NIA NEALES
Summary
Medical Laboratory Scientist with extensive experience in microbiology and laboratory operations. Successfully led initiatives in regulatory compliance, staff training, and quality improvement, translating clinical requirements into effective practices. Recognized for mentoring staff and enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring accurate and timely patient results.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST, MICROBIOLOGY
UCHealth Memorial Hospital
Colorado Springs, CO
06.2018 - Current
- Perform complex microbiology testing and result interpretation using BioFire, GeneXpert, MALDI-TOF, VITEK, and BacT/ALERT instrumentation to support accurate and timely patient results.
- Perform culture plate reading and identification across a variety of clinical specimen sources, utilizing established microbiology protocols and critical result recognition.
- Serve as a Key Operator for BacT/ALERT analyzers, supporting instrument operation, troubleshooting, quality assurance, and staff education.
- Conducted test and instrument verifications to confirm that new or modified testing met established laboratory requirements and quality standards before implementation.
- Evaluated staff and student competency through direct observation and technical skills assessment, ensuring adherence to laboratory procedures and quality standards.
- Develop, review, and update laboratory procedures and protocols to maintain alignment with current clinical standards, regulatory requirements, and laboratory best practices.
- Implemented corrective actions and process improvements during CAP accreditation preparations.
- Train and mentor new laboratory staff and students across multiple microbiology benches, promoting technical proficiency, critical thinking, and adherence to quality and safety standards.
- Coordinated laboratory inventory management and CAP survey orders, ensuring supply adequacy to support seamless laboratory operations.
SURGICAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY AIDE
Summit Pathology
Loveland, CO
09.2016 - 06.2017
- Prepared, processed, and stained tissue slides for diagnostic biopsy evaluation while maintaining established laboratory quality and safety standards.
- Managed laboratory inventory and tissue disposal, ensuring compliance with safety requirements and laboratory procedures.
- Supported daily laboratory operations by organizing and maintaining a clean, compliant work environment to facilitate efficient workflow.
CLEAN OPERATIONS
BioMARC, Foothills CSU
Fort Collins, CO
05.2014 - 08.2016
- Conducted microbial environmental monitoring to identify contamination sources, facilitating timely corrective actions.
- Ensured compliance of ISO 8 GMP laboratory environments with established SOPs, MSDS requirements, and quality standards.
- Upheld GMP, safety, and contamination-control practices in regulated laboratory environment.
Education
Certificate - Laboratory Management (In Progress)
ASCP
Online01-2026
MASTER'S OF HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION -
Western Governors University
01-2025
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST (ASCP) -
Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science
01-2018
BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE - MICROBIOLOGY
Colorado State University Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO01-2016
Skills
Culture reading
Laboratory equipment operation
Quality control
Procedure development
Workflow optimization
Regulatory adherence
Safety compliance
Inventory control
Data organization
Laboratory administration
Phlebotomy procedures
Analytical thinking
Teamwork
Staff training
Time optimization
Interpersonal communication
Timeline
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST, MICROBIOLOGY
UCHealth Memorial Hospital
06.2018 - Current
SURGICAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY AIDE
Summit Pathology
09.2016 - 06.2017
CLEAN OPERATIONS
BioMARC, Foothills CSU
05.2014 - 08.2016
Certificate - Laboratory Management (In Progress)
ASCP
MASTER'S OF HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION -
Western Governors University
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST (ASCP) -
Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science
BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE - MICROBIOLOGY
Colorado State University Fort Collins