1. Rachel O DonovanE-mail: rachel.odonovan34@gmail.com Phone: 087-7647807
12 Plunkett terrace, Mallow, Co. Cork
SUMMARY
 Highly motivated, qualified medical scientist seeking a challenging role in a microbiology based
laboratory.
 Recently completely a Master’s in Biomedical Science with specialization in Medical Microbiology.
 Clinical placement experience in all five laboratory disciplines, as well as 20 weeks’ work
experience in a Microbiology laboratory.
 A flexible professional who enjoys learning new skills and quickly adapts to organisational changes.
 Particular strength in communication and problem solving, with an ability to strategize and
prioritize effectively to accomplish multiple tasks and stay calm under pressure.
EDUCATION
MSc in Biomedical Science with Medical Microbiology. Sept 2015—Sept 2016
Ulster University, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry
Recently completed the MSc in September 2016 and am currently awaiting final results.
MSc research project “Analysis of Clostridium diffcile virulence factors- nim genes and metronidazole
heteroresistance”.
Carried out MSc research project at the Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, School of Biomedical
Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry.
BSc (honours) in Biomedical Science Sept 2009 — May 2014
University College Cork/ Cork Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science with a second class honours grade 1.
Final year thesis on "Mutation Analysis of the DUSP19 gene in an Irish RLS pedigree".
Successfully completed the clinical placement year in the Mercy University Hospital
Cork sept 2012- May 2013.

2. Clinical Placement
Sept 2012 — May 2013
University College Cork/ Mercy University Hospital Cork
Spent 9 months completing clinical placement as per the requirements of the Biomedical Science degree. The
year consisted of approximately 8 weeks in each of the 5 Biomedical laboratory disciplines, between the two
hospitals. Experience in accredited laboratories and knowledge of the accreditation process for example
developing Standard operating procedures and implementing quality control checks. Familiarity with working
with the Abbott Architect clinical chemistryanalyser, ADVIA 2120i Haematology System with Autoslide, Sysmex
coagulation analyser and the BacT/ALERT system.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Mercy University Hospital Cork May 2013 — Sept 2013
Microbiology Laboratory intern
Daily duties involved sole operation of the microbiology specimen reception, including labelling all incoming
specimens, handling rejections and distributing the samples to their relevant benches for analysis. Loading
blood cultures specimens on to the BacT/ALERT automated microbial detection system. Additional
responsibility of the laboratory phone and dealing with doctor and nurse queries on patient results as well as
providing information on laboratory tests and services available.
In addition to specimen reception, my duties included culturing all MRSA patient swabs and all specimens on
the miscellaneous bench. Plating and culturing of urine and faeces samples was also included in the job
description if time was available.
Hibernian Hotel Mallow May 2007 — Current
Housekeeping
Loyal, trustworthy, detail oriented employee that has a proven record of working in a team environment. Has
experience as a supervisor of housekeeping. In charge of weekly linen orders from Celtic Linen company. Able
to delegate duties and complete necessary tasks on time and to a high standard.

3. ACHIEVEMENT
Chosen to represent Cork Institute of Technology at the 2010 London International Youth Science Forum.
12 students are chosenby the RDSto represent Ireland as part of its continuing programmeto promote science
awareness among young people.
For more information, see "www.liysf.org.uk"
REFERENCES
Mairead Carroll, Liz Fitzpatrick,
Head of Department-Housekeeping Chief Medical Scientist,
Hibernian Hotel, Mercy University Hospital,
Mallow, Co. Cork. Co.Cork.
Number 086 8341972
Dr Nigel Ternan,
Senior Lecturer in Microbiology,
Ulster University,
Coleraine,
Co. Derry.
Email: ng.ternan@ulster.ac.uk
2