Nicole L. Wrice
Schertz,TX
Summary
Accomplished Health Science Program Manager with a proven track record of leading complex RDT&E programs for the Department of Defense. Skilled in managing multi-million dollar budgets, developing strategic policies, and ensuring contractor performance aligns with organizational objectives. Expertise includes financial management, strategic planning, and effective stakeholder engagement to drive program success.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations & Financial Manager (OFM)
U.S. ARMY INSTITUTE OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
06.2018 - Current
- Organ Support and Automation Technologies Combat Research Team (CRT3)/ Pain & Sensory Trauma Care (CRT 5)
- Supervisor: COL Thomas Stark Phone: (210) 552-9104
- Responsible for managing ~$11.5M research funds for the Pain & Sensory Trauma Care Combat Research Team (CRT5), portfolio budget of ~$4.4M and the Engineering, Technology and Organ Support and Automation Technologies Combat Research Team (CRT3) with portfolio budget of ~$7.1M
- This position plays an integral role in providing financial and operational support of strategic research projects
- OFM responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Finance:
- Allocate resources to provide capabilities deemed necessary to accomplish the CRT missions IAW the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution System (PPBES)
- Budget preparation and planning: intramural proposals, extramural grants, and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs)
- Financial Execution: Track funding from Core Budget Estimate (CBE) to disbursement
- Align funding to personnel (CIVPAY, contracts, and ORISE)
- Develop spend plans to meet execution targets
- Review, approve, and track purchase requests
- Procure commercial off the shelf (COTS) IT hardware, software and services using Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS)
- Procurements include the submission of Requests for Quotes (RFQ) and obtaining Statements of Non-Availability (SoNA)
- Submit requests (MIPRs and 7600s) for funding transfers
- Provide financial reports regarding receipt of funds, commitments, obligations, and disbursements
- Prepare and submit invoices for extramural partners
- Serve as the Point of Contact (POC) for all matters pertaining to budget and fiscal activities
- Facilitate an integrated, analytic foundation for decision-making with General Fund Enterprise Business Systems (GFEBS) reporting to provide real-time visibility of transactions, as well as historical data
- Improve Army accountability and enable full cost management
- Support audit readiness and sustainability requirements of the Army and DoD at large
- Operations:
- Contracting Officers Representative (COR):
- Communicate leadership needs into contract requirements by preparing and submitting all required documents to the contracting agency to include market research, the performance work statement (PWS) including deliverables and QASP schedule for monitoring
- Coordinate modifications and the exercising of options; review and recommend acceptance or rejection of deliverables
- Monitor the Contractor’s progress and performance.
- Trusted Associate Sponsorship System (TASS) applications/reverifications
- Reporting:
- Assess contractor performance monthly in the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE)
- Annual review using the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS)
- Invoicing
- Monthly review for firm-fixed-price contracts
- Confirm receipt of goods for all orders
- Verification of timely submission for disbursement
- Inventory government furnished property (GFP)
- Management:
- DE-0404-04
Biological Science Laboratory Technician
U.S. ARMY INSTITUTE OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
08.2009 - 06.2018
- Department: Combat Trauma Burn Injury (CTBI)
- Supervisor: Robert Christy, PhD Phone: (210) 539-9528
- Performed work of broad scope and complexity for the treatment of combat-related burn injuries
- Planned and executed complete projects or studies
- Prepared reports outlining background and predictions, methods used, data obtained, causes of unusual variations, results achieved, and provided results to principal investigators
- Worked independently, often without the availability of immediate supervisory guidance
- Laboratory technical advisor for specialized laboratory equipment
- Actively pursued continuing education
- Perform preventative maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment
- Oversaw the daily operation of laboratory spaces. Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to) procurement, inventory and stocking of supplies, calibration and maintenance of equipment, training of support staff, writing and maintaining SOPs used throughout various groups, and ensuring projects are performed in compliance with DoD/Army safety procedures
- Served as the equipment custodian leader for the laboratory and performs 100% inventories biannually
- Work involved performing a variety of specialized and difficult techniques in a cell culture laboratory that is responsible for the production, maintenance, and quality control of cell cultures to be used in various research programs in the Institute
- Cryopreserve cells using a controlled rate freezer and maintains and manages a computerized inventory of cell lines
- Performs various techniques such as ELISA, Western Blotting and qPCR to isolate, identify, and quantify cytokines, stress proteins, and hormones
- Supports the research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) of treatments for traumatic injury using both rodent and porcine animal models
- Prepared animals for surgical procedures
- Provided technical assistance during animal surgeries and post-surgical analyses
- Ordered animals and maintained appropriate inventory as per protocol guidelines
- Coordinated and provided technical reports for animal studies
- Prepared notebook reviews and congressional reports for principal investigator(s) as mandated for IACUC compliance
- Performed experiments for ongoing grants/protocols presented for publication and/or at scientific conferences
- DE-0404-03
Biomedical Research Technician
LOVELACE RESPIRATORY RESEARCH INSTITUTE/LSTS
03.2009 - 08.2009
- Department: Regenerative Medicine/Soft Tissue
- Supervisor: Robert Christy, PhD Phone: (210) 539-9528
- Provided assistance to investigators and research personnel in conducting clinical and laboratory research protocols and animal research protocols
- Provided research support in maintaining human and animal cells in vitro
- Utilized sterile technique and understands requirements for handling both animal and human pathological material
- Prepared media, buffers and reagents for cell culture
- Prepared data to be used in peer reviewed journals and presentations at professional scientific conferences
- Conducted in vitro and in vivo studies of medically relevant bacteria including antimicrobial assays and genetic investigations
- Coordinated with multiple investigators and assisting in accomplishing research aims.
- Restrained/handled a wide variety of laboratory animals.
- Performed surgical preparation, post-procedural monitoring and recovery care
- Euthanized and performed necropsy of animals
- Cleans, disinfects, sterilizes, and packs surgical instruments
- Maintains inventory/stock levels of necessary supplies and equipment
Molecular Biologist I
QUALTEX LABORATORIES/STBTC
06.2008 - 03.2009
- Department: Genetic Testing Laboratory (NAT)
- Supervisor: Karen Leighton Phone: (210) 731-5555 ext2205
- Source plasma and whole blood nucleic acid testing (NAT) for HCV, HBV, HIV, HAV, and Parvo B19 viruses
- Performed molecular testing in Molecular Biology including both RNA and DNA, specialized RNA and DNA methods as required
- Prepared genetic testing assays using appropriate laboratory skills in liquid and material handling
- Evaluated test results to include recognizing and reporting unusual test results
- Maintained an accurate and complete record of all testing
- Developed nucleic acid-based assays, calibrators, controls and novel assays as needed
- Validated custom assays on research and clinical analyzers
- Developed novel collection and storage procedures for whole blood and blood components to include manual addition of investigational additive solutions and pathogen reduction technologies
- Collected whole blood units and platelet apheresis on blood collection systems.
- Ensured compliance for all inspections to include federal, state, county, and local regulations such as AABB, ISO, FDA, EU, etc.
- Reviewed and updated standard operating procedures to ensure quality control records are current and complete for the Genetic Testing Laboratory
- Trained staff and students on standard and specialized methods
- Performed preventive maintenance and quality control procedures on equipment
- Participated in continuing education by attending in service training, seminars, and other workshops as required
Senior Research Assistant
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER
03.2008 - 06.2008
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology
- Supervisor: Dr. Yair Gazitt, Phone: (210) 567-3663
- Utilized sterile techniques
- Prepared media and buffer solutions
- Performed experiments according to protocols in various areas of biology, chemistry, physics and other biomedical or related scientific areas
- Responsible for ordering and maintaining good stock of laboratory supplies.
- Assisted in preparation of scientific papers, reports, manuscripts, grant proposals, and manuals for the lab.
Post-Baccalaureate Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA) Fellow
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE/NIH
10.2003 - 06.2006
- Laboratory of Genetics, Center for Cancer Research
- Supervisor: Wendy Dubois, Phone: (301) 435-5025
- Experienced research biologist in the fields of biology and immunology
- Focused on the research and management of genetically engineered mouse colonies
- Created strains of mice used as models for several different hematological tumors
- Organized and kept detailed records of breeding protocols for a number of different mouse colonies.
- Proficient small animal handler, particularly mice
- DNA/RNA isolation and analyses by PCR, RT-PCR, and Northern blotting to further corresponding study objectives
- Collected blood, ascites, and various tissues in tumor bearing mice
- Performed euthanasia, necropsies, injections, anesthesia, and peritoneal lavages according to accepted protocols
- Arranged shipment of live animals
- Maintained pedigree charts utilizing computer databases
- Performed cryobiology preservation techniques on various tissues, tumors and cell lines
- Key contributions to science include a better understanding of chromosomal translocations and the characterization of new strains of transgenic mice used to advance cancer research
Research Assistant (RA) 10 hours/week
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY & BIOCHEMISTRY/TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
06.2000 - 06.2001
- Texas State University in San Marcos
- Supervisor: Michael Blanda, Ph.D., Phone: (512) 245-3121
- Planned, organized, and conducted organic chemistry research
- Assisted lab supervisor in planning and execution of calix[6]arene syntheses and binding studies
- Forecasted possible uses of calixarenes with successful analysis of the binding capabilities of calix[6]arenes.
- Maintained detailed, scientific records, and produced Honors thesis for the Honors Program at Texas State University in San Marcos
- Demonstrated effective presentation skills utilized at science conferences
- Experience with chromatography, separation, NMR and IR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography techniques
Education
Master of Science (M.S.) - Biology
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO (UTSA)
San Antonio, TX01.2013
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Biology, Chemistry
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY (formerly Southwest Texas State University)
San Marcos, TX01.2002
Skills
- Financial data reporting
- Advanced financial analysis
- Budgeting and financial management
- Metric tracking
Accomplishments
come back
Awards
ARMY Commendation Medal, ARMY Achievement Medal (3rd Award), ARMY Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ M device, Mariel C. Muir Scholarship 2001-2002, NIH Merit Award 2005, Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges & Universities 2002, USA Group Scholarship 2000-2002, Alpha Chi National Collegiate Honor Society 2002, Emmie Craddock Scholarship 2000-2001, Tri Beta Biological Honor Society 1999-2002, Honors Program Scholarship 2000-2001, Golden Key National Honor Society 2001-2002, Joan Austin Memorial Scholarship 2000-2001, Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society 2000-2002, The National Dean’s List 2001, Honors Student Association 1999-2002 Vice-President 2001-2002, TxSU Dean’s List 1999-2001, Pre-Med/Pre-Dent Society 2000-2002, Burly-O’Neill African-American Alumni Scholarship 2001-2002, LSAMP Scholarship 2000-2002
MILITARY SERVICE
- ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE/ENGINEERING OFFICER (72D), U.S. Army Reserve 2008-2010
- IHC, 4TH SUST CMD (EXP), SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209
- Identified and evaluated potential health risks and develop a course of action to control or prevent disease, illness, and injury.
- Supervised the scientific research for environmental health and industrial hygiene
- Assessed weapons, equipment, clothing, and material systems
- Developed policies, programs, and operations to ensure the health and safety of Soldiers and staff.
- HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST (42A), SSG (E-6), U.S. Army Reserve 1998-2008
- 4215TH USAH – Richmond, VA 2008
- 2290TH USAH – Washington, DC November 2007-January 2008
- 444TH AG BN DET 1 – Pittsburgh, PA Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) May 2006 – November 2007
- 2290TH USAH – Washington, DC March 2004 – May 2006
- 328TH PSB – San Antonio, TX July 1998 – March 2004
- Assisted fellow Soldiers progress in their Army careers by providing promotion and future training information.
- Utilized computer information systems to maintain personnel data
Timeline
Operations & Financial Manager (OFM)
U.S. ARMY INSTITUTE OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
06.2018 - Current
Biological Science Laboratory Technician
U.S. ARMY INSTITUTE OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
08.2009 - 06.2018
Biomedical Research Technician
LOVELACE RESPIRATORY RESEARCH INSTITUTE/LSTS
03.2009 - 08.2009
Molecular Biologist I
QUALTEX LABORATORIES/STBTC
06.2008 - 03.2009
Senior Research Assistant
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER
03.2008 - 06.2008
Post-Baccalaureate Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA) Fellow
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE/NIH
10.2003 - 06.2006
Research Assistant (RA) 10 hours/week
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY & BIOCHEMISTRY/TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
06.2000 - 06.2001
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Biology, Chemistry
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY (formerly Southwest Texas State University)
Master of Science (M.S.) - Biology
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO (UTSA)
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