Open to opportunities

Salena Dawood

@salenadawood

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Marine science professional with laboratory and QC expertise in environmental and microbiological analysis.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek laboratory or QC roles in environmental or marine science where I can apply analytical skills, contribute to data-driven decisions, and grow in validation and QA responsibilities.

I am a marine science professional with a background in marine biology and focused graduate work on marine mammals and debris impacts. My training emphasizes field sampling, laboratory analysis, and translating data into actionable results.

In industry roles I have performed comprehensive QC and microbiological testing, led validation projects, and maintained GLP-compliant documentation. I routinely use laboratory information systems and common analytical tools to ensure accurate, auditable results.

I bring practical field experience from plankton tows and acoustic and phytoplankton analyses, combined with hands-on lab skills such as PCR, HPLC support, flow cytometry, and microscopic evaluation. I prioritize attention to detail, problem solving, and effective collaboration with QA and R&D teams.

I am committed to environmental stewardship and community engagement, demonstrated through beach clean-ups and volunteer work, and I seek roles where I can apply scientific rigor to support environmental monitoring, quality control, or marine research programs.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Lab Technician

Current

City of San Diego

Jan 2024 - Present (1 year 9 months)

Perform routine wastewater and environmental analyses including pH, conductivity, turbidity, BOD, TOC, solids, ammonia, and alkalinity; manage sample intake and LIMS data entry to ensure timely, compliant reporting.

LIMS PH Conductivity Turbidity BOD TOC Testing

QC Microbiologist II

Sorrento Therapeutics

Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 (1 year 11 months)

Led environmental monitoring and utility sampling for cGMP cleanrooms, validated WFI systems, performed microbiological assays (gram stains, bioburden, endotoxin) and authored SOPs and QA reports to support product release.

Environmental Monitoring Gram Stain QA&QC

QC Associate / Archivist

Absorption Systems

Jan 2021 - Jan 2022 (1 year)

Managed specimen and records inventory, prepared and tracked tissue specimens for sponsors, and reviewed data and documents for completeness and GLP compliance while maintaining accurate Excel-based records.

Inventory Management GLP Excel Documentation Review

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Unity University

Master of Professional Science, Marine Science

2023 - 2023

Completed a Master of Professional Science in Marine Science with a concentration in marine mammals; thesis examined the consequences of marine debris on cetaceans.

University of California, San Diego

Bachelor of Science, Marine Biology

2019 - 2021

Activities and societies: Member of Alpha Chi Omega; volunteered at Ronald McDonald's House of Charities and participated in fundraising for domestic violence awareness.

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and participated in research using plankton tows and flow cytometry to assess phytoplankton abundance and physiology.