Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Details
Personal Information
References
Extracurricular Activities
References
Timeline
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CRYSTAL ZHOU

Melbourne,Australia

Summary

I have a strong background in both diagnostic laboratory work and biomedical research, and am looking to move into research using the practical, real-world experience gained during my time working as a medical laboratory technician as well as the foundational skills from my time as a student conducting their own research. I am comfortable with learning new protocols and with specimen processing. Furthermore, I am proficient with computer software and data management systems.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

Medical Laboratory Technician

Monash Health
Clayton, Vic
02.2023 - Current
  • As a lab tech I have been responsible for running the specimen reception bench within the Microbiology main lab, identifying mismatches in information, contacting doctors and nurses to organise recollections, and handling a high-volume of incoming samples.
  • Furthermore, I am responsible for maintaining of laboratory media and reagent stocks, daily and monthly maintenance of various machines, and assuring adherence to quality and safety standards both in testing of samples and laboratory housekeeping.
  • Besides being on the specimen reception bench, which includes set up of blood, urine, faecal, tissue and fluid samples, I have also worked closely with Scientists to deliver final reports and additional testing.

Medical laboratory technician

VIDRL - Peter Doherty Institute
04.2022 - 12.2022
  • In this role I gained extensive experience with DNA/RNA manipulation and running of PCRs, as well as specimen processing, working with clinicians to deliver positive patient outcomes, and a host of key laboratory techniques
  • Due to the demands of working in an internationally recognised, NATA-accredited reference laboratory, I honed my skill-set in producing high quality, error-free work, by using the checks and procedures in place
  • The guiding principle at VIDRL is achieving excellence through collaboration, communication, and teamwork, which I was fortunate enough to be able to integrate into my methodology.

Laboratory assistant

Australian Clinical Labs (ACL)
10.2021 - 03.2022
  • In this role I gained experience in specimen reception and handling, keeping laboratory results and stock records, and routine PCR testing of respiratory and enteric pathogens
  • From the onset of Omicron I have been working in a lab technician capacity and further developed a sense of meticulousness, organisation and leadership within dynamic environments.

Honours student

Peter Doherty - Stinear Lab
02.2021 - 10.2022
  • During my Honours research project year I honed my undergraduate degree skills in scientific communication and experiment design, investigating amelioration of antibiotic resistance in MRSA
  • I utilized DNA extraction techniques using manual kits for the purpose of bacterial cloning and gained an understanding of molecular techniques, performing western blots, protein and DNA quantification and more
  • I maintained my own stocks of bacteria, media and other materials, which were extensive
  • As a member of the lab I participated in weekly lab meetings and other aspects of life in a research lab such as housekeeping duties
  • As a research student I conducted research that was part of a broader body of work and gained the valuable input of other members of the lab in a collaborative fashion
  • I kept both physical and electronic copies of all work and maintained vigorous scientific standards of practice
  • My time culminated in extensive data analysis and consolidation in the form of my final thesis, a skill-set which I believe will prove to be instrumental to my future endeavours as an aspiring researcher.

Education

Bachelor of Biomedicine (with Hon.) -

The University of Melbourne
11.2021

Skills

  • Dynamic Learner
  • Ability to Work in a Team
  • Highly responsible and reliable
  • Time Management Skills
  • Detail Oriented
  • Highly organized and efficient

Details

Melbourne, Australia, 0406090524, crys.zhou888@gmail.com

Personal Information

Title: RESEARCH ASSISTANT - VERVOORT LAB WEHI

References

  • Liam Sharkey, The Peter Doherty Institute, liam.sharkey@unimelb.edu.au, 0434020685
  • Robert Quach, Australian Clinical Labs, 0434449711

Extracurricular Activities

Ward assist volunteer, The Royal Melbourne Hospital (2018 - 2019) Tutor - volunteer, Australian High school Cancer Comp (2019) Teddy bear hospital volunteer, The Royal Melbourne Hospital (2018 - 2019)

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Medical Laboratory Technician

Monash Health
02.2023 - Current

Medical laboratory technician

VIDRL - Peter Doherty Institute
04.2022 - 12.2022

Laboratory assistant

Australian Clinical Labs (ACL)
10.2021 - 03.2022

Honours student

Peter Doherty - Stinear Lab
02.2021 - 10.2022

Bachelor of Biomedicine (with Hon.) -

The University of Melbourne
CRYSTAL ZHOU