Summer program offers glimpse into public health and laboratory science careers
The Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Health Professions, recently held a Public Health Summer Program to provide students with the opportunity to learn more about public health and medical laboratory sciences.
Innovation in education, impact in health care
This spring, we proudly celebrated the Class of 2026, a remarkable group of students now stepping into laboratories, hospitals and health care systems where their expertise will directly impact patient care. Their success reflects the dedication of our faculty, clinical partners and staff, all of whom share a commitment to preparing highly qualified professionals for a rapidly evolving field.
MLS honors graduate Takbir Miah with annual Kupfer Award
At this spring’s pre-graduation ceremony, VCU’s Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences honored graduating senior Takbir Miah with the Kupfer Award, the program’s highest student distinction.
MLS degree completion program opens doors for working professionals
VCU’s fully online MLS degree completion program is helping certified medical laboratory technicians take the next step in their careers through flexible coursework, strong student support and industry-leading outcomes. With a 93% certification exam pass rate and in-state tuition for all students nationwide, the program is opening doors for working professionals ready to move into leadership and advanced laboratory roles.
Turning experience into opportunity for future MLS students
Before she was guiding prospective students through the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at Virginia Commonwealth University, Anood Habahbeh was one of them and searching for direction.
VonCanon receives specialist certification in hematology
Elizabeth VonCanon, MS, SH(ASCP)CM, instructor in the VCU Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, recently earned her specialist certification in hematology, reflecting expertise in one of the most complex and clinically significant areas of laboratory medicine.
Rethinking how future lab technicians connect what they learn
In the VCU Medical Laboratory Sciences program, innovation goes beyond the lab into how students are mastering the material. Through a growing focus on the scholarship of learning, faculty are studying, testing and refining new ways to teach complex science – ensuring students don’t just absorb information, but truly understand and apply it.
Building the pipeline
Behind every disease outbreak investigation, every newborn screening and every environmental safety test, there’s a laboratory – and a workforce many people never see. That’s exactly what Michael Lacy, Ph.D., wants to change.
Advancing science, students and impact
Excellence in medical laboratory science takes many forms. In this issue, you’ll see how it shows up in discovery, teaching, mentorship, access and impact.
Partnership with Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation leads to four full-tuition scholarships, new opportunities for MLS students in Southwest Virginia
If you’d told Kaylah Sams a few months ago she’d be pursuing her bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory sciences in Abingdon on a full ride, she might not have believed you.
From Southwest Virginia to one of the world’s leading labs on tick-borne illness, VCU’s opportunities are where they count
On a fall morning in 2019, students in a one-credit careers course at Southwest Virginia Community College filed into their classroom expecting another routine presentation. For Alex Counts – then a pre-med student from the nearby town of Lebanon – it became the moment that would shape the rest of his academic career.
How one student’s tutoring support is strengthening MLS success
Jenna Carter doesn’t just tutor fellow Medical Laboratory Sciences students to help them study; it’s about making the program she loves feel a little more connected and supportive.
Transfusion Services Summer Scholars gives students a hands-on look at lifesaving lab careers
For one week in July, high school and college students from across the country stepped into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of transfusion medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University.
VCU to host statewide MLS Spring Symposium, connecting students and lab professionals
VCU’s Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences will host this year’s American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Virginia Spring Symposium, bringing together MLS students, educators and professionals from across the state for learning, collaboration and connection.
Rewriting the story of heart disease, one immune cell at a time
When most people think about heart disease, they picture clogged arteries and “bad” cholesterol. Michael Lacy thinks about the immune system.
Bolstering a crucial, unseen element of health care
Tucked away in research laboratories and far from public-facing medical teams, the general public may never see medical laboratory scientists, but their contributions to patient care are essential to every person’s health. (MCV Foundation News)
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.
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
Colin Thibodeau, M.S. (VCU ’23) serves as the office and laboratory manager for the Medical Laboratory Sciences department where he once trained, supporting students by preparing specimens, managing supplies and ensuring labs run smoothly on a daily basis.
Pioneering a rapid test for rare form of meningitis
A team led by William Korzun, Ph.D., and graduate Stephen Friedrichs in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences has developed a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‑MS) test that can detect the presence of Naegleria fowleri, a brain-invading amoeba causing Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). This rapid, cost-effective diagnostic tool has the potential to dramatically improve patient outcomes in a disease where the mortality rate exceeds 96%.
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
Students traveled to Europe during spring break for immersive study-abroad experiences. They visited historical sites and engaged with diverse health systems, experiences that enhanced not only their academic understanding but also their cultural empathy and professional growth.
Medical Laboratory Sciences alum creates scholarship to support students and builds profession awareness
Lisa M. Pinkney, D.M., a Medical Laboratory Sciences alum and former FDA program manager, launched a scholarship to stimulate careers in lab sciences amid projected shortages – bolstering support for students and dignifying a critical yet often overlooked health profession.
Distance learning programs reflect commitment to education, health care access for rural communities
Distance learning programs in Abingdon enable students to earn a bachelor’s degree locally through synchronous videoconferencing, on-site faculty, and simulation labs. These programs not only empower students to stay rooted in their communities but also help supply rural areas with well-trained health professionals who otherwise might relocate for education.
Seven VCU undergraduate students earn federal Gilman scholarships to study abroad this year
Congratulations to Aseel Packry, a sophomore Honors College student from Sudan (and now in Richmond) who is majoring in medical laboratory sciences in the College of Health Professions.
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.
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.
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. (NBC12)
Unique collaboration between VCU, Virginia’s public health and environmental laboratory aims to train future scientists
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.
Virginia Commonwealth University MLS Program: An Individualized Approach
Read about Maiya Picott's journey and how she found a place at VCU's Medical Laboratory Sciences on criticalvalues.org.
Medical laboratory science shapes future for VCU alumna
Modesola Akala was 13 years old when she immigrated to the United States.
VCU students open Hopewell grade schoolers’ eyes to science at STEAM Day
On their first day of spring break, VCU science, technology, engineering, arts and math students showed off science experiments to students at Patrick Copeland Elementary School.
Antimicrobial wipes in health care: How effective are they?
VCU researchers are studying the effectiveness of two types of antimicrobial wipes to prevent the spread of infections.
Class of 2021: At 62, lifelong learner Joyce Swenson is ready to take on new challenges
Swenson has lived and worked all over the world. Now she is tackling a second career as a medical laboratory scientist.
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 support of the MLS program and the College of Health Professions. Read the full article on pages 34-36.
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.
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 is, and the reason behind her success.
