardous waste.

• Conducted an experiment to determine whether the enzyme NQO1/ NQO2 is a biological substrate for estrogen quinone methide (estrogen quinone methide is a toxic molecule that can lead to the development of breast cancer, identifying a detoxifying enzyme for this molecule shows great promise in developing chemotherapeutic drugs).
• Designed an integrative research poster and presented findings at UCD CAMP Summer Oral Presentations.