Melissa Zawacki

Detail-oriented professional focused on quality systems, process optimization, and data integrity

Des Plaines, Illinois, United States

About

I’m a detail-oriented professional who enjoys bringing structure, accuracy, and organization to complex work. At Sterling Labs, I advanced from laboratory technician to environmental project manager by focusing on precision, leadership, clear communication, and collaboration across departments. My experience as a project manager strengthened my interest in quality systems, data integrity, and process improvement. Core strengths: Quality Assurance • Data Management • LIMS • Operations Coordination • Regulatory Compliance • Problem Solving • Excel & Data Analysis

Experience

  • Device Tracking Analyst at AbbVie
    Jan 2026 - Present · 7 mos

  • Sterling Labs (2 yrs 1 mo)
    • Environmental Project Manager
      Mar 2024 - Oct 2025 · 1 yr 8 mos

      -Serve as the primary point of contact for an assigned client base, fostering strong relationships to understand client needs and expectations. -Lead project planning by defining project scope, setting timelines, and ensuring deliverables meet federal, state, and client guidelines. -Monitor project progress, ensuring timely completion, and collaborate with operations to mitigate any delays. -Review and approve final reports and invoices before submission to clients. -Provide proactive regular project updates to clients, addressing potential issues or delays and ensuring client satisfaction. -Coordinate sample receiving, courier pick-ups/drop-offs, and prepare sampling materials based on client needs. -Manage project setup in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), including reviewing Chain of Custodies (COCs) and ensuring accurate methods/tests/limits. -Develop pricing and proposals in alignment with company guidelines.

    • Environmental Lab Technician I
      Oct 2023 - Mar 2024 · 6 mos

      -Has demonstrated capability of accurately preparing organic water samples according to company SOPs for pesticide, herbicide, SVOC, PCB, DRO, ERO, and SIM PNA analyses. -Accurately entered sample preparatory information into Element 7, the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). -Assisted in training new hires in preparing organic water samples and utilizing the LIMS system. -Maintained lab equipment, maintained and organized inventory, washed and rinsed glassware.

  • Senior Guest Advisor at GameStop
    May 2022 - Nov 2023 · 1 yr 7 mos

  • Community High School District 128 ()
    • High School Coach
      Sep 2018 - Jan 2022 · 3 yrs 5 mos

      Titles: Assistant Cheerleading Coach, Assistant Track & Field Coach
 Training, monitoring, and mentoring athletes, as well as communicating with parents, maintaining the calendar, and assisting with team placements.

    • Special Services Teaching Aide
      Jan 2021 - Nov 2021 · 11 mos

      Provide support for teachers by monitoring, tutoring, and mentoring students, as well as provide individualized support for students with physical and/or academic needs.

  • Quality Assurance Laboratory Intern at Nielsen-Massey Vanillas inc.
    Jul 2018 - Dec 2018 · 6 mos

    -Accurately set up taste tests of newly produced flavors to ensure product quality. -Assisted in inspecting incoming vanilla beans for quality and ability to be used for production. -Maintained laboratory integrity by cleaning and disinfecting glassware, laboratory tools, and all surfaces daily.