Ngozi Okonkwo
Lansing,US
Summary
Results-driven Clinical Laboratory Technologist with a strong background in public health, currently pursuing dual Master\'s degrees in Public Health (MPH) and Public Administration (MPA). Skilled in clinical and policy research, disease surveillance, health policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, emergency preparedness, and laboratory safety. Committed to enhancing community health outcomes through strategic planning and comprehensive program evaluation. Adept at fostering partnerships across diverse public sector organizations to implement effective public health initiatives and policies. Dedicated to leveraging analytical skills and public sector leadership to strengthen health systems and drive sustainable improvements in public service delivery.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Laboratory Technologist I
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
02.2018 - Current
- Operated High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to analyze samples for sickle cell disease and trait detection
- Conducted both quantitative and qualitative measurements for neonatal screening samples in a genetic screening laboratory
- Performed preventative maintenance, and proficiency tests on multiple Genetic Screening Processor workstations and HPLC equipment to ensure accuracy of test
- Aided in the reception, logging, storage, and maintenance of inventory for specific genetic tests, each requiring distinct reagents
- Accessioned hundreds of samples daily with precision and efficiency using Specimen Gate and STARLIMS
- Provided comprehensive training for onboarding staff and liaison for offsite leadership
- Ensured pre-analytical and analytical validity through following standard operating procedures in accordance with accreditation guidelines
- Conducted and documented established quality control procedures on analytical tests, equipment, reagents, media, and products
- Evaluated the results of quality control testing and implemented corrective action according to established protocols with appropriate supervisor review to ensure the accuracy and quality of patient testing
- Recognized, reported, and documented problems that may adversely affect test performance or the reporting of test results.
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Rush University Medical Center
06.2017 - 12.2017
- Conducted comprehensive laboratory tests in urinalysis, coagulation, body fluids, hematology, hematocrit, and differential analysis, ensuring accurate and reliable results
- Effectively communicated critical laboratory findings to physicians and nurses, directly influencing patient care decisions
- Accurately documented patient results, including critical alerts, within the electronic medical record system, ensuring timely and effective communication to the healthcare team
- Proactively identified and troubleshot equipment and process issues, promptly notifying appropriate personnel to minimize disruptions
- Assessed and validated specimen integrity, collaborating with phlebotomists and nurses to address rejected samples and coordinate necessary redraws
- Analyzed and identified abnormal cell structures and morphology in blood and body fluids, contributing to accurate diagnoses.
Behavioral Health Specialist
Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center
10.2014 - 05.2017
- Worked directly with children and adolescents diagnosed with a broad range of psychiatric and behavioral disorders, providing tailored support and care
- Delivered direct patient care and constant supervision, ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients
- Maintained a secure and therapeutic environment by conducting 15-minute checks and accounting for all patients
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living while strictly upholding patient confidentiality and safeguarding their medical history and records
- Ensured compliance with hospital regulations and legal requirements for both patients and staff
- Accompanied patients to offsite medical appointments, ensuring their safety and adherence to hospital procedures.
Biology Laboratory Assistant
Harry S. Truman College
10.2006 - 03.2008
- Handled organizational and administrative tasks to maintain the facilities daily functions
- Tracked inventory of office and biology laboratory supplies and submitted replacement requests
- Prepared laboratory equipment for several undergraduate courses
- Delivered various laboratory specimens and sensitive materials throughout the facility.
Education
MPH/MPA -
University of Illinois at Springfield
Springfield, ILB.S Medical Laboratory Science & Biology -
University of Illinois at Springfield
Springfield, ILAAS -
Harry S. Truman College
Chicago, ILSkills
- Public Sector Leadership
- Public Health Program Management
- Health Systems Strengthening
- Strategic Planning
- Health Policy Advocacy and Development
- Budgeting and Financial Management
- Policy Development and Implementation
- Public Health Leadership
- Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
- Epidemiological Methods
- Biostatistics and Data Interpretation
- Disease Surveillance
- Public Health Data Analysis
- Program Evaluation
- Public Policy Analysis
- Statistical Software Proficiency (eg, SPSS, Excel, R)
- Epidemiological Data Interpretation
- Health Data Visualization
- Public Health Surveillance Systems
- Public Communication
- Health Promotion and Education
- Behavioral Change Communication
- Report Writing
- Public Health Communication
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Community Engagement and Outreach
- Public Health Research Design
- Program Evaluation and Impact Assessment
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Grant Writing for Public Health Projects
- Change Management
- Human Resource Management
- Project Management
- Operations and Process Improvement
- Procurement Management
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Ethical Decision-Making
- Governance and Accountability
- Health Economics and Financing
- Global Health Issues
- Social Determinants of Health
- Health Equity and Disparities
- Maternal and Child Health
- Public Health Emergency Preparedness
- Environmental Health Assessment
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Risk Assessment and Management
- Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping
- Time Management
- Risk Management
- Care and Laboratory Coordination
- Laboratory Practice Standards and Compliance
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Organization Skills
- Prioritization
- Team Building
Certification
- American Association of Clinical Laboratory Scientists (ASCLS), State University of New York, 11/2021
- Certification in Epidemiology, University of Illinois at Springfield, 12/2024
- Certification in Public Procurement Management, University of Illinois at Springfield, 12/2024
Leadership Experience
- Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Laboratories, Laboratory Safety Committee Member, Chicago, IL, 08/2021 - Current, Assisted the safety officer in communicating and evaluating health and safety issues, contributing to the continuous improvement of health and safety programs to support a safer and healthier workplace environment., Established strategic partnerships with cross-functional colleagues, resulting in the development of tactics and procedures that enforced and maintained workplace safety, including educating and ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the workspace., Developed partnerships with committee members to create logos, design posters for effective information dissemination, and collaborate on agendas focused on promoting employee welfare and safety.
- Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Laboratories, Emergency Coordinator Backup, Chicago, IL, 02/2019 - Current, Assisted the emergency coordinator in coordinating departmental responses to emergencies, ensuring a well-organized and effective approach to crisis situations., Supported the emergency coordinator in managing employee evacuations during fires and drills, ensuring all personnel were safely guided to designated areas and accounted for., Collaborated in developing and implementing emergency response plans, contributing to a culture of preparedness and safety within the department., Conducted regular safety checks and drills, providing feedback to the emergency coordinator to improve response strategies and procedures., Communicated emergency protocols and procedures to employees, fostering a clear understanding of safety expectations and responsibilities.
Timeline
Clinical Laboratory Technologist I
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
02.2018 - Current
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Rush University Medical Center
06.2017 - 12.2017
Behavioral Health Specialist
Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center
10.2014 - 05.2017
Biology Laboratory Assistant
Harry S. Truman College
10.2006 - 03.2008
MPH/MPA -
University of Illinois at Springfield
B.S Medical Laboratory Science & Biology -
University of Illinois at Springfield
AAS -
Harry S. Truman College
- American Association of Clinical Laboratory Scientists (ASCLS), State University of New York, 11/2021
- Certification in Epidemiology, University of Illinois at Springfield, 12/2024
- Certification in Public Procurement Management, University of Illinois at Springfield, 12/2024
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