Motivated professional experienced in customer service and time management. Delivered positive and memorable experiences for customers through strong work ethic and adaptability. Demonstrated ability to work independently while quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory assistant/Support Staff Member
West Suburban Hospital Medical Center
Oak Park, Illinois
10.1989 - 08.2026
Assisted in preparing laboratory samples for analysis and testing.
Maintained cleanliness and organization of laboratory equipment and supplies.
Recorded data accurately within laboratory information management systems.
Collaborated with medical staff to ensure timely processing of specimens.
Conducted routine maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment.
Followed safety protocols to prevent contamination during sample handling.
Trained new staff on proper laboratory practices and procedures.
Prepared samples for analysis by following standard laboratory procedures.
Ensured that laboratory procedures are followed correctly at all times.
Performed routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning glassware and other lab equipment.
Monitored lab supplies and proactively replenished for convenience and availability.
Maintained clean and organized work area with adequate supplies and reagents.
Followed safety protocols while working with hazardous materials or chemicals in the lab.
Assisted in training new personnel on proper use of laboratory equipment or techniques.
Implemented lab procedures to prevent errors and protect staff.
Managed lab inventory and ordered supplies to ensure availability.
Monitored environmental conditions within the laboratory to ensure compliance with regulations.
Participated in meetings to discuss project progress, findings, and recommendations.
Prepared lab for daily operations by stocking materials and equipment.
Prepared specimens and forms for transport to outside laboratories.
Supported cleanliness and health standards to foster safe and effective sample analysis.
Provided exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders, addressing inquiries and concerns promptly.
Cleaned and prepared lab equipment for solutions, specimens and samples.
Supported compliance with safety protocols and infection control standards.
Trained new staff on operational procedures and hospital policies effectively.
Participated in regular team meetings to discuss current projects and goals.
Resolved customer inquiries in a timely manner.
Tracked progress on open cases and updated customers accordingly.
Used Internet, databases and other sources to conduct searches for needed information.
Maintained filing systems, ensuring documents were organized and easily accessible.
Answered and directed phone calls to appropriate staff members, maintaining efficient communication.
Sorted and distributed incoming faxes, letters and emails for office distribution.
<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
Office Support Staff Member/Monitoring Assistant at Windermere Boulevard Elementary SchoolOffice Support Staff Member/Monitoring Assistant at Windermere Boulevard Elementary School
Laboratory Manager, Quality & Support Staff at Capital Health Medical CenterLaboratory Manager, Quality & Support Staff at Capital Health Medical Center