Celebrating our Medical Laboratory Professionals Week 2026
Our laboratory team celebrated Medical Laboratory Professionals Week from April 19–26, 2026, with a Toy Story-inspired theme. The week featured a variety of fun activities designed to recognize and highlight the outstanding contributions of our laboratory professionals while fostering engagement and professional development.
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is an opportunity to recognize the essential role of laboratory professionals and pathologists in delivering high-quality patient care. Although much of our work occurs behind the scenes, our expertise, precision, and dedication are fundamental to accurate diagnosis, clinical decision-making, and positive patient outcomes. We are proud to celebrate the exceptional commitment of our laboratory team and the critical impact we have on the patients and communities we serve.
Lab Week Activities
Escape Room Challenge
Teams of three to five participants worked together to rescue Woody in a Toy Story-themed escape room challenge. Participants solved puzzles and deciphered number sequences to unlock padlocks containing hidden clues that ultimately led to Woody's rescue. The activity fostered teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and friendly competition among staff. Congratulations to the winning team, Sierra, Danny, and Martha, who completed the challenge in an impressive 18 minutes and 42 seconds!
Agar Art Contest
Creativity and science came together during the Agar Art Contest, where participants used previously cultured microorganisms to create unique designs on plain culture media plates. After incubation, the organisms growth patterns revealed vibrant and artistic displays, showcasing both scientific skill and imagination. Congratulations to Hannah Miller, whose mushroom design earned first place in this year’s contest.
Educational Presentations
As part of Lab Week, educational sessions were held to promote learning, collaboration, and professional development within the laboratory team.
One featured presentation focused on Green Lab initiatives and was presented by guest speaker Ryan Weeks-Rutan, Senior Sustainability Specialist. Organized by Carrie Holdren-Serrell and Rachel Sukonnik, the session highlighted sustainability efforts and included a Loading Dock Tour as part of the organization’s initiatives toward becoming Green Certified.
Another informative session, the HSE Talk, provided information on services and support available to the Microbiology Laboratory. The presentation helped staff better understand safety resources, workplace safety measures, and environmental health practices. Speakers included James Bukowski, CIH, MS, Director of Occupational and Environmental Safety, and Natalie E. Wallace, BS, MT(ASCP), Quality Assurance Specialist.
The week also featured a presentation on Xenotransplantation led by June Jones, Manager of the Immunogenetics Laboratory, and Maria Bettinotti, PhD, Director of the Immunogenetics Laboratory. The session offered staff insight into this evolving area of medical science and its significance in healthcare and transplantation research.
MALDI-TOF Contest
Staff members put their laboratory skills to the test during the MALDI Contest. The MALDI-TOF instrument is used in microbiology for rapid bacterial and fungal identification. Participants were challenged to correctly spot and prepare all three isolates onto a target plate, demonstrating precision, technique, and attention to detail. The contest highlighted the important role of MALDI-TOF technology in modern microbiology while providing the staff an opportunity to engage in friendly competition and hands on learning. Congratulations to Danny Gonzales, who earned the title of this year’s “MALDI Queen”.
Sports Day & Lab Week Theme Shirt Celebration
Lab Week spirit was on full display during Sports Day, as staff proudly wore their favorite sports team shirts and jerseys. The evening shift team brought energy and excitement to the workplace by showcasing everyone’s team pride. The overnight team coordinated a special Lab Week themed shirt that reflected this year’s Toy Story inspired celebration.
Everyday Fun and Prizes
Every day we had raffle drawings and fun brain games like bingo, crossword puzzles, word scrambles, and word searches. Throughout Lab Week, we also had daily walks to encourage movement and team bonding. We streamed the Toy Story movie in the breakrooms so staff could relax and enjoy a shared break together.
Microbiology Celebrates Staff Excellence
The Medical Microbiology Division congratulated outstanding staff members for their remarkable achievements and exemplary service in their respective areas of expertise.
Congratulations, Kate Uhteg!
April 2026 - Kate Uhteg is the 2026 recipient of the Richard S. Schwalbe Award presented by the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Maryland Branch. It is awarded annually to an exceptional microbiologist who exemplifies the professional qualities associated with Rick Schwalbe: excellence in clinical microbiology, a commitment to teaching and knowledge sharing, strong scientific curiosity, and a sustained dedication to achieving the highest standards. The Schwalbe Award recognizes mid- to late-career Clinical Laboratory Scientists whose careers reflect significant contributions, deep commitment, and ongoing efforts to advance and promote the field of Clinical Microbiology. Congratulations Kate!
Congratulations, Brittany Lawson!
April 2026 - Brittany is the 2026 recipient of the Karen Carroll Education Award. The award will allow her to attend the 3rd Fungal Diagnostic Laboratory Consortium (FDLC) and the Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi course which is hosted by Associated Regional and University Pathologists (ARUP) and the University of Utah Department of Pathology in Salt Lake City.
Congratulations Brittany!
Congratulations, Eric Perry!
October 2025 - Eric Perry received the Karen Carroll Educational and Training Award in October 2025 to complete a Medical Mycology course at the Institut Pasteur. This training further strengthened his foundational knowledge of medical mycology and enhanced his ability to directly apply this expertise to his work in the Mycology laboratory.
Congratulations Eric!
Congratulations, Sierra Brown!
August 2025 - In August 2025, the Karen Carroll Educational and Training award was granted to Sierra Brown. The award provided her with the opportunity to attend a parasitology workshop at the Mayo Clinic. This experience allowed her to expand her expertise in parasite identification and further strengthen her skills in training staff on the performance of malarial testing.
Congratulations Sierra!
Congratulations, Junko Jarrett!
April 2025 - The American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Maryland Branch recognized Junko Jarrett as the winner of the Richard S. Schwalbe Award. The award recognizes an exceptional bench microbiologist who demonstrates excellence in clinical microbiology, a strong commitment to education and knowledge sharing, intellectual curiosity, and a sustained dedication to professional excellence.
Congratulations, Junko!
Congratulations, Michael Forman!
March 2025 - Michael Forman was the recipient of the 2025 Pan American Society for Clinical Virology (PASCV) Outstanding Clinical Laboratory Professional Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of clinical and diagnostic virology.
Congratulations, Michael!
About Karen Carroll Educational and Training Award
The Karen Carroll Educational and Training Award was established in 2025 to recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional performance and a strong commitment to professional growth through continued education and training. The award is named in honor of Dr. Karen Carroll, Professor Emerita and former Director of Microbiology for 22 years. During her tenure, Dr. Carroll made substantial contributions to modernizing the laboratory, optimizing educational resources, and providing leadership within multiple professional societies, among many other notable achievements.