Veronica Fris

Experience

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  William Beaumont Army Medical Center

  Feb 2007 - Mar 2011

  Medical Technologist

  • Performed a variety of routine and emergency clinical laboratory procedures using manual and automated equipment in accordance with various regulations and guidelines; ensured infection control standards were applied • Prepared bacterial culture of product; measured and calculated concentrations; performed necessary dilutions for results exceeding instrument linearity; received, issued, prepared, and stored blood products and tissues in accordance with established procedures• Operated, maintained, validated and calibrated all necessary equipment; verified correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks • Generated reports and performed support duties; maintained adequate supplies at all times• Completed assignments that require extensive training and experience; used delicate and exacting steps for the majority of testing performed; possesses ability to recognize, identify, and resolve unusual problems/results• Wrote and revised lab standard operating procedures; taught/trained principles and procedures to new staff and students Show less

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  DonLevy Laboratories

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2013

  Microbiologist

  Performed laboratory functions including qualitative and quantitative analyses, diagnostic testing and interpretation of results. Responsible for maintaining documentation of processes used to facilitate analysis procedures while practicing GLP.• Perform various quantitative and qualitative microbiological and chemistry analyses on environmental, raw material, and finished product samples submitted by food companies all while assuring product integrity, sanitation efficacy, and regulatory compliance• Prepare sample for processing and maintains documentation of process to facilitate analysis procedures. Prepare sample for analysis by recording, weighing and blending.• Pipette sample solution into tubes or plates according to the analysis process being performed. Pour the agar into plates or tubes to begin the growth process. Collect plates and place them in the incubator for the specified amount of time and temperature.• Perform rapid method tests including DNA Hybridization and the DuPont Qualicon BAX (PCR) detection system to provide prompt results for Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli testing. • Perform Neogen’s food allergen tests to detect a target allergen in ingredients, liquids, finished foods, and on environmental surfaces.• Read, calculate and record analysis data to produce a report for the client. Maintain accurate quality control documentation of analysis procedures. Support corporate quality and continuous improvement process• Perform customized shelf life evaluations, challenge studies, food poisoning, pH, membrane filtrations and other analysis on sample when requested by the client.• Prepare media and broth for use in pathogen testing as required. Sterilize materials needed for analysis. Autoclave plates before discarding. Ensure that media and materials are prepared for the next testing sequence.• Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that is required to complete job responsibilities. Show less

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  Kansas Department of Agriculture Laboratories

  Apr 2014 - Aug 2021

  • Develop, enhance and maintain the laboratory quality management system to meet ISO 17025 standards. This includes creating, revising, and maintaining the laboratory quality manual; assisting in the preparation and annual review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); develop, implement and maintain document control and sample chain-of-custody procedures. • Maintain records for implementing microbiological and chemical quality control practices. Establish and maintain a system for tracking control processes. Routinely plan, direct, and coordinate internal and external audits of laboratory processes for adherence to the ISO standard. Monitor the performance of methods, instrumentation, and reagents used in the laboratory including reviewing instrument calibration/verification, reagent receipt and performance, and method quality control data, etc. Establish and maintain a program to document and monitor the effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions to include root cause and action taken.• Review all microbiological data and reports to include dairy, meat and poultry, and food safety; Review chemistry data and reports to include feed, industrial hemp, and pesticide and fertilizer. • Assumes all quality related tasks within the Metrology Lab and ensure the quality system currently in place within the Metrology Lab reflects NIST required guidelines that are consistent with the ISO 17025 standard. Integrate KDAL’s established quality system within Metrology.• Serve as Assistant Program Manager. Work with the Program Manager to budget, organize, oversee purchasing, and maintain the analytical programs within the laboratory. • Schedule and attend ISO 17025 training. Develop, schedule, and deliver quality assurance/quality control training for KDAL staff as needed. Anticipate and identify future organizational needs. Establish a system for documenting qualifications, experience, training and certification of staff. Show less MicrobiologistMeat and Poultry, Dairy• Using the BAX system, determines presence/absence of Salmonella in raw ground meat, ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products, poultry rinses, and carcass swabs. Determines presence/absence of Listeria monocytogenes in RTE meat products and environmental swabs. Determinespresence/absence of E. coli 0157:H7 in raw ground meat products. Determines presence/absence of Campylobacter in poultry rinses. Performs confirmatory testing on any samples found to be positive for pathogens. Prepares all media necessary for analyses. Participates in quality assurance check sample program. Performs and maintains all required QA protocols, procedures, and records.• Performs microbiological analyses of milk, milk products, dairy waters and empty containers including Standard Plate Count (SPC), Coliform Count and confirmation. Performs alkaline phosphatase testing using Charm II. Analyzes raw milk for somatic cells by Direct Microscopic Somatic Cell Count (DMSCC) and Optical Somatic Cell Count (OSCC) methods. Performs specific methods for detecting inhibitory substances such as antibiotic residues, specifically beta lactam antibiotic type. Determines milkfat content of milk and milk products using Babcock Method. Determines presence of added water in milk using the cryoscope. Maintains FDA certification for all testing performed in the Dairy Section.• Registers all incoming meat samples and prepares samples for analysis. Performs routine analytical procedures on samples to determine the following: protein, moisture, fat, added water, nitrite and nitrate, and branding ink. Calculates and reports results. Performs KIS tests on all submitted carcass samples.• Perform Real-Time and conventional PCR to determine the presence of bovine mitochondrial DNA in ruminant feed samples.• Checks and maintains consumables for microbiology laboratories. Keeps glassware and apparatus used in Micro/Meat & Poultry and Dairy Labs clean and organized. Show less

  • Quality Assurance/Assistant Program Manager

    Nov 2016 - Aug 2021

  • Microbiologist

    Apr 2014 - Aug 2021
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  USDA-ARS NBAF

  Aug 2021 - now

  Quality Assurance Manager