Nicola Stark
Jannali,NSW
Summary
I have over 18 years of experience in the IVF industry, starting my career in the endocrinology lab and working my way up to the role of Senior Embryologist. I am skilled in andrology, ICSI, IVF, embryo culture, PGD biopsy, patient communication, data entry and have played an active role in training junior embryologists.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Embryologist
Fertility First
08.2015 - Current
- Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Oocyte collection
- Embryo transfer
- Diagnostic tests on semen samples, including samples collected by TESE and FNAB
- Maintaining viability of gametes, tissues and embryos during processing
- Preparation of semen samples for intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Embryo cryopreservation – both slow and vitrified.
- Monitoring embryo development
- Embryo selection for transfer
- Maintaining and understanding of human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility and assisted reproductive technology
- Having knowledge of and complying with quality control, ethical issues and regulations surrounding gamete and embryo handling.
- Care, maintenance and calibration of equipment
- Providing a compassionate and understanding environment for patients
- Training and mentoring junior scientists
- Multitasking and meticulous problem solving skills
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Responsible for all content and publications for the company website
- Responsible for updating the website and social media accounts with the latest news in the field of reproductive technology
- Monitoring patient feedback via the social media accounts and Google Reviews
Embryologist/Andrologist
City Fertility Centre
02.2015 - 07.2015
- Assessed and graded health and development of embryos through morphologic evaluation.
- Maintained records, documents and samples with Genie.
- Utilized cryopreservation processes to freeze healthy embryos.
- Executed processes such as embryo transfers, egg fertilization, egg retrieval, sperm injection (ICSI), assisting hatching (AH) and sperm preparation.
- Used microscopic methods to conduct detailed semen analysis to test sperm count and motility.
- Followed strict laboratory procedures to collect pertinent data and document QC activities.
Hospital Scientist - Biochemical Genetics
Westmead Children's Hospital
08.2012 - 12.2014
- Analysis of physiological fluids using cation-exchange chromatography
Using Tandem MS to detect total leucine in Dried Blood Spot and plasma samples in patients with Maple Syrup Urine Disease - Using Tandem MS to detect carnitine acylcarnitine translocase deficiency in dried blood spots and plasma
- Using Tandem MS to detect total homocysteine in dried blood spot and plasma samples
- Using Tandem MS to detect methylmalonic academia in plasma samples
- Diagnosis and testing of biotinidase deficiency
- Operation and maintenance of the Biochrom Amino Acid Analyser
- Operation and maintenance of Tandem Mass Spectrometer
- Integration, recording and reporting of qualitative results to the Principal Scientist or Specialist
- Care, maintenance and calibration of equipment
- Operation and maintenance of HPLC and UPLC Systems
- High Voltage Electrophoresis
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
- Organic acid analysis.
- Presentation of journal articles and research papers
- Specimen reception duties.
Embryologist
IVF Australia
10.2007 - 08.2012
- Isolated eggs from follicular fluid to prepare eggs for next stage of treatment.
- Executed processes such as embryo transfers, egg fertilization, egg retrieval, sperm injection (ICSI), assisting hatching (AH) and sperm preparation.
- Wrote, reviewed and improved embryology standard operating procedures.
- Maintained records, documents and samples with Genie.
- Selected embryo and loaded embryo into catheters to prepare for uterus insertion.
- Assessed and graded health and development of embryos through morphologic evaluation.
- Obtained semen specimens to prepare for insemination.
- Utilized cryopreservation processes to freeze healthy embryos.
- Performing embryo biopsies for Pre Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
- Loading and handling cells for array or PCR for PGD.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Organising the transportation and movement of gametes within Australia and Internationally
- Stock control
- Training and education of staff
Endocrinology Scientist
IVF Australia
10.2005 - 10.2007
- Investigating various endocrine related diseases and disorders affecting fertility.
- Implementing standard operating procedures and risk assessment documentation within the NATA accredited Endocrinology lab.
- Operating Immunoassay equipment.
- Updating files and reports.
- Stock control
- Handling infectious biological material
- Reporting directly to the Specialist/Nurses.
- Analysis of blood samples.
- Chlamydia testing.
- Indirect sperm antibodies testing.
- ELISA
- Care, maintenance and calibration of equipment.
- Problem solving and troubleshooting
- Liaising with Doctors, nurses, other scientists and patients.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Education
Ph.D. - Medicine
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW2023
Sydney Professional Certificate - Foundations in Education
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW2023
Master of Science - Science in Medicine (RHHG)
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW2011
Bachelor of Medical Science -
University of Wollongong
Wollongong, NSW2004
Skills
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Embryology
- Micromanipulation techniques
- Staff training
- Embryo culture
- Reproductive physiology
- Excellent communication and patient care
- Writing and implementing protocols
Accomplishments
I was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 2011, and was a member of the Ethics Committee for Research and Development for the Sydney Adventist Hospital 2012-2013.
In addition to my laboratory duties, for the past several years I took on the role as Social Media coordinator for my current employer and was responsible for the scientific and research content for our company's website.
Additional Information
In addition to working and completing my PhD simultaneously, I lead a happy life in the Shire with my husband, our two daughters and beaglier.
Timeline
Senior Embryologist
Fertility First
08.2015 - Current
Embryologist/Andrologist
City Fertility Centre
02.2015 - 07.2015
Hospital Scientist - Biochemical Genetics
Westmead Children's Hospital
08.2012 - 12.2014
Embryologist
IVF Australia
10.2007 - 08.2012
Endocrinology Scientist
IVF Australia
10.2005 - 10.2007
Ph.D. - Medicine
University of Sydney
Sydney Professional Certificate - Foundations in Education
University of Sydney
Master of Science - Science in Medicine (RHHG)
University of Sydney
Bachelor of Medical Science -
University of Wollongong
Similar Profiles
Delphine DewandreDelphine Dewandre
Senior Scientist at Fertility FirstSenior Scientist at Fertility First
Nelsie Joy Castillo, RNNelsie Joy Castillo, RN
Recovery Room /Operating Room Registered Nurse at Art Fertility Clinics (formerly IVI Fertility Clinics)Recovery Room /Operating Room Registered Nurse at Art Fertility Clinics (formerly IVI Fertility Clinics)
Dr. Karen Grzelewski DAc, LAc, Dipl. AcDr. Karen Grzelewski DAc, LAc, Dipl. Ac
Licensed Acupuncturist at Fifth Avenue Fertility Wellness/CCRM FertilityLicensed Acupuncturist at Fifth Avenue Fertility Wellness/CCRM Fertility