Char Paulo

August 5, 2021

What do you like about working at the Lab?

The projects we support are important to the success of the Lab’s mission. I find my work very interesting and rewarding in supporting our researchers with regulatory paperwork and approvals, which enables them to focus on their research.

What do your day-to-day work activities include?

I gather and review complex regulatory requirements, analyze the most efficient method for implementation and make recommendations on how to implement these requirements, and communicate modifications/enhancements/changes to all stakeholders. I monitor and process approvals for research protocols.

What is one project you’re really proud to have worked on?

During my time managing the Intuitional Biosafety Committee (IBC), which provides regulatory guidance for all of the biological sciences research at the Lab, and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), we have successfully maintained accreditations and regulatory compliance requirements. We are currently working on the implementation of eProtocol and look forward to managing our research protocols electronically.

What is your educational or career background?

Before coming to the Lab 17 years ago, I worked in the employment industry as a program manager for over 20 years. As a program manager, I managed large temporary staffing programs supporting large corporations. The management of the program included implementation analysis, implementation and ongoing support, and management of the onsite teams. Many of the programs supported had over 200 temporary employees.

What inspired you to go into your field of work?

I really enjoy project management and meeting the challenges of implementing successful and useful business operations as well as providing comprehensive customer service to those I work with. Managing the Institutional Biosafety Committee and the Animal Care and Use Committee office has provided me the opportunity to use my skills learned in industry.

What advice would you give to a new employee at the Lab?

When I first started at the Lab, I took the opportunity to get involved in as many projects, meetings, and events as I could. This allowed me to meet a variety of people in many different organizations. One thing I found very helpful was taking a tour of the Lab and going to the visitor center—it really gave me the big picture of how extensive our mission is and the extraordinary capabilities we have at the Lab.

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy riding my horse and working with my husband on our cattle ranch here in Livermore. I also travel when possible.