Cheryl Gauthier

Experience 
Bioterrorism Response LaboratoryDirector (2004- Present)Senior Microbiologist (June 2000- 2004)
Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory
State Laboratory Institute
June 2000- Present
  • Serves as the CDC Tier 1 Select Agent (SA) Principal Investigator (PI) by overseeing the addition, deletion and storage of SA registered bacteria and toxins and ensuring the laboratory meets all CDC SA regulations.
  • Tests environmental and clinical samples for biological threat agents using culture and ELISA methods.
  • Successfully passes CDC and CAP proficiency panels for biological threat agents.
  • Maintains chain of custody for all bioterrorism samples and serves as an Evidence Custodian.
  • Writes and annually reviews Standard Operating Procedures to make certain they are accurate and up to date.
  • Ensures microbiologists are trained and proficient on pre-analytical and post-analytical procedures and all biological threat assays through the use of observation, unknown panels and written exams.
  • Reviews quality assurance and control documents to ensure all testing is accurate and reproducible.
  • Checks laboratory work cards and verifies final reports to ensure accuracy.
  • Acts as a liaison to the first responder and law enforcement community on bioterrorism preparedness by developing interagency preparedness protocols and tools, providing trainings and attending exercises.
  • Chairs the Bioterrorism/Chemical Threat & Radiation laboratory quarterly meetings to share information with our first responder partners and learn more about their CBRN response capabilities.
  • Ensures the laboratory meets the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) grant requirements by instituting new policies, developing new procedures and completing annual progress reports.
 
CLG Consulting (2010 – 2012)
Microbiologist Consultant
Sandia National Laboratories
  • Instructor for the Introduction to Weapons of Mass Destruction Science course for FBI agents and support personnel.
 
CLG Consulting (2010 – 2016)
Microbiologist Consultant
EMS & Fire Consultant of Chelmsford
  • Provides annual training to the Nantucket Airport Fire Dept. on bioterrorism agents and other infectious diseases.
 
Serology Supervisor (1995-2000)Laboratory Tech (1992-1995)
Tufts Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory/Idexx Veterinary Services
  • Supervised, trained, prepared and administered performance reviews and scheduled coverage for two shifts.
  • Maintained inventory of laboratory supplies and updated Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Performed validation on all new assays to ensure sensitivity and specificity.
  • Provided clinical interpretations to technicians and clinicians to assist in diagnosis.
  • Trained veterinary students on animal serology assays and how to interpret results.
  • Performed ELISA, IFA, AGID, RSAT, MAT and Lyme Western Blots to detect: Lyme Disease, Leptospirosis, ANA, Ehrlichia, FIP, Toxoplasmosis, Brucellosis, Equine Infectious Anemia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
  • Plated Microbiology samples on appropriate media.  Identified and performed antimicrobial sensitivities on bacteria by using the API, NFT, Microscan, Vitek and Crystal identification systems, as well as Kirby-Bauer.
  • Prepared bacterial and cell culture slides for Lyme disease and FIP testing..
 
Education 
Master of Arts in Biological StudiesAnna Maria College, Paxton, MA-2001
  • Graduated with GPA 3.9
 
Medical Technology ProgramBaystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA-1992
  • Certified ASCP
 
Bachelor of Science in BiologyWestfield State College, Westfield, MA-1991
  • Graduated with GPA of 3.6
 
Associate of Science in Medical AssistingSpringfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA-1984
  • Graduated with GPA of 3.8
 
 
 
Publications
 
Ladd, D., Gauthier, C., (2009) Bioterrorism Response: Does The Way Forward Lie In Our Past? Fire Engineering Terrorism Supplement: Vol. 162. No. 9, pp. 24-30.
 
Kellogg, M., Hollis, M., Gauthier, C., T. O’Brien, (2010) Detection of Biological Agents Used For Terrorism: Are We Ready? Clinical Chemistry: Vol. 56, No. 1, pp. 10-15.
 
 
Professional Organizations 
  • American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
  • American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
  • Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)
  • InterAgency Board (IAB)
 
 
Certificates of Recognition
 
  • AOAC International Special Recognition Award                                    September 2011
  • Department of Homeland Security Certificate of Appreciation                        February 2004
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation Certificate of Recognition                              February 2002
  • United States Postal Inspection Service Certificate of Appreciation                        October 2002
  • Claudia Wishnafski Memorial Award in Medical Technology                         August 1992
  • Academic Excellence Award in Biology                                          May 1991