SUVEENA KAREN SAMUEL
Microbiologist
Bengaluru
Summary
Experienced microbiologist with 4+ years experience in infectious disease investigations, specializing in clinical and water sample testing. Skilled in ELISA, bacterial culture, RT-PCR, and outbreak investigations, with a focus on public health impact. Strong background in quality assurance and lab compliance, including key contributions to COVID-19 testing.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
District Microbiologist, Chitradurga
District Public Health Laboratory
07.2020 - 09.2024
- Conducted microbiological investigations of infectious diseases, from sample collection to disease confirmation.
- Led and collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to manage and control a cholera outbreak in Chitradurga (August 2023), overseeing outbreak investigation, patient management, surveillance activities, and implementation of preventive measures.
- Performed microbial testing for clinical, water, and food samples using various techniques.
- Improved quality control measures by identifying areas for improvement in sample handling and storage processes. Managed overall laboratory functions.
- Coordinated outbreak investigations of infectious diseases of public health importance.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by maintaining detailed records of laboratory procedures and results.
- Experienced in ELISA serology testing methods, and Bacterial culture and sensitivity.
- Optimized lab workflow by training junior staff members on proper equipment usage, sample handling, and data recording practices.
- Conducted molecular testing for COVID-19 detection in the RTPCR laboratory.
- Increased accuracy of test results through meticulous attention to detail during data analysis and interpretation.
- Ensured implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laboratory techniques.
- Conducted routine environmental monitoring surveys to assess microbial presence in manufacturing facilities, ensuring product safety and quality control.
- Participated in the External Quality Assurance (EQAS) conducted by CMC Vellore and was awarded an average of 97.5%.
Education
Master of Science - Medical Microbiology
JSS University, Mysore
01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry, Botany and Microbiology
Mount Carmel College
01.2016
12th Grade - Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology
Christ Junior College
Bengaluru 01.2013
Skills
- Time management and organization
- Accepting challenges with a positive attitude
- Open to changes and good adaptability
- Good laboratory practices
Seminars
- INDIAN INSTITUTION OF SCIENCE (IISC), BENGALURU 2018
- Poster presentation on the topic: Study of Antibiogram of Salmonella and Shigella isolates from stool specimens in a tertiary care hospital.
- JSS UNIVERSITY, MYSORE 2018
- I attended the National Seminar for the Dengue-Con Conference organized by the Department of Microbiology at JSS Hospital on 'Dengue; Are we future ready?!!' as a delegate.
- Participated and attended a Hands on training on Laboratory Diagnosis of Leptospirosis , from 9th to 13th October 2023, organized by ICAR- National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru .
Timeline
District Microbiologist, Chitradurga
District Public Health Laboratory
07.2020 - 09.2024
Master of Science - Medical Microbiology
JSS University, Mysore
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry, Botany and Microbiology
Mount Carmel College
12th Grade - Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology
Christ Junior College