Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Karen Dean

Hartford

Summary

Dynamic laboratory professional with extensive experience at Creative Testing Solutions, excelling in equipment maintenance and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to enhance processes and train staff, ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Recognized for exceptional problem-solving skills and a commitment to fostering teamwork, driving operational efficiency in high-stakes environments.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Laboratory Assistant

Creative Testing Solutions
Maryland Heights
07.2000 - Current
  • Organized documents such as reports, protocols and SOPs related to laboratory activities.
  • Monitored supply inventory levels used in the lab.
  • Provided technical support to colleagues during investigations by troubleshooting problems with instruments or methods used.
  • Maintained laboratory equipment, materials, and supplies to ensure safety.
  • Mentor and train staff members on processes/equipment and ensuring all SOPs, Safety, and cGMP practices and followed.
  • Assisted in the preparation and maintaining of testing samples.
  • Assist with maintenance of laboratory cleanliness including disposal of biohazardous waste.
  • Served as a resource person for junior personnel regarding procedural guidelines or best practices used in the lab environment.
  • Maintained accurate records of sample collection, storage conditions, and test results.
  • Ensured compliance with safety standards by following all safety procedures while handling hazardous chemicals and materials.
  • Contributed ideas towards improving existing processes or developing new ones.
  • Participate in meetings with management, discussing progress on projects or upcoming experiments.
  • Collaborated with other departments within the organization to coordinate the resources needed daily.
  • Developed protocols for lab activities and provided guidance on proper techniques to other laboratory assistants.
  • Identified and fixed issues with lab equipment to achieve more accurate and timely lab results.
  • Perform routine daily maintenance tasks for various laboratory equipment, like centrifuges.
  • Volunteer on multiple teams within the organization, like the Green Team, Work Life Committee, and Department Standard Matter Expert (SME).

Lead Client Service

Creative Testing Soutions
Maryland Heights
01.2017 - 12.2018
  • Helped develop procedures, practices, spreadsheets, reports, and processes for the newly created Client Services Department for the organization.
  • Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
  • Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
  • Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Investigated testing delays for customers.
  • Investigated, logged, and provided reports for customer concerns and complaints related to test results.
  • Trained new staff members and current staff members on procedures and new procedures.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.

Administrative Assistant

Creative Testing Solutions
Maryland Heights
01.2014 - 12.2017
  • Assisted with the planning of special events by arranging catering services, securing venues and ordering promotional materials.
  • Created travel arrangements and distributed travel details to appropriate personnel.
  • Composed letters, memos, reports, emails, presentations and other written correspondence as required by management staff.
  • Ensured efficient operation of office equipment such as printers, copiers and fax machines.
  • Answered questions from customers regarding products and services offered by the company.
  • Compiled data from various sources into organized reports for review by management team.
  • Developed and maintained filing systems for confidential documents and records.
  • Scheduled appointments between clients and customers and internal staff members.
  • Managed office supplies inventory and placed orders when necessary.
  • Managed incoming calls while providing information or transferring callers to appropriate personnel.

Laboratory Assistant

Creative Testing Solutions
Maryland Heights
07.2001 - 01.2014
  • Ensured that laboratory procedures are followed correctly at all times.
  • Maintained lab inventory and ordered supplies as needed.
  • Prepared samples for analysis by following standard laboratory procedures.
  • Performed laboratory experiments, including setting up and operating laboratory equipment.
  • Followed safety protocols while working with hazardous materials or chemicals in the lab.
  • Monitored environmental conditions within the laboratory to ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Documented experimental procedures accurately in logbooks or electronic databases.
  • Performed routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning glassware and other lab equipment.
  • Maintained clean and organized work area with adequate supplies and reagents.
  • Managed laboratory supplies and equipment, providing maximum output to meet data deadlines.
  • Performed daily housekeeping tasks driving efficient laboratory operations.
  • Collected, labeled and stored lab samples according to laboratory specifications.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - General Studies

Lewis And Clark Community College
Godfrey, IL

Skills

  • Equipment maintenance
  • Laboratory safety
  • Sample preparation
  • Inventory management
  • Technical support
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Standard operating procedures
  • Process improvement
  • Customer service
  • Problem solving
  • Employee training
  • Data documentation
  • Team collaboration
  • Time management
  • Leadership
  • Hazardous waste disposal
  • Chemical handling
  • Decision-making
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Professional demeanor
  • Safety protocols

Timeline

Lead Client Service

Creative Testing Soutions
01.2017 - 12.2018

Administrative Assistant

Creative Testing Solutions
01.2014 - 12.2017

Laboratory Assistant

Creative Testing Solutions
07.2001 - 01.2014

Lead Laboratory Assistant

Creative Testing Solutions
07.2000 - Current

Some College (No Degree) - General Studies

Lewis And Clark Community College
Karen Dean