Fernando Cardenas
Charlotte
Summary
Analytical science professional with advanced training in forensic and environmental testing, holding a Master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and a B.S. in Biology. Demonstrates strong technical proficiency in GC-MS, LC-MS, and ICP-OES, with hands-on experience in EPA-regulated and ISO 9001 compliant laboratory environments. Currently leveraging operational leadership experience as a Production Manager to drive workflow efficiency, team coordination, and safety compliance. Seeking to apply advanced analytical training and managerial experience to a high-growth role in forensic, clinical, or analytical laboratory operations.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Manager
Third Rock Events
Charlotte
10.2024 - Current
- Directed complex operational schedules and synchronized cross-functional team workflows to meet rigorous project deadlines.
- Managed external vendor and stakeholder partnerships to ensure 100% supply chain reliability and resource availability.
- Developed and implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
- Enforced strict adherence to safety regulations and internal quality policies, maintaining a zero-incident environment.
- Audit and oversee inventory control systems to ensure critical material availability, and cost-effective procurement.
- Trained new employees on proper use of equipment, safety procedures, and job functions.
Water Quality Testing Intern
Town Branch Water Quality Laboratory
Lexington
02.2024 - 04.2024
- Independently executed routine and specialized industrial waste analyses, including BOD and TSS, utilizing spectrophotometry, titration, and pH determination to deliver high-precision results.
- Ensured regulatory compliance for Tier-1 clients (Pepsi, Lexmark, and Cintas) by adhering to rigorous quality control protocols, and maintaining detailed documentation.
- Directed quarterly environmental sampling and longitudinal water quality monitoring at McConnell Springs and Gainesway Pond to track ecological health trends.
- Leveraged Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to manage end-to-end data entry, trend analysis, and technical reporting, ensuring seamless record-keeping and data integrity.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot testing equipment issues.
- Prepared reagents and solutions for various analytical procedures in the lab.
Environmental Testing Intern
Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
Frankfort
01.2024 - 02.2024
- Managed high-throughput environmental analysis of soil, biological (fish), and water matrices, ensuring 100% adherence to strict EPA preservation protocols and critical turnaround times
- Assisted in the development and validation of new testing methodologies, reducing potential errors by performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting on Gas Chromatography (GC) systems.
- Contributed to the update of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and conducted Limit of Detection (LOD) verifications to maintain rigorous ISO 9001 standards and methodological accuracy.
- Operated ICP-OES for the detection and interpretation of trace elements in complex environmental samples, reinforcing skills in advanced elemental spectroscopy.
- Executed comprehensive Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) tasks to confirm method sensitivity and instrument reliability for the detection of hazardous materials.
Medical Scribe
ProScribe LLC - Novant Health Oncology Specialist
Matthews
02.2019 - 05.2022
- Supported physicians in a fast-paced oncology clinic by documenting patient visits, procedures, and lab results in EPIC, improving chart accuracy and efficiency while upholding HIPAA standards.
- Managed and evaluated patient charts and orders, correcting discrepancies within 5 minutes of identification, ensuring 98% of charts were free from errors at the end of each shift.
- Interpreted and recorded lab results, imaging, and procedures, reducing documentation time by 20%.
- Utilized Epic medical record software daily, advancing to an expert level of proficiency and improving documentation speed by 25%.
Education
Master - Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC05.2014
Skills
Analytical Instrumentation
- Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry: Proficient in GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, and HPLC for complex analyte detection and quantification
- Spectroscopy: Hands-on experience with ICP-OES for elemental analysis, as well as UV/Vis and FTIR
- Bio-Analytical Techniques: Skilled in ELISA, Microscopy, and Spectrophotometry
Laboratory Operations & Methodologies
- Advanced Sample Preparation: Expert in Solid Phase Extraction (SPE), Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE), and DNA Extraction
- Validation & Research: Experienced in Method Development and Validation, including performing LOD Verifications
- Environmental Testing: Specialized in water quality assessments, including BOD, TSS, and industrial waste analysis
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Systems
- Standards & Quality Control: Deep working knowledge of EPA and ISO 9001 standards and QA/QC task execution
- Documentation & Data Integrity: Proficient in LIMS and EPIC for high-accuracy technical reporting and SOP updates
- Safety & Ethics: Thorough understanding of Laboratory Safety Practices and HIPAA compliance
Operational Leadership
- Project & Personnel Management: Experienced in supervising teams, managing production schedules, and vendor relations
- Process Optimization: Proven ability to implement workflow improvements to enhance operational efficiency
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Production Manager
Third Rock Events
10.2024 - Current
Water Quality Testing Intern
Town Branch Water Quality Laboratory
02.2024 - 04.2024
Environmental Testing Intern
Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
01.2024 - 02.2024
Medical Scribe
ProScribe LLC - Novant Health Oncology Specialist
02.2019 - 05.2022
Master - Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics
University of Kentucky
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Queens University of Charlotte