Traci Peña

• Lead Tech Duties
• Managed daily operations and supervised a team of staff members
• Conducted weekly meetings with Administration to discuss lab matters
• Managed the onboarding process for Clinical Trial training, including implementation and monitoring of Cost of Services

• Responsible for analyzing blood for the Hematology department, using automatic instruments, identifying cells using microscope and following proper techniques and procedures
• Responsible for Immunohematology department preparing blood, plasma and platelets for transfusion by conducting blood group, type and compatibility testing.

• Perform basic and complex cell processing procedures with hematopoietic progenitor cells and other cellular therapy products intended for infusion into patients for transplantation and or immunotherapeutic purposes including cellular therapies for adult and/ or pediatric patients with blood cancers, brain tumors, sickle cell disease, SCIDS, heart disease, limb ischemia, GVHD, and Ischemic Stroke
• Preform complex procedures for specific cell isolation, to include, but not limited to density gradient separations, CD34 cell selection
• Perform cell cryopreservation procedures for short and long-term storage to insure cell viability and engraftment
• Assist in the collection of hematopoietic progenitor cell products from patients, MRD, MUD and NMDP donor via apheresis and bone marrow harvests
• Perform Stem cell thaw and assist with infusion
• Performed Cord Blood processing and cryopreservation for public Cord Blood bank
• As a stem cell specialist, trained new staff, developed, implemented, and performed validations, reviewed patient information for quality review
• Assumed interim roll as lead technologist in the day to day operation of the laboratory when needed
• Worked closely with Stemsoft, the computer software for data management and laboratory, by scheduling upgrades, creating new templates, and creating workflow for upcoming ISBT requirements
• Revises and writes SOP’s for cellular therapy processes and equipment.

Demonstrates a superior level of technical proficiency and problem-solving ability in such areas as.

(1) testing for blood group antigens, compatibility and complex antibody identification;

(2) investigating abnormalities such as hemolytic disease of the newborn, hemolytic anemias and adverse responses to transfusion;

(3) supporting physicians in transfusion therapy for patients with coagulopathies; and

(4) providing compatibility testing and antibody titration studies for potential donor/recipients of progenitor cells, bone marrow and solid organ transplants. Performs serologic testing, component preparation, and issue; computer documentation of work; as well as quality control and preventive maintenance of equipment.