Alyssa Zehner
Erie
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Intern
Allegheny General Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery
Pittsburgh, PA
05.2025 - 07.2025
- Independently designed a research protocol to efficiently conduct a cadaveric study with resident and attending guidance
- Performed cadaver dissections and developed an experimental model to test and compare the performance of spinal dura tear repair techniques
- Assisted neurosurgery residents on numerous research projects with performing patient chart reviews and data retrieval
- Developed my knowledge of basic neurosurgical techniques involved in laminectomy and craniotomy procedures
- Attend weekly resident grand rounds and monthly skills labs to develop foundational knowledge of neurosurgery
- Attended weekly meetings led by residents and researchers to learn about research best practices including compilation of data, writing, and statistical analysis
Performance Improvement Engineer
Center for Organ Recovery & Education
Pittsburgh, PA
05.2021 - 07.2024
- Contributed to the strategic planning of solutions to optimize quality and satisfaction internally and externally through the utilization and application of Lean Six Sigma principles
- Regularly obtained and analyzed performance data of key and support processes of the donation system to provide direct insights on how to increase organ donor and lives saved through donation
- Established strong and trusting working relationships with the executive leadership team and external transplant centers
- Independently composed a clear clinical and logistical protocol to guide the coordination of organ recoveries that utilize Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP)
- Conducted an independent research project to identify and key circumstances and practices that maximize authorization for organ donation by a legal next of kin
- Proactively identified novel organ perfusion devices to adapt in order to maximize the utilization of marginal organs
Undergraduate Researcher
Artificial Heart Program
Pittsburgh, PA
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Assisted in the design modification of an ex-vivo heart perfusion device through applying by expertise in 3D printing
- Identified current functional gaps within existing ex-vivo perfusion devices and designs through literature reviews
Undergraduate Researcher
Neural Tissue Engineering Laboratory
Pittsburgh, PA
09.2019 - 12.2020
- Designed MATLAB codes to analyze and process electrical impedance spectroscopy data quickly and efficiently
- Investigated the effects and stability of electrical stimulation on the brains of mice
- Assisted graduate students with experimental techniques of electrode coating
Education
Candidate for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine -
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science Degree - Bioengineering with a focus in Cellular Engineering, Minor in Chemistry
University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering
04.2022
Skills
Technical Skills: MATLAB, ImageJ Software, Microsoft Office Suite, Root Cause Analysis, Process Mapping, Fusion 360, 3D Printing
Affiliations
- Phi Sigma Rho Sorority, University of Pittsburgh – Zeta Chapter
- President
- Oversaw the organization and planning of academic, social, and professional events
- Maintained professionalism and integrity among all members of the organization
- Collaborated with fellow officers and university members in order to support local and national philanthropies
- Developed a plan for Phi Sigma Rho to meet the University of Pittsburgh’s cathedral standards of excellence for fraternities and sororities and earn a five-star excellence standing
- Biostatistics & Intramural Internship, University of Pittsburgh
- Undergraduate Teaching Experience
- Assisted in creating engaging activities to enhance student learning
- Guided students in conducting and presenting bioengineering research in a professional setting
- Vice President of Recruitment
- Recruited and encouraged college women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
- Created an engaging and innovative recruitment process that allowed new members to feel safe and welcomed during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Advocated for the DreamGirls Initiative Philanthropy
Certification
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Publications/Poster Presentations
- Sellers MT, Philip JL, Brubaker AL, et al. Normothermic Regional Perfusion Experience of Organ Procurement Organizations in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(10):e2440130. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.40130
- Alyssa Zehner, Emily Feeney, and Richard Pietroski. “U.S. Organ Procurement Organization Donor Care Unit Model Comparisons.” In: The Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance National Critical Issues Forum. September 2024. Orlando, FL.
- Susan Stuart, Myles Reilly, Alyssa Zehner, Jeremy Zeiders. “Pushing the Bounds of Innovation: Normothermic Regional Perfusion at a Critical Access Hospital.” In: The Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance National Critical Issues Forum. September 2024. Orlando, FL.
- Michael Gerusky, Victoria Martin, Alyssa Zehner. “Using Risk Analysis to Drive Innovation and Performance Improvement.” In: Baldrige 35th Quest for Excellence Conference. 2024. National Harbor, MD.
- Alyssa Zehner. “Multivariate Analysis of Legal Next of Kin (LNOK) Approaches: A data-driven method to identify influential factors on organ authorization approach outcomes” In: AOPO Annual Meeting. June 2023. Orlando, FL.
Timeline
Research Intern
Allegheny General Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery
05.2025 - 07.2025
Undergraduate Researcher
Artificial Heart Program
09.2021 - 01.2022
Performance Improvement Engineer
Center for Organ Recovery & Education
05.2021 - 07.2024
Undergraduate Researcher
Neural Tissue Engineering Laboratory
09.2019 - 12.2020
Candidate for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine -
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science Degree - Bioengineering with a focus in Cellular Engineering, Minor in Chemistry
University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering