Laura Zweygardt
Aurora
Summary
Graduated in 2020 with a Bachelors in biology and a minor in psychology, my degree had an emphasis on cell and molecular biology, genetics, immunology and developmental biology. My laboratory experience includes 2 years of working as a lab technician in a clinical trials setting involving clotting disorders, in which I received recognition from a client for outstanding work in testing an assay on a novel analyzer; in addition I have 2 years experience working in a University hospital cytogenetics lab focused primarily on cancer diagnosis and treatment via the set up and harvesting of short term suspension cultures. I have a passion for the biological sciences and am currently seeking new employment in the field.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory technology 1
Colorado Genetics Lab
Aurora
09.2023 - 12.2025
- Patient Specimen Accessioning and Quality Assurance:
- Receives specimens sent to the laboratory for testing
- Checks requisition forms and specimens to confirm matching patient identifiers, specimen type and test(s) requested
- Assigns accession numbers appropriate to test requests
- Participates in specimen testing, analysis, and accessioning
- Laboratory equipment/instrument maintenance
- Pipetting skills
- Documentation
- Participates in Quality Control
- Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
- Aseptic Technique
- Microscopy
- Knowledge and understanding of DNA, chromosomes, and genetics
- Cell and bacterial culture techniques
- Cell suspension harvest
- Able to follow protocols and SOP's
- Experimental design
- Reagent preparation
- Giemsa banding
- Microscope slide preparation
- Trained in D.O.T. shipment of regulated medical waste
- Enters accession information into the CGL database
- Transports specimens to the lab for processing
- Properly records the types of pre-analytic variables found at accessioning for evaluation in the Quality Assurance (QA) Program
- Sample Processing and Preparation for Analysis:
- Initiates, maintains cultures, harvests, and prepares slides on clinical samples for chromosome analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies; extracts DNA for microarray analysis; participates in quality control and quality assurance protocols.
- Selects and performs proper specimen processing methodologies/techniques ensuring high quality cytogenetic/molecular preparations. In conjunction with certified technologists observes, learns and is engaged in process improvement and troubleshooting. Understands equipment used and decides when to notify senior colleagues regarding possible malfunction.
- General principles of biology and genetics, specifically sterile technique and cell culture, basic maintenance, care, and use of core laboratory equipment and computers, safe laboratory practices relative to the handling and disposal of biohazard waste and hazardous chemicals, and the use of personal protective equipment through UCD training courses and on-the-job training.
- Wet Lab Maintenance and Inventory Control:
- Prepares reagents and media as needed
- Monitors QC parameters of lab equipment; participates in cleaning and preventive maintenance of lab equipment
- Handles hazardous waste according to CGL and UCD protocols
- Maintains neat, clean and well stocked work areas
- Participates in supply inventory control
- Independently manages and organizes their wet lab maintenance work assignments
Clinical Laboratory Technician
LabCorp
11.2021 - 06.2023
- Participates in specimen testing according to established procedures working under the technical oversight of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Performs preventative maintenance on equipment, documents PM appropriately, makes minor repairs and immediately contacts appropriate personnel for problems requiring more complex repairs
- Adheres to the standard operating procedures and safety requirements of Esoterix, CLIA, CAP and other regulatory bodies
- Documents all activities as necessary including preventative maintenance logs, instrument function checks, troubleshooting, and quality control to ensure regulatory compliance
- Pipettes samples and reagents using calibrated and approved automatic syringes and dispensers
- Records dates of receipt, in use, and expiration for all reagents, kits, controls, and standards used for assigned assays
- Demonstrates and develops an ever-increasing understanding of laboratory medicine and the clinical significance of laboratory results
- Troubleshoots simple assay problems and provides suggestions to management as warranted
- Trains lab personnel on departmental procedures and company policy and procedures
- Other duties as required
QMAP/CAREGIVER
Lincoln Meadows Assisted Living/ Memory Care
03.2017 - 10.2021
- Qualified Medication Administration Personnel
- Extensive experience working with dementia and Alzheimer's residents
- Memory care training
- COVID procedures
QMAP/CAREGIVER
Castle Country Assisted Living
07.2014 - 03.2017
- Qualified Medication Administration Personnel
- First aid certified
- I worked with the elderly, administering medications, assisting with meals, showers, dressing, basic wound care
- As QMAP I served as the team leader during shifts and took charge during emergency situations
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
Denver, CO05.2020
Skills
- Patient specimen accessioning
- Quality assurance protocols
- Wet lab maintenance
- Aseptic technique
- Laboratory compliance
- Attention to detail
- PPE compliance
- Microsoft Word
- Clinical laboratory testing
- Pipetting
- Sample processing
- Cell culture techniques
- Sample testing
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Laboratory technology 1
Colorado Genetics Lab
09.2023 - 12.2025
Clinical Laboratory Technician
LabCorp
11.2021 - 06.2023
QMAP/CAREGIVER
Lincoln Meadows Assisted Living/ Memory Care
03.2017 - 10.2021
QMAP/CAREGIVER
Castle Country Assisted Living
07.2014 - 03.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER