Cheryl Gauthier
Experience
Bioterrorism Response LaboratoryDirector (2004- Present)Senior Microbiologist (June 2000- 2004)
Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory
State Laboratory Institute
June 2000- Present
CLG Consulting (2010 – 2012)
Microbiologist Consultant
Sandia National Laboratories
CLG Consulting (2010 – 2016)
Microbiologist Consultant
EMS & Fire Consultant of Chelmsford
Serology Supervisor (1995-2000)Laboratory Tech (1992-1995)
Tufts Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory/Idexx Veterinary Services
Education
Master of Arts in Biological StudiesAnna Maria College, Paxton, MA-2001
Medical Technology ProgramBaystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA-1992
Bachelor of Science in BiologyWestfield State College, Westfield, MA-1991
Associate of Science in Medical AssistingSpringfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA-1984
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
Certificates of Recognition
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