Caroline Henderson, MCLS, MLS (ASCP)CM, is a graduate of UNC’s clinical laboratory science program, where she completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees. After graduating, she spent much of her career working in UNC’s McLendon Clinical Laboratories, where she developed a strong interest in genetic testing, particularly the coordination and referral of complex tests to outside reference laboratories.
Following her master’s degree, she was uncertain whether to pursue teaching or management, both of which were viable paths within her training, so she left UNC to work as a supervisor in a clinical trials laboratory focused on genetic testing. During that time, she also began adjunct teaching at UNC, and after about a year, she transitioned into a full-time faculty position when one became available. In her current role, she teaches urinalysis, body fluids, and research methods, and also supports laboratory instruction in chemistry and microbiology.
Henderson’s work in the classroom and her commitment to creating an engaging learning environment have been recognized at the university level. She has been honored as one of the recipients of the 2026 Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards, which recognizes outstanding undergraduate instruction and staff contributions at Carolina. The award highlights teaching excellence, dedication to students, and the ability to positively impact a broad range of undergraduates through both instruction and mentorship.
She described being very shocked and deeply touched by the recognition, noting that much of her role happens behind the scenes and that she is still early in her full-time teaching career. She emphasized that she is still learning the transition from supervisor to educator, but is focused on preparing thoroughly for class, caring about her students, and building an engaging learning environment where they feel comfortable with challenging material.
She also shared that she tries to bring a sense of approachability and humor into her teaching through small, lighthearted touches, like kidney-themed puns and exam stickers, that help break the tension of difficult topics. For her, those moments matter because they make the material feel less intimidating and remind students that they are learning in a space where curiosity and effort are supported.