Texas State University-Medical Laboratory Science Program

Check out the that our very own Chair, Dr. Rodney Rohde hosts!

🩸 How can advances in molecular diagnostics strengthen the safety of our blood supply and improve infectious disease detection? 🦠

In my latest Contagion Live From Pathogen to Infectious Disease Diagnosis , we discuss the cobas MPX-E assay and the addition of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) to nucleic acid testing (NAT) screening. The conversation with Nico Michel of Roche explores the evolving role of multiplex diagnostics, blood safety, and the importance of innovation in laboratory medicine for protecting public health.

I invite my colleagues in infectious diseases, pathology, transfusion medicine, and medical laboratory science to listen and share their perspectives.

From Pathogen to Infectious Disease Diagnosis: cobas MPX-E adds HEV to NAT screening | Contagion Live A new multiplex blood-screening assay is streamlining transfusion safety by enabling simultaneous detection and discrimination of HIV, HBV, HCV, and hepatitis E in a single test, helping laboratories improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and strengthen blood supply resilience amid ongoing don...

Today, we are incredibly proud to celebrate three outstanding students in the Texas State University Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program — Roselin, Leandra, and Bianca — who have been selected as the 2026 Cardinal Health “Rodney E. Rohde PhD” Texas State MLS awardees! 🎉🧪🐾

This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, professionalism, and service to the profession. Selecting this year’s recipients was not easy because ALL of our MLS students continue to inspire us with their dedication and passion for healthcare and laboratory medicine.

This endowed scholarship holds special meaning for me. In 2015, I was honored to receive the Cardinal Health Award, and together with fellow laboratory professional Dawson, MHA, FACHE, CPHQ, LSSBB, DLM (ASCP), QIHC, we helped establish and grow this scholarship to support Texas State University MLS students in perpetuity. Jennifer’s commitment to student success and the profession continues to make a lasting impact on future laboratory professionals.

As a three-time Texas State alumnus and student [Doc R], it is deeply meaningful to help create opportunities that support the next generation of medical laboratory scientists. Our profession plays a critical role in patient care, public health, diagnostics, and disease prevention — often behind the scenes, but always essential.

Congratulations again to Roselin Campos Salgado, Leandra Aguillon Vargas, and Bianca Rodriguez! The entire Texas State MLS faculty is proud of your accomplishments and excited to watch your continued success throughout the program and beyond.

The future of laboratory medicine is bright! 🔬❤️

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science American Society for Microbiology Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) TXST College of Health Professions Kelly Damphousse Texas State University Alumni TACLS (Texas Association for Clinical Laboratory Science)

Congratulations to our very own Chair, Dr. RodneyRohde

Texas State science professor appointed to prestigious, international network of scientific experts! CC: TXST College of Health Professions ASCP TACLS (Texas Association for Clinical Laboratory Science) ASCLS Region VII

Texas State medical laboratory science professor appointed to prestigious, international network of scientific experts TXST’s Rodney Rohde named to IFBLS Scientific Network of Experts, contributing to global research and innovation in biomedical laboratory science.

Check out this great post about our very own Skyler J. Ramdeen's high school back in her home country!

Thank you for highlighting Skyler and her journey! Up next for Skyler - Graduation on August 1, 2025 via the TXST College of Health Professions and Texas State University

[CC: Bobby Ramdeen Shamila Thomas Ramdeen ASJA Girls' College Tunapuna Friends Texas State University-International Student and Scholar Services ASCP TACLS (Texas Association for Clinical Laboratory Science) UTT - The University of Trinidad and Tobago]

https://www.facebook.com/100063887417271/photos/assalamu-alaikum-good-day-we-are-delighted-to-celebrate-the-outstanding-achievem/1449801573826076/

Assalamu alaikum
Good day

We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our past student, Skyler Jade Ramdeen, ASJA Girls’ College Alumna (Class of 2021).

Since graduating, Skyler has continued to excel academically and professionally. After earning First Place in CAPE Biology Unit I in the Caribbean (2020), she commenced studies at Texas State University in 2022, where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science.

Inspired by the prevalence of dengue in Trinidad and Tobago, Skyler has engaged in impactful research on potential therapeutic compounds against dengue virus, resulting in scientific publications in 2026.

Her excellence has been recognised through her selection as the 2026 Outstanding Medical Laboratory Science Student and recipient of the prestigious 2026 Inaugural Chautauqua Eleven Award, honouring eleven graduating seniors who exemplify academic excellence, leadership and service.

Skyler’s journey reflects perseverance, brilliance and a steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare.

Congratulations, Skyler — your ASJA family celebrates your remarkable success and wishes you continued excellence in all your future endeavours. ⭐️

What a fantastic day for our future & during !

Welcome HOME! 🐾🐾

Saturday, April 25 is Texas State University !

🔬Do you want to become a professional?

Learn more
in the TXST College of Health Professions

Deadline for application is Feb 15 each year! Learn more here and via our flyer!

health.txstate.edu

Big congratulations to Skyler Jade Ramdeen and Patricia Garza, Medical Laboratory Science seniors at Texas State University, for earning 1st Place in the Educational Literature Review category at the TXST College of Health Professions (CHP) 2026 Annual Research Forum! 🎉

This achievement reflects not only their dedication to academic excellence, but also their commitment to advancing knowledge in Medical Laboratory Science through thoughtful analysis and scholarly inquiry.

The CHP Annual Research Forum highlights the impressive work of both faculty and students, showcasing research across five categories:

• Faculty Research
• Faculty/Student Research Collaboration
• Graduate Student Research
• Undergraduate Student Research
• Educational Literature Review

To stand out among such strong competition is a testament to Skyler and Patricia’s hard work, intellectual curiosity, and professionalism.

The future of laboratory medicine and public health is bright with emerging professionals like these leading the way.

The poster research was conducted for MLS Chair and Regents' Professor, Dr. Rodney Rohde PhD. Our thanks to MLS faculty Olanrewaju Adeyemi MLS(ASCPi), Ph.D and Nathalie Austin, MBA,MLS(ASCP) for attending the event and supporting our outstanding students!

CC: ASCLS Region VII TACLS (Texas Association for Clinical Laboratory Science)

Behind every diagnosis…
Behind every outbreak response…
Behind every life saved…

There is a or professional.

But here’s the question we don’t ask enough:
Do we fully understand our professional identity—and why it matters?

Professional identity is more than a title.
It is the values, knowledge, skills and purpose we share as a community of laboratory professionals. It is shaped by how we see ourselves, how we relate to others and how we define our role within the healthcare system.

It answers three essential questions:
✔️ Who am I as a professional?
✔️ How do I contribute to patient care and public health?
✔️ What is my responsibility to this profession and to society?

For those of us in medical and public health laboratories, that identity is powerful:

We are not “behind the scenes.”
We are integral to clinical decision-making, outbreak detection and population health surveillance.

We are guided by a code of ethics that prioritizes accuracy, integrity and patient-centered care.

We are part of a collective workforce that spans hospitals, public health labs, research and education—each role contributing to a unified mission: protecting and improving lives.

And yet, one of our greatest challenges remains:
A lack of visibility and awareness continues to shape—and sometimes limit—our professional identity.

That’s why this moment matters.

Strengthening professional identity is not just philosophical—it is strategic.
It drives recruitment.
It supports retention.
It builds pride, leadership and advocacy within our field.

So during Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, I challenge all of us:

🔬 Reflect on your journey into this profession
🔬 Own your identity as a laboratory professional
🔬 Advocate for the visibility and recognition our field deserves

Because when we define our identity…
We strengthen our profession.
And when we strengthen our profession…
We strengthen public health.

The future is lab—and it starts with how we see ourselves.

Learn more in our American Society for Microbiology explainer article - Public Health and Medical Laboratory Professional Identity - https://asm.org/articles/2023/april/public-health-and-medical-laboratory-professional

CC: TACLS (Texas Association for Clinical Laboratory Science) ASCLS Region VII ASCP Board of Certification ASCP American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science TXST College of Health Professions

Public Health and Medical Laboratory Professional Identity | ASM.org Increasing public awareness and enhancing visibility for the vital work performed by medical laboratory and public health professionals is important to the health and well-being of society.

Join me in congratulating an exceptional student and future leader in laboratory medicine, Skyler Jade Ramdeen, on being named the TXST College of Health Professions, Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program Outstanding Student Award recipient.

Skyler’s journey to Texas State University began in Trinidad and Tobago, where she made the courageous decision to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science—recognizing a critical gap in advanced laboratory education in her home country. Her vision extends far beyond personal achievement; she is committed to elevating the visibility, development, and impact of the MLS profession both locally and globally.

At Texas State, Skyler has distinguished herself as a scholar, researcher, and leader. From serving as President of the Texas State Society of Medical Laboratory Science (SMLS) and Vice President of the Microbiology Club, to mentoring peers as an Instructional Assistant, she has consistently demonstrated initiative, professionalism, and a passion for service.

Her research on virus therapeutics—under the mentorship of Olanrewaju Adeyemi MLS(ASCPi), Ph.D —has earned top honors at multiple conferences and contributes to meaningful advancements in infectious disease diagnostics and care.

Her accomplishments reflect the very heart of the College of Health Professions’ mission: preparing professionals through innovative teaching, evidence-based practice, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Skyler embodies the College’s vision to address healthcare challenges and disparities in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

As we celebrate Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (April 19–25, 2026), Skyler’s story is a powerful reminder of the critical role laboratory professionals play in advancing patient care, public health, and scientific discovery.

We are incredibly proud of Skyler and look forward to the impact she will continue to make in the laboratory sciences and beyond.



TACLS (Texas Association for Clinical Laboratory Science) American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science ASCP Shamila Thomas Ramdeen Autumn Vela Nathalie Austin Dave Falleur Rodney Rohde Texas State University Round Rock Campus

🎉Join me in celebrating an extraordinary achievement within our community! 🎉

I am incredibly proud to recognize Skyler Jade Ramdeen, a senior in the Texas State University T@TXST College of Health Professions, Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program, for being named one of the inaugural Chautauqua Eleven Award recipients—one of the university’s highest honors for graduating seniors.

This prestigious award recognizes students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and service—core values that reflect the very mission and founding vision of Texas State University.

Skyler’s selection is a testament to her unwavering dedication, professionalism, and commitment to advancing healthcare through the clinical laboratory sciences. As MLS Chair, it has been an honor to witness her growth and to see her recognized among an elite group of student leaders who are shaping the future of Texas and beyond.

At Texas State MLS, we take immense pride in developing future laboratory professionals who not only excel academically, but also lead with purpose and serve with integrity. Skyler embodies the very best of our program and the profession.

Please join me in congratulating Skyler on this well-deserved recognition! 👏 The future of laboratory medicine—and healthcare—is brighter because of leaders like you.



CC: ASCP ASCP Board of Certification ASCLS Region VII American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Kelly Damphousse Shamila Thomas Ramdeen Autumn Vela Nathalie Austin Dave Falleur Texas State University Round Rock Campus TACLS (Texas Association for Clinical Laboratory Science) Rodney Rohde

More: https://www.studentsuccess.txst.edu/chautauqua-eleven.html