Results-driven scientific professional specializing in research and pharmaceutical quality control. Demonstrated adaptability in dynamic environments and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams. Committed to continuous improvement and ensuring audit readiness for internal and external assessments.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Safety & Quality Laboratory Technician
Maola Local Dairies
Landover
11.2025 - 01.2026
Performed standardized food safety and quality testing on raw, in-process, and finished milk products to ensure compliance with company policies and state and federal regulatory standards.
Maintained strict adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a regulated dairy production environment.
Collected, prepared, and processed samples following Standard Methods for Examination of Dairy Products, ensuring accurate assessments of total solids, homogenization efficiency, organoleptic evaluation, sediment testing, viscosity, titratable acidity, and pasteurization efficiency.
Conducted microbiological and microscopic analyses, including direct microscopic counts, standard plate counts, total coliform, yeast, and mold testing.
Performed operational quality checks, including temperature, weight, and volume verification; chemical concentration testing on CIP and sanitation systems; water quality testing; and allergen swab testing.
Executed pre-operation inspections on processing equipment and storage tanks, verifying sanitation standards and readiness for production to maintain compliance and product quality.
Documented results in laboratory notebooks and digital systems, effectively escalating out-of-specification and non-compliant results to uphold quality assurance protocols.
State Certified in Raw Milk Sampling and Antibiotic Residue Testing.
Bacteriophage Therapeutics Research Technician II
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
Silver Spring
02.2025 - 03.2025
Trained in research and development of bacteriophage therapies targeting multidrug-resistant ESKAPEE pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, contributing to innovative treatment approaches.
Contributed to compassionate-use research efforts for national and international clinical applications, facilitating access to novel therapies for patients.
Ensured compliance with biosafety and documentation standards in regulated research environment, supporting safe and effective laboratory practices.
Quality Control Microbiologist (Contract)
Nesher Pharmaceuticals
Bridgeton
01.2019 - 06.2019
Performed daily microbiological testing of pharmaceutical products and industrial water systems under FDA and USP standards.
Ensured laboratory readiness and regulatory compliance during FDA inspections and audits.
Operated in GMP/GLP-compliant and BSL-2 laboratory environments.
Collaborated with QA and senior scientists on SOP updates and process improvements to enhance compliance and operational efficiency.
Trained and directed laboratory technicians on quality and safety procedures, fostering a culture of safety and adherence to protocols.
Molecular Biology Research Associate (Contract)
Bayer Crop Science
Chesterfield
02.2018 - 08.2018
Performed molecular biology techniques including PCR, gene cloning, Sanger sequencing, and electrophoretic analysis.
Supported advanced genome editing and modification projects in corn and soybean.
Facilitated plant tissue culture, genetic transformation, and greenhouse operations to support research objectives.
Analyzed experimental data, refined protocols, and presented findings to project leads across multiple concurrent studies.
Quality Control Microbiologist (Contract)
Sigma-Aldrich
St. Louis
12.2016 - 11.2017
Conducted routine microbial enumeration and specified organism testing in accordance with USP and .
Performed environmental monitoring, including water, coliform, and surface swab testing across production facilities.
Managed laboratory operations and maintenance during FDA and client facility visits, ensuring readiness and compliance with regulatory expectations.
Functioned as QC Microbiology representative on the Safety Committee, facilitating BSL-2 compliance and preparing for audits.
Supported QA investigations for OOS, CAPA, and nonconformance, facilitating timely resolution and adherence to quality standards.
Education
Master of Science (M.S.) - Microbiology and Cell Science, Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
05-2023
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Biological Sciences, Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Biosciences Track
Smith College
Northampton, MA
05-2016
Summer Coursework - Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
08-2015
Publications
Nanotechnology Meets the Clinic: Using Chitosan/Silver Nanocomposites to Target Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections During Burn Wound Therapy, Sarafconn, S. G., 2023, GEN Biotechnology, https://doi.org/10.1089/genbio.2023.0005
Timeline
Food Safety & Quality Laboratory Technician
Maola Local Dairies
11.2025 - 01.2026
Bacteriophage Therapeutics Research Technician II
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
02.2025 - 03.2025
Quality Control Microbiologist (Contract)
Nesher Pharmaceuticals
01.2019 - 06.2019
Molecular Biology Research Associate (Contract)
Bayer Crop Science
02.2018 - 08.2018
Quality Control Microbiologist (Contract)
Sigma-Aldrich
12.2016 - 11.2017
Master of Science (M.S.) - Microbiology and Cell Science, Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry
University of Florida
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Biological Sciences, Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Biosciences Track
Smith College
Summer Coursework - Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology
<ul>
<li>Spearhead the management and oversight of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, a pivotal national asset developed in partnership with the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</li>
<li>Collaborate with USDA and DHS stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of operations and mission capabilities from the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF, ensuring uninterrupted research, diagnostics, and training essential to national security</li>
<li>Lead the operational endurance phase, validating work processes and laboratory setups to guarantee compliance with the highest safety and biocontainment standards, particularly in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) environments</li>
<li>Act as the hiring manager, conducting interviews and selecting high-quality employees to ensure the success of both DCA and NBAF</li>
<li>Serve as a subject matter expert pert for the payroll system Paychex, overseeing and approving payroll for 63 officers biweekly while managing paid time off and leave requests to maintain the security posture for the facility</li>
<li>Monitor project milestones, providing critical updates to senior management and stakeholders while ensuring alignment with USDA's mission objectives and federal guidelines</li>
<li>Direct the development and execution of strategic initiatives to facilitate efficient collaboration with federal partners, ensuring all laboratory operations adhere to regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)</li>
<li>Foster a culture of excellence and professionalism within the team, emphasizing rigorous training, safety compliance, and operational integrity as key components of NBAF's mission to safeguard public health and the nation's food supply</li>
<li>Monitored budgeting activities by tracking expenditures and providing regular updates to management.</li>
<li>Analyzed existing processes within a department or organization in order to identify areas for improvement or increased efficiency.</li>
<li>Implemented quality control measures throughout each stage of a project's lifecycle.</li>
<li>Worked closely with senior managers to ensure that all projects were completed according to schedule.</li>
<li>Conducted research on potential vendors, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for projects.</li>
<li>Provided administrative support to the Project Manager in order to facilitate successful project outcomes.</li>
<li>Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.</li>
<li>Trained junior staff on best practices for managing multiple projects simultaneously.</li>
</ul> at Defense Contracting Activity, LLC<ul>
<li>Spearhead the management and oversight of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, a pivotal national asset developed in partnership with the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</li>
<li>Collaborate with USDA and DHS stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of operations and mission capabilities from the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF, ensuring uninterrupted research, diagnostics, and training essential to national security</li>
<li>Lead the operational endurance phase, validating work processes and laboratory setups to guarantee compliance with the highest safety and biocontainment standards, particularly in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) environments</li>
<li>Act as the hiring manager, conducting interviews and selecting high-quality employees to ensure the success of both DCA and NBAF</li>
<li>Serve as a subject matter expert pert for the payroll system Paychex, overseeing and approving payroll for 63 officers biweekly while managing paid time off and leave requests to maintain the security posture for the facility</li>
<li>Monitor project milestones, providing critical updates to senior management and stakeholders while ensuring alignment with USDA's mission objectives and federal guidelines</li>
<li>Direct the development and execution of strategic initiatives to facilitate efficient collaboration with federal partners, ensuring all laboratory operations adhere to regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)</li>
<li>Foster a culture of excellence and professionalism within the team, emphasizing rigorous training, safety compliance, and operational integrity as key components of NBAF's mission to safeguard public health and the nation's food supply</li>
<li>Monitored budgeting activities by tracking expenditures and providing regular updates to management.</li>
<li>Analyzed existing processes within a department or organization in order to identify areas for improvement or increased efficiency.</li>
<li>Implemented quality control measures throughout each stage of a project's lifecycle.</li>
<li>Worked closely with senior managers to ensure that all projects were completed according to schedule.</li>
<li>Conducted research on potential vendors, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for projects.</li>
<li>Provided administrative support to the Project Manager in order to facilitate successful project outcomes.</li>
<li>Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.</li>
<li>Trained junior staff on best practices for managing multiple projects simultaneously.</li>
</ul> at Defense Contracting Activity, LLC