- Leads influenza specimen retrieval in the Microbiology department- Oversees and catalogues 3000+ research specimens with unique identifiers- Works well with minimal supervision with excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills- Interacts with various stakeholders including Public Health Laboratories, UHN hospitals, Sunnybrook Hospital, and William Osler Health System.- Updates and corrects errors Microsoft Access and Excel databases - Prepares documentation for specimen importation permits in compliance with the Public Health Agency of Canada- Generates daily reports in addition, using SCC Soft Computer Laboratory Information Systems when ordering laboratory testing on specimens- Assesses the scope of various research projects to meet deadlines -Makes decisions on viability of research specimens based on Standard Operating Procedures and directions of the Principal Investigators- Prepares reports of weekly status updates to the research team on specimens sent to the central lab in Halifax, N.S. - Prioritizes tasks with the use of technological resources to maximize operational efficiency

I started working as a Research Assistant I at the Mount Sinai Hospital whilst completing the final semester of my undergraduate degree. This national surveillance research project was investigating the efficacy of the influenza vaccine.In this role the following skills were acquired:- Communicating with medical professionals regarding vaccine status of study participants- Maintaining a database for over 2000 participants - Adhering to privacy and confidentiality agreements - Liaising with Research Associates from various GTA hospitals- Attending weekly team meetings to report progress- Reviewing procedures and suggesting improvements for the next Influenza season - Working both independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary national research team

This was a part time job while pursuing my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. The main objectives of this role was to: - Provide first class customer service to each and every patron (be friendly, sincere and helpful) - Utilize communications skills to ensure customers' requests are met - Work in a fast paced high traffic store ($30k in weekly sales) - Work independently as well as part of a team - Educating new staff on procedures and techniques