Maya Urquhart

Senior Laboratory Analyst at ALS Environmental (2024-05 – Present)

• Optimizes the analysis of metal contaminants in environmental matrices with HPLC, ICPMS, and GC instruments and Laboratory Information Management System software
• Performs preventative maintenance and equipment troubleshooting to fine-tune production processes
• Analyses 400+ data points daily with Excel VBA, providing high-quality data reports
• Collaborates with department managers to identify client needs, expedite rush orders, and update SOPs
• Enforces strict safety standards through the safe handling of high-concentration acids, QA inspections, developing hazard/risk reports, and resolving non-conformances

Host at The Keg Steakhouse (2023-10 – 2024-06)

• Coordinated with managers, servers, and the kitchen team to optimally seat hundreds of guests per night while providing attentive hospitality

Project Engineering Student at High Liner Foods Inc. (2022-01 – 2022-08)

• Initiated CAPEX installation projects, such as a gas detection system, ammonia condensers, and wastewater equipment, by producing technical proposals for purchase approval by internal stakeholders
• Met with interdepartmental teams and external suppliers to define and track project milestones, action items, cost breakdowns, commissioning requirements, parts quotes, technician contracts, and POs
• Led continuous improvement line studies to analyze machine performance, production efficiency, & optimize KPIs using Excel visualization to aid in data-driven decision making
• Performed site inspections of plant assets, such as pumps, piping, and valves, and updated P&IDs accordingly using AutoCAD, removing obsolete equipment from use

Clinical Engineering Student at Nova Scotia Health Authority (2021-05 – 2021-08)

• Improved compliance with federal reporting regulations by analyzing provincial datasets with Lean Six Sigma methods, FMEA, interviewing patient-care staff, and designing a digitized reporting process
• Created safety flowcharts to ensure new electrical devices adhere to CSA, ISO, and SPE standards
• Designed an emergency equipment request form in Smartsheet with an approval workflow, document generation option, and an interactive Tableau dashboard
• Inspected faulty medical equipment such as IV pumps, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and tracheostomy tubes to determine causes of failure
• Tracked equipment inventory throughout the province and analyzed trends with Excel Pivot Tables

Research Assistant at Cape Breton University (2020-10 – 2020-12)

• Performed detailed literature reviews for a novel 'Lab-on-a-Chip' Covid-19 rapid diagnostic biosensor
• Designed the sensor's microfluidic system and electrode configuration in Fusion 360
• Purchased high-purity proteins, antibodies, and reagents, accounting for sensitive storage requirements

Bachelor of Chemical Engineering in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering certificate – Dalhousie University (2018 – 2023)