Hi, I’m
Natalie White
San Jose,USA
Summary
I am a multifaceted, dynamic and adaptable professional with a rich background in archaeology, anthropology, and forensic pathology. I have excelled at Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office by streamlining autopsy processes and enhancing interdepartmental collaborations. My keen attention to detail and strong communication abilities has led to significant improvements in efficiency and accuracy, marking me as a reliable and adaptable team player in high-stakes environments. I excel at data entry and I have strong communication skills. Additionally, I have a proven track record in enhancing team efficiency and contributing to significant projects, such as identifying decedents from over the past 50 years using updated methods and technology.
Overview
14
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Santa Clara County, Coroner’s Office
Forensic Pathology Technician, Medical Examiner
01.2016 - Current
Job overview
- Prepare decedents and autopsy suite for post-mortem examination (including moving decedents in excess of 250 pounds)
- Perform autopsies of decedents of all ages, stages of decomposition, and manner of death
- Use autopsy tools including scalpels, scissors, knives, and hand operated electric power base cutters to perform examination
- Obtain toxicological and pathological samples of blood, vitreous humor, liver, gastric contents, bile, urine, deep muscle, and organ tissue with focus on accuracy and adherence to aseptic techniques.
- Remove the heart, lungs, liver, stomach/esophagus, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, intestines, reproductive organs, bladder, thoracic aorta, throat, brain, and pituitary gland from the decedent as individual organs, and in blocks, for the determination of causes and manners of death for deceased of all ages and backgrounds
- Assist forensic pathologist with any applicable duties including examination of forensic and medical evidence
- Collect forensic and medicolegal evidence
- Suture all incisions made during exam and prepare the decedent for removal and transport
- Clean and sterilize instruments and working surfaces following Good Lab Procedures (GLP)
- Perform the collection, processing, and preservation of personal property of decedents to ensure the property is received by the legal next of kin
- Demonstrated flexibility by quickly adapting to sudden changes in workload or priorities based on case needs or mass casualty events to include mass shootings
- Ensure accurate identification of deceased individuals using various methods such as fingerprinting, dental records, medical devices, or DNA analysis.
- Photograph the decedents, their property, evidence, and injury to aid in forensic examination and investigation by the Medical Examiner
- Extensively trained in forensic radiology and complete radiographs of the decedents on a case-to-case basis
- Input all toxicological specimens and send/courier specimens to various labs
- File and store specimen slides and tissue blocks
- Provide exceptional customer service when interacting with various law enforcement personnel, funeral homes/mortuaries, next of kin, and other family members, addressing their concerns with empathy and professionalism
- Assist grieving families by providing clear communication while demonstrating empathy and professionalism
- Communicate effectively by conveying complex information to various labs and hospitals throughout county and country about tests, results, and toxicology reports
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
- Assist the forensic odontologist with dental radiographs for identification purposes
- Assist the forensic neuropathologist with their assessment: brain dissection, photography, and histology
- Assist in training medical residents in forensic autopsy and examination
- Train new technicians, sharing expertise to ensure consistent quality across the team
- Mentor new staff members on proper forensic techniques and ethical practices within the field of medicolegal examination.
- Adhere to policy and procedure regarding administrative duties as it pertains to maintaining accuracy of decedent intake, morgue census, and releasing decedents and property
- Aid in quality control of case paperwork and death certificates to ensure continued public trust in our office
- Gather data for public record requests in compliance with California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code Sections 6250 to 6270
- Safeguard patient privacy through meticulous record-keeping and adherence to HIPAA regulations.
- Generate data and compile Excel spreadsheets for annual Suicide Study in coordination with Santa Clara Valley Medical Center to contribute to public health initiatives and community care
- Perform general administrative assistance to various other departments to maintain workflow and efficiency for the office as a whole
- Manage tracking, and testing of specimens for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) contributing to new modes in treatment of the novel virus in living patients and public health initiatives
- Assist in research projects contributing to advances in knowledge and academic research in forensic pathology that were later presented at national symposiums of forensic pathology
- Collaborate on a project to identify individuals and notify family members of decedents who had remained unidentified over the past 50 years by pursuing old leads, and using new and updated technology (submitting DNA for analysis, submitting fingerprints to new databases, and uploading profiles into National Missing and Unidentified Persons System)
- Ensure the safety of my peers by adhering to strict protocols for handling biohazardous materials and waste
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment, minimizing the risk of contamination, error, or injury
- Maintain inventory control, ensuring necessary supplies were always available without excess stockpiles or shortages
- Troubleshoot problems with equipment and recalibrated devices and bring further concerns to supervisor for handling
- Assess new policies, procedures, and equipment for relevance and helped implement chosen updates
The Tech Museum of Innovation
Gallery Facilitator
02.2017 - 02.2018
Job overview
- Engaged with guests in exhibits and floor programs using open-ended questioning encouraging critical thinking and creative problem solving, committing to The Tech’s mission to inspire the innovator in everyone
- Interacted and communicated with the public and ensure superior guest service
- Ensured visitor satisfaction by addressing questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner
- Utilized effective communication and problem-solving skills to quickly resolve customer issues
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment by addressing diverse needs and adapting facilitation techniques as needed
- Facilitated workshops, floor programs, and demonstrations for various age groups, introducing participants to different aspects of science, innovation, or exhibit themes
- Participated in training sessions to build and maintain facilitation and engagement skills
- Trained volunteer docents in effective teaching strategies, ensuring consistent quality of museum programs
- Completed tasks to prepare assigned gallery for daily opening and closing
- Worked with Engineering and Facilities staff to ensure that all exhibits, electronics and lighting in the gallery are functioning properly
- Collaborated with curators to develop engaging, informative, and age-appropriate exhibit materials for school tours
- Enhanced program effectiveness by collaborating with colleagues to review and revise curriculum content regularly
- Maintained current knowledge about The Tech’s educational programs, membership, Gallery programs, special events and other visitor-related information
- Supported marketing efforts by leading visitors to social media campaigns that showcased upcoming exhibits and events
- Collected and provided input regarding visitor experiences with gallery programs and exhibits
- Identified areas in need of improvement and implemented solutions
Sovrintendenza Capitolina Of, Universidad Europea De Valencia
Archaeological Technician
08.2017 - 09.2017
Job overview
- I participated in the first field season of the excavation of the Necropolis Via Ostiense (an important necropolis situated between the Via Ostiense and the Basilica di San Paolo)
- I excavated urns in situ under the supervision of Dr Marina Marcelli (Sovrintendenza Capitolina of Rome, responsible for archaeological area Sepolcreto della via Ostiense) and professor Llorenç Alapont Martín (Universidad Europea de Valencia and head of Archaeology Department of CDLV)
- Conducted microexcavation of Roman funerary urns in situ
- Minimized damage to cremains through careful handling, cleaning, and cataloging procedures, following standard conservation methods and preserving their integrity for future study
- Analyzed and conducted anthropological study with cremains
- Took specific osteological measurements of cremated bones (when possible)
- Identified morphological and taphonomic variation in the cremated remains
- Documented cremains, recorded information and maintained database of cremated remains and findings
- Maintained compliance with recordkeeping standards, documentation processes and chain-of-custody requirements
- Enhanced excavation accuracy by meticulously recording artifact locations and context during fieldwork
- Interpreted cremated bone for demographic analysis (sex, age, stature, and pathology)
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to successfully complete large-scale archaeological projects
- Worked closely with conservation specialists to develop appropriate treatment plans for delicate or damaged artifacts
- Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established health and safety protocols and guidelines during all aspects of fieldwork and lab work
- Kept archaeological equipment in optimal working condition through diligent care, ensuring efficient and accurate data collection during fieldwork
Dubai Municipality
Archaeological Technician
04.2016 - 05.2016
Job overview
- Worked under the Dubai Municipality to excavate two sites, however I primarily worked at Al-Ashoosh site (excavating using the Harris Matrix)
- Determined strategic priorities, outlined proper excavation methods and dispersed daily team tasks at each site to maximize efficiency and enhance time management
- Enhanced excavation accuracy by meticulously recording artifact locations and context during fieldwork
- Used specialized techniques to safely remove cultural materials and zooarchaeological remains
- Played an instrumental role in the successful completion of salvage excavations under challenging environmental conditions (desert, sand, extreme heat) and time constraints
- Supported the identification of significant archaeological features by conducting comprehensive site surveys and opening new units at the sites
- Streamlined data collection processes for more efficient analysis, utilizing advanced GPS technology and field mapping software (primarily by setting up and using the total station in the field to take coordinates for further data analysis)
- Closed site for the season
- Participated in maintaining collection of artifacts from both Al-Ashoosh and Saruq al-Hadid
- Generated daily and closing site reports for Al-Ashoosh
- Contributed to the development of detailed site reports by analyzing collected data and synthesizing findings into coherent narratives
- Catalogued artifacts from Al-Ashoosh and Saruq al-Hadid
- Minimized damage to artifacts and zooarchaeological remains through careful handling, cleaning, and cataloging procedures, following standard conservation methods and preserving their integrity for future study
- Analyzed and conducted anthropological study of artifacts and zooarchaeological remains
- Assessed artifacts and noted physical properties in exact detail, described artifacts' physical properties or attributes.
- Took specific osteological measurements of zooarchaeological remains for analysis
- Identified morphological and taphonomic variation in the zooarchaeological remains
- Documented artifacts, recorded information and maintained database of findings
- Maintained compliance with recordkeeping standards, documentation processes and chain-of-custody requirements
- Enhanced excavation accuracy by meticulously recording artifact locations and context during fieldwork
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to successfully complete large-scale archaeological projects
- Worked closely with conservation specialists to develop appropriate treatment plans for delicate or damaged artifacts
- Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established health and safety protocols and guidelines during all aspects of fieldwork and lab work
- Kept archaeological equipment in optimal working condition through diligent care, ensuring efficient and accurate data collection during fieldwork
Spectra Laboratories
Healthcare Billing Representative
09.2015 - 12.2015
Job overview
- I worked on a large, long-term project to refund insurance companies/self-payers who have overpaid on procedures
- Researched and resolved billing discrepancies to enable accurate billing
- Audited and corrected billing and posting documents for accuracy
- Researched and analyzed discrepancies in pay and created a format to then process and archive the refund
- Reviewed and solved account and billing discrepancies
- Researched and pulled records from our database (TRAC and Oracle)
- Quickly learned and utilized new software and programming, adapting quickly to changing technologies or systems upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to daily workflow during transitions periods
- Assisted management with month-end close activities, ensuring accurate financial reporting within set deadlines
- Achieved consistent performance metrics targets by prioritizing tasks effectively amid fluctuating workloads
- Coordinated with intermediate parties to obtain payments and resolve issues
- Extensively used of Microsoft Office Suite
- Used data entry skills to accurately document and input statements
- Maintained accurate records of customer payments
- Ensured accurate recordkeeping by maintaining up-to-date customer account information in the database
- Performed extra help duties in specimen processing lab (receiving specimen and sorting, separating serum, labeling)
Sanisera Archaeological Field School
Archaeology/Bioarchaeology Trainee
04.2015 - 06.2015
Job overview
- Identified and documented archaeological features by conducting field surveys, leading to more accurate site interpretations
- Continuously expanded personal expertise through participation in workshops, seminars, and field schools, enhancing overall contribution to projects (particularly archaeological theory, lectures on osteological methodology, field methodology, laboratory techniques, restoration, and a general introduction to Roman Archaeology)
- Enhanced knowledge of cultures by conducting field studies to collect skeletal remains and artifacts
- Ensured compliance with relevant regulations by adhering to established guidelines for artifact recovery and site documentation
- Used specialized techniques to safely remove cultural relics, pottery, tools and remains
- Cleaning, classifying, and labeling of the osteological and archaeological material found during the excavation in the Sanisera site
- Aided in the development of regional cultural chronologies through accurate dating and classification of recovered artifacts
- Maintained precise documentation of findings, allowing for improved analysis and interpretation of archaeological sites
- Assisted in the preservation of cultural resources through careful handling and storage of artifacts
- Develop skills in basic demographic analysis (e.g estimates of sex and age) and advanced methodologies in osteological analysis
- Worked closely with conservation specialists to develop appropriate treatment plans for delicate or damaged artifacts
- Optimized site management practices through regular maintenance checks on equipment, ensuring efficient operations throughout projects
- Promoted safety on-site by consistently following proper procedures during excavation work, reducing potential hazards to both personnel and resources
- Built lasting professional relationships with fellow archaeologists through information sharing and effective communication, promoting advancements in field through collaboration and collective research
Solano County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office
Forensic Autopsy Technician-Intern
04.2013 - 05.2014
Job overview
- Prepared decedents and autopsy suite for post-mortem examination (including the lifting of decedents in excess of 250 pounds)
- Assisted medical examiners with autopsies, accurately documenting findings for use in medicolegal investigations
- Supported timely completion of autopsies by efficiently managing multiple cases simultaneously
- Learned best practice as it relates to tools used at autopsy including scalpels, scissors, knives, and hand operated electric power base cutters
- Efficiently performed routine maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure optimal functionality during procedures
- Obtained toxicological and pathological samples of blood, vitreous humor, liver, gastric contents, bile, urine, deep muscle, and organ tissue
- Prepared lab specimens for diagnostic evaluation
- Excise, record weight, and dissect organs (including cranial dissection) to aid in resolving cause and manner of death
- Assist forensic pathologist with any applicable duties including examination of forensic and medical evidence
- Completed forensic radiographs
- Preserved evidence integrity by following proper chain-of-custody protocols when handling specimens
- Extensively assisted with on-scene medicolegal investigations of death
- Collaborated effectively with forensic team members for comprehensive case evaluations and detailed reporting
- Analyzed all human and non-human skeletal remains
- Sutured all incisions made at autopsy and prepared the body for removal and transport
- Cleaned and sterilized instruments and working surfaces
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment
- Followed strict laboratory safety procedures to ensure safety of personnel and evidence
- Performed the collection, processing, and preservation of personal property of decedents
- Collected fingerprints from decedents and aided in identification through fingerprint comparison
- Photographed decedents, property, evidence, and took applicable photos on-scene
- Communicated with various law enforcement personnel, next of kin, family members, and witnesses
- Enhanced team productivity by providing reliable support to colleagues during peak workload periods or staff absences
- Facilitated timely transfer of bodies between morgue storage areas and examination rooms, maintaining respect for the deceased and their families.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking supplies and reordering necessary materials as needed, avoiding delays or interruptions in services
University of California, Davis Anthropology Museum
Osteology Assistant-Intern
06.2013 - 09.2013
Job overview
- I assisted the UC Davis Anthropology Museum on a very detailed documentation project on the human osteological collections housed in the museum (including identification, analysis, preparation, documentation, and imaging of osteological specimens for academic research)
- Maintained compliance with recordkeeping standards, documentation processes and chain-of-custody requirements
- Supported project goals with timely completion of assigned tasks within tight deadlines
- Followed procedures for safely handling, packaging, and transport of historic and prehistoric skeletal elements
- Assembled and analyzed skeletons for digital records (identified and sided elements, determined sex, age, pathologies, and analyzed noted pathologies and signs of taphonomic process and cultural modification)
- Assessed skeletal remains and noted physical properties in exact detail
- Prepared high-quality photographs of skeletal remains for use in later academic research, presentations, and publications
- Adhered to standards set by (and amendments to) the Native American Grave Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)
Davis
Archaeology Lab Assistant-Intern
10.2012 - 06.2013
Job overview
- I worked on the Iita (Etah) Project under John and Christyann Darwent
- The research looked at transitions in this Greenlandic community that had, it appears, almost continual occupation for at least 1000 years
- Processed bags of archaeological material
- Organized faunal remains into groups of taxa
- Rendered fauna for zooarchaeological comparative collection
- Prepared and created accession of new comparative faunal specimens
- Supported project goals with timely completion of assigned tasks within tight deadlines
- Maintained a well-organized laboratory environment, ensuring efficient workflow and easy access to essential tools
- Processed, catalogued, and aided in the curation of artifacts
- Collaborated with field archaeologists, sharing vital information about findings for accurate excavation documentation
- Enhanced artifact preservation by implementing proper cleaning, labeling, and storage techniques
- Streamlined inventory management by creating detailed databases of archaeological materials
- Contributed to archaeological reports and publications by providing accurate data on retrieved artifacts
- Improved laboratory efficiency by maintaining up-to-date equipment and ensuring proper calibration when necessary
Davis
Archaeology Lab Assistant-Intern
01.2012 - 03.2012
Job overview
- Working on the Smith River (CA-DNO-26) Dig Analysis (indirectly) under Shannon Tushingham
- The project, in collaboration with the Tolowa of northwestern California, was to understand changes that occurred in subsistence after people begin living in semi-subterranean plank houses
- Supported project goals with timely completion of assigned tasks within tight deadlines
- Maintained a well-organized laboratory environment, ensuring efficient workflow and easy access to essential tools
- Processed, catalogued, and aided in the curation of artifacts
- Enhanced artifact preservation by implementing proper cleaning, labeling, and storage techniques
- Streamlined inventory management by creating detailed databases of archaeological materials
- Contributed to archaeological reports and publications by providing accurate data on retrieved artifacts
- Soil sample preparation, processing and analysis using various dry and wet sifters including floatation
- Improved laboratory efficiency by maintaining up-to-date equipment and ensuring proper calibration when necessary
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Museum Intern
03.2011 - 07.2011
Job overview
- Provided guided tours and workshops for students and guests of the museum on the collection, history, and culture of Ancient Egypt
- Supported educational initiatives, developing captivating learning materials for diverse age groups
- Provided special talks on topics of Ancient Egypt and surrounding areas as well as collaborating to update existing talks and personally creating two new ones
- Enhanced visitor experiences by creating engaging and informative exhibit materials
- Provided guided tours to visitors, sharing historical knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of exhibits
- Assisted in training new interns and volunteers
- Contributed to the success of museum programs by providing excellent customer service to visitors
- Supervised guests of the museum while maintaining appearance of the collection
- Evaluated visitor feedback data to identify opportunities for improvement within exhibits or overall experience at the museum
- Assisted in handling artifacts when displays needed to be maintained
- Evaluated objects to identify repair requirements and devise optimal approaches, carefully avoiding financial, or cultural losses
- Assisted in the conservation and preservation of artifacts, ensuring their longevity for future generations to appreciate
- Notified superior when restoration of artifacts required outside experts
- Assisted with retail inventory
- Completed opening and closing procedures
- Helped in maintaining the Rosicrucian Peace Garden and a California Native Plant area
- Lead a project to clean the Rosicrucian Order Central Fountain, researched appropriate cleaning agents and aided in actual process of removing grime
- Extensively aided in clerical work, including membership, record keeping, and data entry
- Demonstrated dedication commitment excellence consistently meeting exceeding expectations assignments contributing overall success museum''s goals objectives over duration internship period
Education
University of California, Davis , Davis, CA
Bachelor of Arts from Anthropology
West Valley College
Associates of Arts from Liberal Arts
Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe Premiere Pro, Multi-camera editing)
- Detail Oriented Data Entry and Recording skills
- Excellent Communicator
- Strong Attention to Detail
- Creative Problem-Solving
Affiliations
- Kenyon International Emergency Services
Certification
- Certified Phlebotomist Technologist (CPT)
Languages
English
Italian
Timeline
Archaeological Technician
Sovrintendenza Capitolina Of, Universidad Europea De Valencia
08.2017 - 09.2017
Gallery Facilitator
The Tech Museum of Innovation
02.2017 - 02.2018
Archaeological Technician
Dubai Municipality
04.2016 - 05.2016
Forensic Pathology Technician, Medical Examiner
Santa Clara County, Coroner’s Office
01.2016 - Current
Healthcare Billing Representative
Spectra Laboratories
09.2015 - 12.2015
Archaeology/Bioarchaeology Trainee
Sanisera Archaeological Field School
04.2015 - 06.2015
Osteology Assistant-Intern
University of California, Davis Anthropology Museum
06.2013 - 09.2013
Forensic Autopsy Technician-Intern
Solano County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office
04.2013 - 05.2014
Archaeology Lab Assistant-Intern
Davis
10.2012 - 06.2013
Archaeology Lab Assistant-Intern
Davis
01.2012 - 03.2012
Museum Intern
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
03.2011 - 07.2011
West Valley College
Associates of Arts from Liberal Arts
- Certified Phlebotomist Technologist (CPT)
University of California, Davis
Bachelor of Arts from Anthropology
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