Advancing science, students and impact

A Note from Melissa Jamerson, Ph.D.

Chair, MLS

Excellence in Medical Laboratory Sciences takes many forms at VCU. In this issue, you’ll see how it shows up in discovery, teaching, mentorship, access and impact. 

From faculty-led research that is reshaping how we understand heart disease to statewide recognition of outstanding teaching in Southwest Virginia, these stories reflect a department committed to advancing science while never losing sight of students and patients.

You’ll also see how excellence is built collectively. Programs like the Transfusion Services Summer Scholars and the statewide MLS Spring Symposium create meaningful bridges – between classroom and clinic, student and professional, curiosity and career.

RESEARCH & FACULTY NEWS

Rewriting the story of heart disease,

one immune cell at a time

MLS researcher Michael Lacy, Ph.D., is uncovering how misdirected inflammation – specifically behavior of T cells – fuels atherosclerosis, the plaque buildup behind most heart attacks and strokes.

His work explores how epigenetics might be used to “re-train” these immune cells, paving the way for future targeted therapies for cardiovascular disease.

Williams named Faculty of the Year for Southwest Center

Josh Williams, Ph.D., assistant professor and site coordinator of our MLS program in Abingdon, was named 2025-26 Faculty of the Year for the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes Williams' dedication to excellence in the classroom and strong commitment to student success.

David Matlock, executive director of the Higher Education Center; Josh Williams, Ph.D., VCU; Neta Farmer, executive vice president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce; Blair Anderson, chamber president.

DEPARTMENT NEWS

A front-row seat to lifesaving lab careers

For one immersive week in July, high school and college students explored the high-stakes world of transfusion medicine through hands-on labs and clinical experiences. The Transfusion Services Summer Scholars program linked classroom science to real patient care and sparked interest in critical, in-demand laboratory careers.

Statewide MLS Spring Symposium

to come to Richmond

This April, the department will host the statewide MLS Spring Symposium, bringing students, educators and laboratory professionals together for hands-on learning, continuing education and meaningful connections across Virginia’s clinical lab community.

From rural roots to global research

What began with a guest speaker at a Southwest Virginia community college launched MLS graduate Alex Counts toward a Ph.D. and cutting-edge tick-borne disease research – showcasing how accessible pathways at Virginia Commonwealth University match students to opportunities that truly count.

Tutoring builds community and student success

As the MLS program’s peer tutor, senior Jenna Carter is helping classmates navigate a demanding curriculum through creative, collaborative study sessions. In the process, she's strengthening both student success and a sense of belonging.

Full-tuition scholarships open doors in Southwest Virginia

A new partnership between MLS and the Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation is removing financial barriers for our students in Abingdon, providing four full-tuition scholarships that expand access, strengthen the rural workforce pipeline and create life-changing opportunities.

Juniors Keller Anderson, Lillian West, Kaylah Sams and Amy Childress received CTF scholarships.

Enhance our program's impact by supporting students

By giving specifically to student scholarships, you help the next generation of laboratory professionals obtain the first-class education and training they need to fill critical needs in health care today. Thank you for making this dream achievable for more students.

VCU Medical Laboratory Sciences

900 E. Leigh St.

Richmond, Virginia 23298-0008

Phone: (804) 828-9469

Fax: (804) 828-1911