Published October 3, 2019
Three University of Louisiana Monroe 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, N.C., in June.
Monika Paneru, Mikayla Thompson & James Hollowell
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.
Paneru stated, “It felt so special to see people coming and helping us out and them
so interested to give back to the society.”
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.
"This role felt like a great fit for me and I feel I could be a positive addition
to the forum. Therefore, I was extremely excited when the election results were posted,
and I had been selected," he said.
Thompson, who serves as the Louisiana Developing Professionals chair, believes 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.
One statement stuck with her after leaving the meeting.
"Success does not equal happiness, happiness equals success," she said.
Jessica Lassier, MLS program director, said, "During the Medical Laboratory Science
professional program, MLS faculty urge their students to serve on their national professional
organization, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. It is a delight to
see several of our students volunteer their time to improve the medical laboratory
science profession."
