Kristine Werking

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Kristine Werking – Scientist Spotlight

In Vitro Diagnostics

The Diagnostics Center of Excellence team is led by Kristine Werking who has more than 22 years of experience in laboratory science and project management.

Werking manages a team dedicated to working on projects to advance the Diagnostics Center’s mission. In addition to overseeing the expansion of the new Diagnostics Center of Excellence, Werking is responsible for growing the diagnostics business unit, program management and development, operations, and technical staff for government and industrial clients in need of clinical research support. Projects range in scope from small fixed-fee programs to multi-million-dollar, multi-year contracts with the Department of Defense and Department of Health and Human Services, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS?

Early on our primary objective is to make sure we have a full and deep understanding of the client’s goals and needs. It’s not just about looking at the Scope of Work document and away we go. We develop a communications strategy that aligns with our customers’ unique needs and connect with them in real time in a way that builds trust with full transparency. How you communicate with a client is every bit as important as the technical solution you deliver.

We tailor our communications style to the client. Whether they need occasional or frequent updates, prefer phone conversations to written status reports or need face-to-face visits, our program managers adapt to their needs and execute accordingly.

WHAT WAS YOUR PATHWAY TO YOUR CURRENT CAREER?

As a young child I was always interested in science. We watched the National Geographic channel on Friday nights as a family. As a teenager I considered a career in psychology or mental health, but as I took courses in core biology and chemistry, my focus shifted to that. I was introduced to MRIGlobal at a job fair right after graduation, and was initially hired as an assistant psychologist doing human subject research on Gulf War illness and smoking cessation. I loved it, but as the company’s core business shifted, I put my science skills to use in the biotechnology group performing assay development, real-time PCR on multiple platforms and serving as a Principal Investigator (PI) and Deputy PI on multi-year government projects. Eventually I got into program management and realized I enjoyed setting up a full plan, identifying solutions and working with a team to see the project through to completion.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

First and foremost, my family. We have four children – three active teenagers and a 5-year-old who keeps us on our toes. When there’s time just for me, I love to bicycle. It’s my relaxation. We also like to hike and camp as a family – unplug with no TV and limited device time, and just have time for us.