Leah Ortowski
Fort Collins
Summary
Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Associate
Robertson Lab at Colorado State University
04.2023 - Current
- Conducted in-vivo preclinical models of tuberculosis partnering with the Tuberculosis Drug Accelerator Program in acute, chronic, tolerability, subacute, and relapse mouse models
- Completed drug preparation and testing of novel drug combinations for TB treatment in in-vivo preclinical efficacy studies
- Aseptic technique culturing, diluting, and plating infectious pathogens (Mycobacterium Tuberculosis) in biosafety lab level 3 (BSL3) at Colorado State University’s Infectious Disease Research Center in the Biohazard Research Laboratory and Regional Biocontainment Laboratory
- Adhered to biosafety SOPs and protocols and completing annual trainings through the Biosafety program at CSU
- In-vitro research with auxotrophic strain of M. Tuberculosis mc26206 in minimum inhibitory concentration, (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration, (MBC) assay testing
- Animal (mouse) research skills in sub q. injections, oral gavage, submandibular blood collection, restraint, tissue collection and freezing for laser capture microdissection
- Scheduled and organized studies for the Tuberculosis Drug Accelerator Program in SmartSheet
- Trained junior staff members on proper laboratory techniques and procedures.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing experimental findings.
- Outlined key research in documents, spreadsheets and reports.
- Reviewed experimental data to catch potential lab errors and correct mistakes.
- Supplied quality control data for regulatory submissions to support corrective actions.
Pharmacy Technician
Walgreens Pharmacy
12.2022 - 03.2023
- Prepared medications for dispensing by counting, pouring, labeling, and verifying doses.
- Provided customer service to patients by answering questions about medications and health-related topics.
- Assisted pharmacists in filling prescriptions accurately and efficiently.
- Verified accuracy of medication labels before they were dispensed to customers.
- Performed data entry for patient profiles, billing information and prescription orders into the pharmacy software system.
- Interpreted and processed medication orders under supervision of pharmacist.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Colorado State University
09.2022 - 12.2022
- Assisted in graduate student-led research
- Assisted in caring for adult and larval midges in insectary
- Attended weekly lab meetings
- Took active role in research projects under guidance of seasoned faculty members.
Lab Tech
Warren IEH Analytical Laboratory
12.2021 - 09.2022
- Food microbiology testing for Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli
- Maintained, calibrated and troubleshot pH probes, EC meters, balances, automatic pipettes and diluters.
- Collected, labeled and stored lab samples according to laboratory specifications.
- Processed specimens following established protocols while adhering to strict safety standards.
- Maintained laboratory equipment by performing calibration checks and troubleshooting any malfunctions.
Teaching Assistant in General Microbiology Laboratory
Colorado State University
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Retrieved and put away media/supplies from prep room
- Attended weekly TA meetings with professor and other TAs to discuss upcoming labs
- Instructed students individually or in groups to reinforce learning concepts.
- Graded assignments, tests and papers according to teacher instructions.
- Acted as a liaison between students and faculty, facilitating communication and understanding.
Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA) in Food Microbiology Laboratory
Colorado State University
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Retrieved and put away media/supplies from prep room
- Set up lab materials and experiments before lab
- Properly disposed of used materials and cleaned up experiments after lab
- Moved media to and from incubators
- Performed duties alone as the sole ULA alongside professor and graduate teaching assistant while adhering to pandemic guidelines
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science, Microbiology
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO12.2022
Some College (No Degree) -
Aims Community College
Greeley, COSkills
- BSL3 laboratory operations
- Compliance with biosafety standards
- Aseptic techniques
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- In-vivo research methodologies
- Drug testing protocols
- Project management skills
- Scientific communication strategies
- Attention to detail
- Research methodology expertise
- Research planning
- Data gathering and organization
Accomplishments
- Novel culicoides midge microbiome research completed with the assistance of CSU microbiology professors over one semester; included a poster presentation of data
- Tier 1 Select Agent Clearance for select agents housed at Colorado State University, Regional Biocontainment Laboratory
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Research Associate
Robertson Lab at Colorado State University
04.2023 - Current
Pharmacy Technician
Walgreens Pharmacy
12.2022 - 03.2023
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Colorado State University
09.2022 - 12.2022
Lab Tech
Warren IEH Analytical Laboratory
12.2021 - 09.2022
Teaching Assistant in General Microbiology Laboratory
Colorado State University
08.2021 - 12.2021
Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA) in Food Microbiology Laboratory
Colorado State University
01.2021 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science, Microbiology
Colorado State University
Some College (No Degree) -
Aims Community College
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