Cheshire, Connecticut, United States
Experienced Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory Manager with nearly 20 years in public health laboratory settings, specializing in biosafety, arbovirus research, and high-containment laboratory operations. My expertise includes laboratory management, regulatory compliance, training development and delivery, risk assessment, and advanced molecular techniques such as cell culture, nucleic acid extraction, and PCR. I will be graduating in May with a Master of Public Health from Tufts University, concentrating in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. My academic and professional interests include infectious disease epidemiology, the health impacts of climate change, and the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health through the One Health framework. I am particularly driven to contribute to the understanding and prevention of emerging and zoonotic diseases in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Manage two Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) Public Health laboratories. Develop and enforce safety and security protocols and policies. Supervise seasonal research assistants. Co-author manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Assist with various arbovirus related experiments
Enforce the Federal Select Agent Program regulations. • Provide training to all laboratory staff. • Conduct site-specific drills/exercises annually. • Conduct inventory audits. • Interface with the FBI, CDC, USDA, CT DPH, DOT, and first responders. • Develop and implement site-specific plans.
Assist with various arbovirus related experiments including phylogenetic studies, transmission studies, population genomics, and virus transmission. Conduct virus diagnostics for the CT Mosquito Surveillance Program.
Assist in educating the public about tick-borne diseases
Assist in a research study on the effectiveness of the MaxForce Tick Management System. Also, collaborated with the Torrington Area Health District to help educate the public about Lyme disease.