Yolanda Mpentshu

Yolanda Phelisa Mpentshu PERSONAL INFORMATION Tel: - Email:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-mpentshu- Address: Milnerton, city of Cape Town, 7441 Biotechnologist. I am a biological scientist with background qualifications and experience in microbiology and biotechnology, with proven leadership skills and technical ability to conduct research. An innovative scientist with 5+ years of experience in environmental and medical microbiology working as a lab manager in areas of bioprocessing and dental /clinical microbiology research. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE (ORAL AND DENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY) Research assistant, 04/2019 – 03/2021 Participated in the planning, training, sampling, preparation, analysis, result interpretation and troubleshooting for various projects Ensured improved laboratory efficiency by reporting on faulty equipment by providing warnings to the lab manager during calibrations and servicing Conducted simple and complex independently Used literature reviews to ensure accurate interpretation of laboratory results and data Cleaned and disinfected laboratory equipment for minimised contamination and hygiene maintenance Researched and drafted a SANS compliant waste management guideline for the correct and safe disposal of chemicals and solvents according to Standard Operating Procedure to ensure safety of lab personnel Maintained records of repairs/calibrations/analytical method control and development of new methods Conducted daily calibration of equipment for optimized function Trained dentists in microbiology methods, techniques and instrumentation for analysis of samples Saved 20% in waste management cost through optimized waste flow CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (BIORESOURCE ENGINEERING RESEARCH GROUP) Research laboratory administrator, 03/2016 – 12/2017 Ordered and procured kits and other consumables in time to ensure enough stock at all times Used servicing (offsite service providers) and calibration for the upkeep of instruments and equipment Supervised trainees and chemical engineers in microbial analysis to ensure task performance is in accordance with laboratory standards Attended and facilitated laboratory meetings and training sessions to ensure students understood protocol and study laboratory manuals in order to perform accurately at all times and to adhere to lab policies Conducted inventory control to ensure sufficient stock levels for effective lab operations Used budgeting and project planning to ensure expenses are reported and correlated with the budget set for specific projects Liaised with suppliers and service providers to ensure good relationships and understanding Researched and compiled informal Standard Operating Procedures Ensured safety of students at all times and the maintenance of Good laboratory practices Processed all files on procurement and stock including all administration requirements Enforced correct laboratory personal protective equipment/clothing for minimised injury CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (BIOTECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT) Laboratory assistant, 04/2014 – 03/2015 Used excel spread sheets for entering and recording of lab results for student experiments Oversaw equipment operations and calibrations Notified laboratory management of calibration and servicing needs and requirements where necessary Ensured adherence to personal development by attending internal trainings and presentations Prepared agar and liquid media for streaking and microbial growth Analysed samples and monitored student progress in microbiology experiments Managed student workflow in lab experiments to avoid possible contamination In-service trainee, 03/2013 – 01/2014 Collected and analysed samples for postgraduate researchers Prepared experiment workstations for students every 3 days Performed weekly microbiology technique demonstrations in 55 student teaching labs SKILLS Lab equipment skills: ELISA, Light microscope, Micro burette, pH meter, Centrifuges: standard, high speed, Incubators, Autoclaves, Light and stereo microscopes, Spectrophotometers and plate analysers, ovens, micropipette, densitometer, inoculating loop, laminar flow, Bunsen burner, electronic/analytical balances, shaker incubator, vortex mixer, membrane filters, scalpels, distiller, magnetic stirrer, shaking incubator, water bath, colony counter, sonicator, bacterial quantifiers, Computer literacy (Microsoft Office ) and oracle based Integrated Training procurement Software) Hard skills: Good Laboratory Practice, inventory /stock control, mathematics, data capturing and analysis, documentation, equipment calibration, SOP standardization, administration skills and filing, analysis of data, report writing, microbial slides and staining techniques Microbiology, numeracy skills, Biochemistry, procurement skills, laboratory analysis, technical reports, raw materials handling, microbial identification instrumentation and equipment , calibration, chemistry, microscopy, stock control, analytical chemistry skills, administration skills, swab technique, student management Competencies: Standard Operating Procedures, Good Laboratory Practices, good time management skills, problem solving and troubleshooting skills, planning and organizing skills, accuracy, professionalism, report writing skills, ability to work independently and take initiative, ability to follow manual instructions, Flexibility, ability to adapt to new processes, assist with administrative duties and/or help out at other sites from time to time, Ability to work under pressure EDUCATION CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Baccalaureus Technologiae (Btech) Biotechnology, 2015 National Diploma Biotechnology, 2013 Workshops Online Webinars on ISO 17025 (Michem Dynamics) 2020/2021 Data management workshop , University of the Western cape, 2019 Research methodology, 2016 REFERENCES 1. Contact person: Mr. Ernest Maboza Role: laboratory manager (Oral and dental Research Laboratory Relationship: Line manager Contact details: 021 - Email:- 2. Contact person: Dr, Ncumisa Mpongwana Role: post-doctoral researcher Durban University of Technology Relationship: former manager and colleague Contact details: 078 - Email:- 3. Contact person: Dr. Richard Mundembe Role: Senior lecturer Cape Peninsula University of Technology Relationship: former internship mentor Contact details: 021 - Email:-