Three of the ULM’s medical laboratory science students, Monika Paneru, Mikayla Thompson and James Hollowell, attended the 87th meeting of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science in Charlotte, South Carolina, in June.
The annual meeting allows nearly 700 laboratory professionals and colleagues to network and learn from one another. The educational program features 70 sessions to choose from with a total of 17 hours of continuing education. Attendees were able to see the latest technology in the field.
Hollowell and Paneru were awarded $500 each for travel funds by the Developing Professionals Forum. Both students were obligated to work a shift at the HOPE desk collecting funds for local school children.
Hollowell was inspired by the forum and wanted to show his gratitude, so he ran for the position of vice-chair of the Developing Professionals National Forum.
Thompson, who serves as the Louisiana Developing Professionals chair, said the future of the medical laboratory science profession is the students.
At the board of directors meeting for ASCLS, Thompson addressed the members in the gallery, encouraging members to speak of the profession in a positive light.
Jessica Lassier, MLS program director, and MLS faculty urge their students to serve on their national professional organization, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.