Shea Parker

Dynamic Medical Laboratory Scientist with extensive experience at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, specializing in PCR methodologies, molecular diagnostics, and quality control practices. Demonstrates a strong and growing interest in Laboratory Information Systems, digital workflows, and clinical lab automation. Adept at mentoring staff, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, and improving operational efficiency through data-driven and technology-forward approaches. Highly skilled with automated analyzers and committed to maintaining exceptional standards of accuracy, safety, and regulatory compliance. Passionate about optimizing laboratory processes by expanding expertise in EPIC Beaker and other informatics tools to enhance workflow integration, data integrity, and overall laboratory performance.

Proficient in navigating and utilizing laboratory information systems (LIS) for end-to-end workflow support, including specimen accessioning, sample tracking, order verification, data entry, result validation, and report generation. Experienced in resolving LIS discrepancies, managing pending worklists, and supporting seamless communication between analyzers and the LIS to ensure accurate, timely reporting.

• Sysmex XN-Series / XE-Series Hematology Analyzers
• Beckman Coulter DxH / LH Series
• Siemens Advia 2120i / 560
• Stago STA Compact / STA R Max
• Siemens BCS XP / Sysmex CA-600/1500 series
• Siemens Dimension EXL / Vista
• Vitros 5600 / 4600
• Siemens Centaur XP
• Ortho Vision Analyzer
• BD Phoenix / BD BACTEC FX systems
• bioMérieux VITEK 2
• MALDI-TOF (VITEK MS)
• GeneXpert (Cepheid)
• FilmArray (BioFire)
• Selux
• ID NOW
• i-STAT 1

I have hands-on experience performing validation and verification of multiple microbiology diagnostic platforms. This includes conducting accuracy, precision, reproducibility, reportable range, and correlation studies in accordance with CAP/CLIA requirements. My validation work includes:

• VITEK 2 GN Susceptibility Cards (AST-XN-33, AST-N812) – Validation and verification of gram-negative antimicrobial susceptibility testing cards; analysis of MIC accuracy, essential and categorical agreement, reproducibility, and resolution of discordant results.
• BioFire FilmArray Panels – Set up and validation of respiratory, GI, and blood culture identification panels; comparison against existing PCR and culture methods; documentation of sensitivity, specificity, and workflow impact.
• Selux AST System – Validation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including MIC correlation studies, essential agreement analysis, and verification of organism panel performance.