Brooke L. Tharp
Indianapolis
Summary
Results-driven microbiologist with experience in public health diagnostics, infectious disease surveillance, and microbiological research. Skilled in performing and interpreting advanced laboratory assays and validating and implementing new testing methodologies to support public health initiatives. Published author with a strong foundation in microbial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and data analysis. Experienced in maintaining compliance with CLIA and laboratory quality standards while ensuring accurate and reliable test results. Recognized for accuracy, critical thinking, and the ability to support high-quality laboratory operations in collaborative environments.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Microbiologist II Contractor
Indiana Department of Health
Indianapolis, IN
05.2024 - Current
- Operate and interpret advanced laboratory assays (MALDI-TOF, mCIM, Sensititre, CARBA5, PCR, and serotyping methods) to support public health and infectious disease surveillance.
- Serve as a key operator in assay validation studies, supporting the implementation and verification of new testing methodologies to expand laboratory diagnostic and surveillance capabilities.
- Perform specimen processing, testing, and reporting of results in compliance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of patient test results.
- Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), regulatory frameworks, and biosafety guidelines to maintain compliance with federal and state requirements.
- Conduct routine and specialized data collection, trend analysis, and review of laboratory performance to support surveillance reporting and quality assurance initiatives.
- Maintain and update laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and secure sample tracking records to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance.
- Perform preventative maintenance and quality control procedures on laboratory instrumentation while managing inventory levels to ensure uninterrupted testing operations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to efficiently process high volumes of clinical specimens while maintaining contamination control, biosafety, and quality standards.
Undergraduate Researcher
Thangamani Lab, Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
10.2021 - 05.2024
- Conducted research on antimicrobial peptides and their antifungal activity against Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant pathogen of high public health concern.
- Designed and executed microbiological experiments involving culture preparation, isolation, susceptibility testing, and aseptic handling procedures.
- Performed data collection, interpretation, and statistical analysis, contributing to meaningful research outcomes and laboratory publications.
- Maintained strict laboratory quality practices through consistent application of SOPs, disinfection protocols, and contamination prevention measures.
- Supported day-to-day lab operations including equipment upkeep, inventory, and preparation of sterile materials.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN01.2024
Core 40 with Academic Honors - undefined
Monrovia High School
Monrovia, IN01.2020
Skills
- Good laboratory practices
- Microbial identification
- Quality control procedures
- Proficient in PCR
- Aseptic technique
- Data interpretation
PUBLICATION
Tharp, B., Zheng, R., Bryak, G., Litvintseva, A. P., Hayden, M. K., Chowdhary, A., & Thangamani, S. (2023). Role of Microbiota in the Skin Colonization of Candida auris. mSphere, 8(1), e0062322. https://doi.org/10.1128/msphere.00623-22
Timeline
Microbiologist II Contractor
Indiana Department of Health
05.2024 - Current
Undergraduate Researcher
Thangamani Lab, Purdue University
10.2021 - 05.2024
Core 40 with Academic Honors - undefined
Monrovia High School
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Purdue University