Taylor Zipparro
Grayslake,IL
Summary
Accomplished Negative Certifying Scientist at United States Drug Testing Laboratories, skilled in laboratory procedures and equipment handling. Successfully mentored technicians and contributed to method validation studies, enhancing assay accuracy. Demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities and effective communication, ensuring compliance and quality in drug testing processes.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Negative Certifying Scientist
United States Drug Testing Laboratories
Des Plaines, Illinois
10.2024 - Current
- Perform matrix cleanup on urine and meconium specimens using CEDIA and EMIT immunoassay techniques for drugs of abuse testing.
- Certify analytical data, and report negative specimen results to clients through the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Prepare daily ELISA calibrators and quality control materials to ensure assay accuracy and compliance.
- Conduct routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting on laboratory instruments, including the Olympus AU480, pH meters, Tecan EVO, and refractometers.
- Trained and mentored Laboratory Technicians I and II on assay procedures, quality control, and laboratory best practices.
- Contributed to method validation studies, including Mitragynine urine validation and Xylazine ELISA hair validation, supporting assay implementation, and performance verification.
- Continue to perform the roles of Technician I and II on top of the negative certifying scientist role.
Screening Laboratory Technician II
United States Drug Testing Laboratories
Des Plaines, IL
08.2024 - 10.2024
- Conducted Olympus AU480 analysis for drug screening in urine and meconium specimens.
- Contributed to validation of SSRI levels in umbilical cord samples.
Screening Laboratory Technician I
United States Drug Testing Laboratories
Des Plaines, Illinois
12.2023 - 08.2024
- Employed ELISA screening techniques to detect drugs of abuse in umbilical cord and biological specimens.
- Maintained accurate records and documentation, ensuring confidentiality through chain of custody forms.
- Prepared and validated reagents and controlled materials for testing procedures.
Specimen Accessioning Technician
United States Drug Testing Laboratories
Des Plaines, Illinois
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Received and accessioned specimens in preparation for drug testing
Medical Assistant
Family Medicine of Michigan
Grand Ledge, Michigan
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Documented patient histories and vital signs in electronic health records.
- Administered immunizations, conducted EKGs, and performed pulmonary function tests and ear irrigations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Biology
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI12-2022
High School Diploma -
Loyola Academy
Wilmette, IL05-2019
Skills
- Laboratory procedures
- Safety protocols
- Equipment handling
- Troubleshooting
- Maintaining laboratory instruments
- ChemWare Horizon LIMS
- Time management
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Sample preparation
- Problem solving
Accomplishments
Core Values Award - Dec 2023
Timeline
Negative Certifying Scientist
United States Drug Testing Laboratories
10.2024 - Current
Screening Laboratory Technician II
United States Drug Testing Laboratories
08.2024 - 10.2024
Screening Laboratory Technician I
United States Drug Testing Laboratories
12.2023 - 08.2024
Specimen Accessioning Technician
United States Drug Testing Laboratories
08.2023 - 12.2023
Medical Assistant
Family Medicine of Michigan
01.2022 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Science - Human Biology
Michigan State University
High School Diploma -
Loyola Academy