Morgan Fisher, a rising junior in the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, has received the Eleanor Parchman Memorial Scholarship from The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
Fisher, a first-generation college student, credits volunteer and work experiences, including in an emergency department and memory care unit as a certified nursing assistant, with cultivating an interest in laboratory science.
“I love the lab work; it has always fascinated me,” Fisher said. “You can do anything with it; it sets you up well.”
Fisher, who has an interest in microbiology and immunology, said the coursework in the CLS program will give her a good opportunity to learn more about a variety of fields she could pursue. She said a laboratory open house, in addition to student-led tours, helped her learn about laboratory science and its possibilities.
“[The field] gives you more opportunities than you think it does. You’re not limited to working in the laboratory. You can work in the hospital; you can work in a corporation; you can work in research,” Fisher said.
Fisher said she is grateful for the support from the ASCLS.
“It helps me pay for school,” she said. “I rely on scholarships that I apply for. It’s definitely very meaningful to me, and I’ll hopefully learn more about the society, too.”
As Fisher approaches the first day of class, she said her family has encouraged her to continue pursuing her interest in laboratory science.
“I’m excited to dive into the coursework, because it’s different from biology and chemistry classes,” Fisher said. “It’s a lot more specialized. I’m excited to get in here and do hands-on work.