Favorite Business Publication:
Chemical & Engineering News; Science News
Hobbies/Sports:
Reading; Scrapbooking; Swimming; Collecting Saint Nicholas Square Christmas Collectables
Education Degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Concentration in Microbiology, Western Illinois University (2008)
Affiliations Awards:
American Chemical Society; AAAS; NAPW
Work History:
Lead Microbiology Technician, Northland Laboratory (2011-Present); Microbiology Technician, Northland Laboratory (2010-2011); Cashier, Cash Office (2007-2010); Assistant Secretary, Western Illinois University (2004-2008); Casual Worker, United States Postal Service (2005)
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was when she helped her laboratory receive its accreditation in ISO 17025 on her third week on the job. She accepted a position on the audit team, made improvements on the laboratory floor, and made suggestions for improvements in the quality manual.
Charity:
Volunteer, Food Drive, U.S. Postal Service
Number Of Years In Profession:
1
Number Of Years In Current Position:
1
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her parents for teaching her to reach for the stars, giving her a great foundation to grow from, and always believing in her. She credits her sister for her support. She also attributes success to her hard work, dedication to her love for science, and the love of learning.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She always had a love of science in high school and thought nursing was her goal, but she changed her mind when she took a class in microbiology.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Wilhite is planning to continue her education in infectious disease in summer 2012 at the University of Georgia or Loyola University in Chicago for a master's degree. She was promoted six months into her first job out of college. She was a microbiology technician and was promoted to lead microbiology technician when the position was created.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Sampling clients' products, such as chocolate, dairy, environmental sponges, juice, meat, nondairy, spices and water; Setting up tests; Reading outcoming tests; Recording and validating findings
Education Certifications:
Certified Nursing Assistant (2004)
Awards/Honors:
VIP Member, Cambridge Who's Who (2011-2012)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Wilhite intends to have completed a master's degree in infectious diseases and then possibly pursue a Ph.D.