Laura Palya

Experience

• 

  Southern Illinois Healthcare

  Jan 2022 - Jul 2022

  Medical Laboratory Assistant I

  Non-certified laboratory tech in microbiology and molecular labs.•Analyzed, processed and collected patient specimen for diagnostic testing•Performed microbiology rapid testing, managed STAT and priority specimens, inoculated cultures for bacteriology/microbiology works-ups and testing•Evaluated specimen acceptability for testing ordered and ensured receipt of specimens received from offsite locations•Communicated urgent patient critical results correctly, in a timely manner, with physician, nurse, or unit•Bacterial identification through microscopy•Performed and documented quality control and quality assurance activities, troubleshoot machinery•Proficient in Epic Systems software Show less

• 

  Roosevelt University

  Aug 2022 - May 2023

  Graduate Teaching Assistant

  Graduate teaching assistant for undergraduate laboratory sections BIOL202 Ecology, Evolution & Genetics and BIOL360 Microbiology.•Collaborated with assistant professor in preparation and experimental design for BIOL202 and BIOL360 labs•Experimental preparation; prepared broth and agar media, managed specimen handling, receiving, reactivation and storage, autoclaving•Instructed and guided students through lab protocols and experiments, promote aseptic technique, assist with microscope use and bacterial identification•Answered students' questions throughout the lab and assisted with overall execution Show less

• 

  Whole Foods Market

  Sept 2022 - Oct 2023

  Customer Service Supervisor

  Aid in managing 30+ front end team members at flagship Midwest region location that generates a weekly revenue of $1M. •Coordinate and delegate various working tasks amongst team members throughout shift•Lead, mentor and counsel new staff members, assist new team members with training and developing excellent hospitality and customer service skills that contribute to a high performance team and minimize turnover •Communicate effectively with customers, team members, cross-departments and store leadership•Perform daily register audits, report and identify variance discrepancies•Financial accounting duties in the cash office•Maintain high standards of retail execution by minimizing shrink, open rings and loss prevention•Conduct performance evaluations and deliver feedback to team members thoughtfully Show less

• 

  Ortho Molecular Products

  Oct 2023 - now

  Natural Products Resource Coordinator