Alumni Updates: 2000’s
- Matthew Brown (’09) mbrown04@email.unc.edu “I finished my doctor of pharmacy at UNC in 2016 and currently work at Duke University as a clinical compounding pharmacist. Prior, I worked 7 years in transfusion medicine and outreach services at UNC Hospitals. At Duke, I produce sterile and non-sterile drugs that are on shortage, or no longer commercially available for the health system. To ensure product sterility and quality, the pharmacy has a microbiology lab and employs clinical laboratory scientists. I use techniques and clinical knowledge gained from the UNC CLS program and my prior laboratory career everyday.” 07/2017
- Bonnie Kirkman (’09) labbck@msj.org “I was hired by Mission Hospitals in Asheville, NC in March of 2010. I work second shift in the Microbiology Lab and love it. The Mission Health System is a top ranked hospital for patient care as well as for employee benefits and provides care for almost all of Western North Carolina. As I work second shift most of our work load comes from our numerous outreach clients in the area. We have adopted three PCR procedures for detecting MRSA from the nares, Clostridium difficile from stool, as well as one to determine whether gram positive cocci in clusters isolated from blood cultures are positive for Staph aureus and/or MRSA. It is a large lab and sees a ton of work which is greatly varied. If anyone is considering a move to Asheville, Mission is a wonderful place to work and has a ton of great opportunities for CLSs.” 11/2010
- “Aaron Sermons (’09) will be entering the Duke University Physician Assistant Program this fall as a member of the Class of 2015.” 05/2013
- Torie McHone Westendorf (’09) toriemchone@gmail.com “I work primarily with the quality control department in a translational science center, where we develop assays to ensure safety, purity, potency, and identity of tissue-engineered therapies which are manufactured on site. It is a challenging new frontier. I wouldn’t be here without the CLS program!
Also graduated with a Master’s of Health Administration in December 2017 from Pfeiffer University. Love my compliance work!” 09/2018 - Rima Patel (’08) rimapatel21@gmail.com 05/2009
- Crystal Redfern (’08) cjredfern@alumni.unc.edu “After graduation from the CLS program I worked as a MT in the microbiology laboratory at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. The knowledge and skills I obtained from my studies at UNC enabled me to provide accurate and reliable laboratory results. I am currently pursuing my PhD in microbiology & immunology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Upon completion of graduate school I plan to enroll in a postdoctoral clinical microbiology training program. My ultimate goal is to serve as the director of a clinical microbiology laboratory.” 3/2014
- Asia Carter (’07) asia.carter@duke.edu 10/2009
- Danny Fu (’07) danny.fu8@gmail.com 02/2012
- Erika Reed (’07) eareed@duke.edu 05/2009
- Stella Echandia (MDS ’06) sechandia@med.miami.edu “I would like to share with my professors and friends at UNC Chapel Hill that I have been selected by the University of Miami to establish the first Cytology and Molecular laboratory for the University of Miami Hospital.” 2/2012
- Evan Matthews (’06) evanmatthews01@gmail.com “After graduating the CLS program I started work at the UNC-CH HLA Lab where I was happily employed for a little under 4 years. In March of 2010 I was offered the opportunity to oversee the start up of a new Histocompatiblity lab in Atlanta. After much contemplation my wife Tatiana (a graduate of the MMDS program) and I decided to leave our contented life in North Carolina for the challenge and excitement promised by the big city. I can attest that the CLS program not only prepares individuals for work within the lab, it prepares them, from the outset to be leaders and agents of progressive change within the field.” 12/2010
- Kara Below (’05) kbelow@alumni.unc.edu “I am currently doing research to study the evolution of the HIV virus.”
- Virginia Gibson (’04) ginger_gibson8@hotmail.com “I passed both the ASCP & NCA certification exams on the first try! I currently work in the blood bank at WakeMed in Raleigh.”
- Jayashree Gnanasekaran (’04) jaygnana@gmail.com “I am currently in my first year of medical school. I took both the ASCP and NCA certification exams and passed them both on the first try. The UNC CLS program definitely prepared me well for both the board exams and my pursuit in medical school. All that I’ve learned in CLS is definitely helping me now with my microbiology, hematology, and immunology courses. I’m glad I have a strong background in the medical field to help me get through medical school!”
- Erica (Mizelle) Johnson (’04) tiger_kitten13@hotmail.com “I am working as a generalist on second shift in Ahoskie, NC. Roanoke-Chowan Hospital is a small rural hospital (~100 beds) that is a part of University Health Systems. If you work or are planning to work in eastern NC, feel free to contact me!” 01/2007
- Sarah Morrison (’04) sarah.morrison@duke.edu “I now work as a Client Services Field Representative. I am a liason between the clinical laboratories of Duke and the non-lab individuals of Duke (doctors, nurses, order entry staff, etc). I work as a resource, educator, troubleshooter, and general customer service ‘face’ person as I travel to any location that contracts Duke Clinlabs for work. I love my job and am constantly meeting new people and gaining new ideas for improving laboratory service to our customers!” 03/2007
- Blythe Ward (’04) “Now a PA in Raleigh.” 06/2007
- Jennifer Wiley (’04) jenwiley@email.unc.edu “I am working at Duke University Medical Center in the microbiology lab and love it! I’m learning tons and getting great experience. I hope to apply to graduate school soon, but plan to continue in the micro field by hopefully becoming a PA and working in infectious disease!”
- Tonya (Heatherly) Bartley (’03) tbartley@reliantmailing.com “I am so blessed both at home and at work. My husband Kyle and I have two sons: Logan who is 3 years and Avery who is 6 months. At work, I write laboratory procedures for microbiology and blood bank. I also keep up my skills as a generalist by filling in on different shifts as needed.” 6/2010
- April McLauchlin (’03) amclauchlin@nc.rr.com “I worked for one year as a med tech in the blood bank at UNC Hospitals, during which I applied to graduate school. Thanks to Dr. Beck and Dr. Hilger for the recommendations as well as everyone who offered to help. I am now a first year doctoral student in the Human Genetics program at Howard University. The CLS program and laboratory experience are so helpful when you enter any medical profession!”
- Laura (Raby) Murphy (’03) murphyl@cbfleet.com “After graduation, I decided to continue my education and pursue a Master of Public Health degree. Following this second graduation in 2005, I moved to Lynchburg, Virginia and got a job with Fleet Laboratories. I am the Medical Affairs Education Supervisor in the Medical Affairs Department. I use my CLS knowledge every day, from educating on anatomy and physiology, to pharmacokinetics of our drug products, to evaluating laboratory data from our clinical trials. Thank you to all of the CLS faculty and staff for making my education truly valuable!” 08/2006
- Rebecca Perry (“03) rebeccaperry03@yahoo.com “Just wanted to fill you all in on where I am now! I just finished my 6 month competency testing (DUMC) this week… In addition to my job, I’ve also trained first year Medical students at Duke in Phlebotomy and I volunteer as the lab tech at a free clinic in downtown Raleigh.”
- Joshua Butler (’02) joshbutler80@yahoo.com “I am finishing medical school at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. I just matched into a Dermatology residency at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. I will be heading south in June to begin my intern year there in Internal Medicine followed by three years of Dermatology training. I am married to Dawn Lain, CLS Class of 2002, who is currently a second year medical student at MCV also.” 03/2009
- Denise Edwards (’02) necie19@lycos.com “I am really excited about moving to Boston and begining to work at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. I want to thank everyone for all the fun and happy moments I have had with my CLS family. Never will forget CLS Fun Night.”
- Michelle (Simmons) Hopkins (Dec’01) michelle.simmons@duke.edu“Working in the Transplant Immunology Lab at DUMC was an excellent fit for me…The area was challenging and very rewarding..in 2004 I matriculated into the Duke Physician Assistant Program. What a wonderful opportunity to build upon the foundation laid by the UNC-CH CLS program! Keep moving and pursuing your dreams! Michelle Simmons Hopkins,MT(ASCP),CLS(NCA),PA-S”
- Gary (Yat ) Leung (’02) yathleung@gmail.com “I graduated from the CLS program 5 years ago and worked at Transfusion Medicine at UNC Hospital for 3 years. I am currently working on my PhD in Clinical and Population Health Research at the University of Massachusetts, Worcester. I would like to express my gratitude towards all the instructors at the CLS program. The lessons I learned from the program and the experience I gained as a blood banker prepare me for my graduate endeavor. P.S. This semester I am working on my qualifying paper, a systematic review on diabetes care among the mentally ill population. Wish me luck!” 11/2007
- Cortney Stafford (’02) cortstaff@yahoo.com “After graduating from the CLS program in ’02, I worked in a Microbiology Lab at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC for 3 years. I then went to graduate school to earn my MPH at Emory University. After graduating in May ’07, I am working at the Atlanta VA in Infection Control.” 12/2007
- Allison (Foil) Toomey (CLS ’02) Allison_toomey@icloud.com “National Account Leader with GE Healthcare. Married Brian Stephen Toomey of Apex, NC on September 30, 2017 in Blowing Rock, NC.” 10/2017
- Krista Woody (Dec ’01) Krista.Woody@wilm.ppdi.com “Married July 30, 2005 to Anthony Harris.”
- Jennifer (Juan) Brown (’01) brown268@mc.duke.edu “I’ve been working at Duke Stem Cell Laboratory for 4 years now. I really enjoy working in the Cord Blood research area. It is definitely a great area to start your CLS career.”
- Amanda (Fox) Overman (’01) afoxnc@hotmail.com “I decided to pursue a completely different career path a few months ago, and I am happy to report that I have returned to UNC. I am working in the HPC Lab which processes all stem cell products for UNC’s BMT program. I am excited to return to a clinical setting and am enjoying the patient interaction. My husband, Joe, and I welcomed our darling Emma (a few months early) last year. She is an absolute joy!” 08/2012
- Andrew Herman (’01) adherman1@gmail.com “A bit late getting an update in after 20+ years… but upon graduation, I returned to my hometown and began my journey as a generalist for a few years. I left the hospital for to work as a manager in a small reference lab start up for several years. I decided to move into consulting and worked for Perot Systems and eventually landed at Cerner Corporation for a number of years. As I aged and the travel demand grew, I returned to the hospital setting as Lab Director and married my sweetheart. After 5 years, I was pulled back into consulting and was fortunate enough to work with MTS implementing Cerner in the labs throughout NYC along with multiple special projects during the height of the pandemic. My next opportunity was with Tenet Corporation, as I worked with a longtime mentor as Portfolio Manager focusing on Cerner projects as well as laboratory standardizations across the organization. Today, I have returned to MTS to help with a unique Cerner PathNet project for the upcoming years. In a healthcare world driven by IT, it helps having the foundation and background from my time in the CLS program. Hope all is well!” 10/2023
- Beth Rouse (’01) cbrouse@mindspring.com “I am currently a scientist at GlaxoSmithKline, RTP in the department of Clinical Virology. I am part of a small research group that studies NNRTI resistance in HIV patients enrolled in clinical trials.”
- Charity Grieco (’00) charitygrieco@yahoo.com “The Clinical Laboratory Science program has helped me tremendously in optometry school. I feel that I am ahead of my colleagues because of all the training and knowledge I gained from CLS. … And I just got engaged this December (2003) to a fellow classmate and wonderful man, James!”
- Rebecca (Schmidt) Hunter (’00) we4hunters@wmconnect.com “I am working at Franklin Regional Medical Center in Louisburg NC. I am working weekend option nights. Which means I work 2 twelve hour shifts, and get paid for a full week of work. I would love to hear from my class.”
- Melanie (Breedlove) Navarro (’00) mbn3359@hotmail.com “I am now in the Atlanta area with my husband and two year old son. I have moved several times, across three states since graduation, and my CLS degree has always allowed me many opportunities for employment.” 10/2009
- Christopher Parker (’00) cmparker@unch.unc.edu “In October of 2005 I promoted into the Core Laboratory Student Education Coordinator, the position that most of us remember Mary Kessler for. Two kids now, most recent born August 2006. This summer I was a speaker at AACC in Chicago. I still totally love my decision to stay in the field. Drop me a line sometime!” 9/2006
- Kimberly (Ackley) Pettit (’00) tullak@aol.com “I hope all my fellow classmates are doing well!”
- Jeffrey Phillips (’00) “I worked in the McLendon Clinical Laboratories at UNC Hospitals for 3 years after graduation. I was then admitted into the UNC School of Phamacy. I am currently working as a pharmacist in the retail pharmacy setting in the Charlotte, NC region.” 9/2010
- Kana Spivey (’00) kanaspivey@hotmail.com “I am currently a Clinical Research Associate at Lineberry Research Associates, a small Clinical Research Organization in RTP. My first job out of the program was as a night shift MT at Nash General Hospital. After four months I moved to Greenville, NC and worked as MT on 2nd shift in the Transfusion Medicine Services at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. After three years of service, I relocated back to the Triangle and worked as a MT on 3rd shift in the Transfusion Medicine Service at UNC Hosptials. I worked at UNC Hospitals for a year and a half while I obtained my Certificate in Clinical Research Associates from Durham Technical Community College. The Clinical Laboratory Program was a great background. I use what I learned in the program on a regular basis. I value all that I learned at UNC, especially what I learned in the CLS Program.” 05/2006
- Verena (Lang) Tetley (’00) verena.tetley@davita.com “I am currently working as the Hematology Manager at DaVita Laboratories in Deland, FL. After 9 years in Microbiology, I switched over to Hematology and it has been an incredible learning curve! Always looking for good MTs, so if anyone is looking to relocate to FL, feel free to look me up.” 8/2010
- Jessica (Cox) Traver (’00) traverj@wyeth.com “I have been an employee at Pfizer for almost 6 years. We used to be Wyeth Vaccines, but merged with Pfizer recently. I work in the QC Microbiology department on the bacteriology side. This is my second job after graduation. My first was at Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. I spent 3 wonderful years there before moving back to NC.The experience from CLS definitely prepared me well. I’d love to hear from my classmates!” 01/2010
- Amy (Whaley) Watson (’00) radiofreeamy@earthlink.net “After graduation I worked as a MT in the UNC Hospitals Outreach lab and Microbiology lab for 4 years. In 2004, I took a position as an Applications Specialist for the BacT/ALERT blood culture system at bioMerieux in Durham. I provide technical support for all products in the BacT line. I also provide customer training on the instrument. (so, if your hospital purchases a BacT/ALERT I will teach you if you come to class!) On a personal note, I got married to Dwayne Watson in 2005. We welcomed our first child, a daughter, in June ’06. The CLS program was such a great choice for me! Glad to see everyone is doing well.” 10/2006