Paving the future for Medical Laboratory Sciences
Welcome to the inaugural issue of our Medical Laboratory Sciences newsletter. We’re excited to launch this new way of keeping you informed and inspired by the incredible work happening here at VCU.
Featured news
Every day College of Health Professions students, alumni, faculty and staff do extraordinary things. Read more about our latest achievements below.
MLS students explore microbes and the larger human body
Maiya Picott fondly recalls the impact a semester in Switzerland had on her as an undergraduate. Enrolled in an interdisciplinary program, she traveled throughout Europe but missed visiting a microbe museum in Amsterdam – an experience she promised herself she’d return for.
Laboratory manager’s career comes full circle
On any given weekday afternoon, you’ll likely find Colin Thibodeau, M.S., carefully pipetting reagents, arranging lab benches or chatting with a group of Medical Laboratory Sciences students gearing up for their next hands-on experiment. Just a few years ago, Thibodeau was a student himself – navigating lab protocols, mastering microbiology techniques and in many ways trying to figure out what was next.
VCU researchers pioneer rapid test for rare, often-fatal amoebic meningitis
Identifying why a patient is suffering from meningitis must be fast – and a new test pioneered by a team at VCU’s Medical Laboratory Sciences promises a breakthrough in pinpointing when a brain-invading amoeba is the cause. Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), an extremely rare but often-fatal infection, has been difficult for medical professionals to identify.
Transfusion Services Summer Scholars aims to grow future lab professionals
A new summer program aims to build the next generation of lab specialists by giving students a front-row seat to a critical and often overlooked area of health care: Transfusion medicine.
Chapman ‘comes home’ to Medical Laboratory Sciences
When Rhonda Chapman, M.S., MLS (ASCP), walked back into Medical Laboratory Sciences last December – not as a student this time, but as the department’s clinical coordinator – she felt like she was coming home.
MLS celebrates first alum of new public health laboratory sciences concentration
In May, Poonamdeep “Poonam” Bajwa became a pioneer in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences.
Spring global studies programs expand learning beyond classroom
Tiny organisms. X-ray machines with dials. What sets the U.S. health care system apart – and what can be learned from practices overseas?
Alum Encourages More Lab Professionals with Scholarship
Science always came easy to Lisa M. Pinkney, D.M.
The analytics, the formulas — she loved it all, especially when she applied it to the science of the human body, and in particular, blood.
College of Health Professions distance learning programs reflect commitment to education, health care access for rural communities
Toni Said is a super mom. However, even those with seemingly endless energy, passion and strength need help every once in a while.
Seven VCU undergraduate students earn federal Gilman scholarships to study abroad this year
Seven Virginia Commonwealth University students have been awarded scholarships through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program that will allow them to study abroad during the spring, summer and fall of 2024.
VCU Health experts warn of waterborne illnesses
Dr. Melissa Jamerson, chair and associate professor in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences within the College of Health Professions at VCU talked with ABC 8NEWS about waterborne illnesses. Read more about waterborne illness and how to avoid them on the ABC 8NEWS WRIC website.
What to know about waterborne pathogens
Avoid infections while visiting rivers and lakes with these helpful tips from a VCU College of Health Professions expert.
Melissa Jamerson named chair of Medical Laboratory Sciences
Melissa Jamerson, Ph.D., associate professor of immunology and immunohematology, has been appointed chair of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Health Professions, effective July 1. Jamerson succeeds Teresa Nadder, who retired this spring.
VCU, state lab team up to usher in next generation of scientists for public health
The VCU Medical Laboratory Sciences Department is collaborating with the state public health lab to offer a Master of Science with a concentration in public health laboratory sciences.
Unique collaboration between VCU, Virginia’s public health and environmental laboratory aims to train future scientists
RICHMOND, VA - Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the Department of General Services (DGS) today announced a unique partnership between the university and DGS’ Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), Virginia’s public health and environmental laboratory, to offer concentrated studies intended to prepare the next generation of scientists to work in public health laboratories. The two organizations will collaborate to offer a Medical Laboratory Sciences Master of Science with a concentration in public health laboratory sciences beginning in the Fall 2023 semester.
Medical laboratory science shapes future for VCU alumna
By Malorie Burkett
VCU College of Health Professions
VCU students open Hopewell grade schoolers’ eyes to science at STEAM Day
Samantha Dua, a senior majoring in medical laboratory sciences at the VCU College of Health Professions, and her friend Sarah Plutkis showed off their “magical dancing corn” experiment with baking soda, water and vinegar as one third-grader exclaimed, “Why are the bubbles picking up the corn? That’s so weird!”
Antimicrobial wipes in health care: how effective are they?
Melissa Jamerson, Ph.D., Jenica L. Harrison, Ph.D., and Lisa Perkins, all of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, are part of a team that is testing the effectiveness of antimicrobial wipes in the health care setting as well as in
Class of 2021: At 62, lifelong learner Joyce Swenson is ready to take on new challenges
“I’ve always had a passion for the medical field as well as community development. This is something I always wanted to do,” said Swenson, 62, who works in the hospital lab at Saint Francis Medical Center. She said she will likely continue to do so after she completes her degree.
CHP Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Marilyn Bibbs Freeman
Meet Dr. Marilyn Bibbs Freeman, a Medical Laboratory Sciences graduate of the VCU College of Health Professions. Marilyn is the deputy director of the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond. Hear her thoughts on why the College is the foundation for who she
VCU Medical Center lab testing for new strain of COVID-19
Our lab is one of three in Virginia using a test that can tell if you might have the new COVID-19 variant discovered in the United Kingdom. Read more at VCU Health's website.
The Hidden Front Line
Becky Perdue, Joan Shumaker and Doris Costley, graduates of the College's Medical Lab Sciences program, were featured in a story on planned giving in the MCV Foundation's Chronicle of Giving publication. We are sincerely thankful for their continued
Have a story about the College of Health Professions in action that you'd like to share? Contact us at mgburkett@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7247.