Medical laboratory science students recognized by API for impact and dedication

Four medical laboratory science students were awarded $5,000 scholarships from the American Proficiency Institute (API) for their leadership initiative, according to an announcement.

Recipients include:

• Morgan Carn, Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah: Carn has an eye for improving processes in the laboratory. Noticing there were no reference guidelines for receiving emergency blood, Carn said she “took it upon myself to coordinate with the lab and my unit manager to make official emergency transfusion guidelines leading to a significant decrease in the time to transfusion. I volunteered my time to collect our unit’s provided references for gold standard tests, suggested lab tubes for each test, and what volume of blood is required for each test.  Using this information, I was able to update draw lists and requirements resulting in a decrease in required redraws for patients.”
• Josie Cochran, Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas: Cochran competed in the National Cell Bowl with her team placing first by identifying 30 blood cells in 28 seconds. Despite this success, “so many students across campus do not know what medical laboratory science is,” Cochran observed. “How many are missing out on a career that might be perfect for them because of the field’s lack of public presence? I began advocating for the profession with students in my undergraduate courses, and a few are now my peers in the MLS program.”
• Genesis Romero, University of Texas at El Paso: “I carry with me the discipline to endure, the perspective to value opportunity, and the determination to success – not only for myself, but for those who taught me how to keep going when everything felt uncertain,” said Romero. “I see myself using the laboratory as a tool to help patients better face whatever life brings to them.”
• Kristin Wirtz, Oregon Institute of Technology in Wilsonville, Oregon: A former elementary science teacher, Wirtz said she “learned how to break down complex ideas into clear, understandable steps, recognize when someone is struggling, and adjust my approach in real time. By combining my scientific training with my experience in education, I offer a unique blend of technical and interpersonal skills to the medical laboratory profession.”

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