INDEPENDENT MICROBIOLOGY CONSULTANT - Independent
(2026-01)
Provide independent microbiology consulting services leveraging 18+ years of experience in laboratory operations, microbiological testing, method development (USP & EPA) validation, quality systems, and regulatory compliance. Advise clients on microbiology testing strategies, SOPs, laboratory quality programs, regulatory requirements, technical investigations, and process improvements while providing practical scientific and technical solutions.
LABORATORY MANAGER - Pace Analytical Services - Dulles, VA
(2023-07 - 2025-07)
Provided scientific and operational leadership for a microbiology laboratory, overseeing daily laboratory activities, quality performance, technical priorities, staff development, and operational efficiency.
- Led microbiology method implementation and special validation projects, evaluating testing approaches and ensuring alignment with applicable USP, EPA, CDC, ISO, FDA, and AAMI ST108 requirements.
- Provided technical oversight and guidance to laboratory personnel, including mentoring, training, performance evaluation, technical problem-solving, and prioritization of laboratory activities.
- Led quality assurance programs supporting AIHA accreditation, Virginia drinking water certification (DCLS), CDC ELITE certification, client audits, and laboratory quality requirements.
- Served as Safety Officer and QC Coordinator, providing technical oversight of quality control, documentation, safety practices, and laboratory compliance.
- Provided technical leadership and consultation to clients, satellite laboratory managers, and internal stakeholders, resolving complex microbiology and operational issues.
- Supported development, validation, troubleshooting, and routine performance of microbial identification workflows using Bruker MALDI-TOF MS and Biolog GEN III MicroPlate System.
- Applied expertise in microbial identification, Legionella testing, environmental microbiology, and healthcare-related microbiological testing to support technically complex client programs.
- Contributed to technical publications, blogs, presentations, webinars, and public awareness initiatives, translating complex microbiology concepts into practical scientific guidance.
- Supported healthcare clients with microbiological testing and infection-control initiatives, including sterility testing following endoscopy reprocessing and preventive maintenance programs for water heater-cooler systems.
- Managed laboratory budgeting and cost control while balancing scientific, quality, staffing, and operational priorities.
- Partnered with upper management and cross-functional stakeholders to investigate operational issues, develop solutions, and continuously improve laboratory performance.
LABORATORY SUPERVISOR / DEPUTY QA MANAGER - Aerobiology Laboratory Associates - Dulles, VA
(2015-10 - 2023-07)
Directed daily operations of an environmental microbiology laboratory while providing scientific and technical leadership to analysts and laboratory technicians.
- Led development and implementation of new microbiology testing methods in accordance with CDC, CMS, ISO, USP, FDA, and other applicable standards.
- Provided technical oversight for laboratory personnel through training, mentoring, cross-training, performance evaluations, technical guidance, and workflow prioritization.
- Developed, reviewed, and revised SOPs and technical procedures to strengthen consistency, quality, and regulatory compliance.
- Led laboratory quality activities and supported Virginia state drinking water certification, CDC ELITE certification, laboratory audits, and client audits.
- Supported method validation and troubleshooting of microbial identification workflows using Bruker MALDI-TOF MS and Biolog GEN III MicroPlate System.
- Served as technical advisor to clients, sales teams, client managers, and satellite laboratories, translating microbiology requirements into practical technical solutions.
- Cross-trained satellite laboratory personnel and provided ongoing technical support to strengthen consistency of microbiology testing across laboratory locations.
- Managed client trending and reporting activities through AERO-LIMS and used laboratory data to support technical review and client communications.
- Conducted audits, peer reviews, technical evaluations, and quality assessments to identify opportunities for corrective action and continuous improvement.
- Supported development of technical approaches for complex microbiology projects and provided scientific input for client product and testing requirements.
SENIOR BACTERIOLOGIST / MICROBIOLOGIST - Aerobiology Laboratory Associates - Dulles, VA
(2011-03 - 2015-10)
Developed and implemented microbiology testing protocols and methods for research and development projects, including compilation and interpretation of results for client product submissions.
- Provided scientific expertise across AATCC, JIS, ASTM, EPA, and USP testing methodologies.
- Conducted pharmaceutical microbiology testing in accordance with USP Chapters <795>, <797>, <61>/<62>, and <71>, including media fill testing.
- Managed Legionella analysis and maintained laboratory accreditation requirements in accordance with CDC standards and ISO 11731 guidance.
- Developed and maintained SOPs and technical procedures for microbiological analyses.
- Served as Deputy QA Manager, reviewing SOPs and protocols, supporting quality assurance programs, and maintaining certification requirements for potable water testing.
- Trained laboratory staff, performed audits and peer reviews, and supported technical data review and client communications.
- Applied microbial identification expertise using Bruker MALDI-TOF MS and Biolog GEN III Micro Plate System.
BACTERIOLOGIST / MICROBIOLOGIST - Aerobiology Laboratory Associates - Dulles, VA
(2007-01 - 2011-03)
Performed microbiological analyses in accordance with USP requirements, including USP <797> sterile preparation testing and USP <71> media fill testing.
- Conducted bacterial and fungal identification and characterization, including Legionella analysis using DFA and Sero grouping methods in accordance with CDC standards.
- Supported research and development projects involving FDA submissions and prepared technical documentation for accreditation and regulatory agencies.
- Coordinated laboratory investigations, corrective actions, and product validation activities using AATCC and ASTM methodologies.
- Conducted environmental microbiology testing for bacterial and fungal contamination, including MRSA, Bacillus anthracis, Mycobacterium, and Legionella.
- Performed potable water testing using membrane filtration and enzymatic reaction methodologies.
- Operated and supported laboratory technologies including PCR, DNA gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometers, turbidimeters, SAS samplers, Andersen samplers, and Bio-Samplers.
- Managed laboratory reporting and database activities using LIMS and maintained laboratory inventory and safety requirements.
- Prepared detailed technical reports and publications and supported scientific documentation and client communications.
