To prepare students for future careers as laboratory professionals, the Department of Allied Health Sciences (AHS) and the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) began a partnership in 2022 to provide an experiential learning opportunity as part of their coursework. Students tour the CVMDL and observe first-hand to understand the workings of an active service center performing diagnostic laboratory work and research at UConn Storrs. The CVMDL is located within the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science. 

The opportunity to learn about the CVMDL and to tour the facility was designed for students in the Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) and Diagnostic Genetic Sciences (DGS) professional degree programs as part of the course Laboratory Operations and Professional Practice (MLSC 4500) co-taught by Bruce Blanchard, assistant clinical professor and director of the MLS program, and Lauren Corso, MLS faculty and researcher. Blanchard and CVMDL laboratory technicians Maureen Sims and Holly McGinnis formed the partnership to provide students with an opportunity to connect their classwork directly to practice. 

“For many students, this is often their first look at a diagnostic laboratory,” says Maureen Sims. “The introduction shapes students’ understanding and knowledge before a semester-long internship at a clinical affiliate, and their future careers as allied health professionals.”

Zeinab Helal micropipettes samples the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory on April 7, 2021. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Jiyeon Hyeon, a postdoctoral fellow, works at the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory on April 7, 2021. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Ticks at the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory on July 21, 2017. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Students work in the pathology section of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL), which includes necropsy spaces and a histology laboratory for tissue preparation and testing. (Contributed Photo)

Alyza Barbieri '21 (CLAS) works at the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory on April 7, 2021. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

A student studies samples with a caliper in the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) in the Wilbur O. Atwater Laboratory (ATWR). July 21, 2021. (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)

Students and staff from the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) pose for a photo in front of their research posters at the One Health conference, organized by the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) in the Student Union (SU) Ballroom on April 1, 2024. (Contributed Photo)

Ngan Thach ’21 ‘23 (CAHNR), a dual degree student who majored in pathobiology and medical laboratory sciences, says her work in the CVMDL prepared her for her current role as a medical laboratory scientist in UMass Memorial Medical Center’s Transfusion Medicine Department. 

“As a first-year student, I had never worked in a lab before,” says Thach. “When I first started in the CVMDL, my supervisors taught me everything about laboratory policies and procedures. From my experience in the lab and coursework (in the MLS program), I was well-prepared for what awaited me as a new graduate entering the workforce.” 

Thach says the techniques she learned in the CVMDL and MLS program have helped her take blood samples, test, analyze, and determine if patients require blood products, such as whole blood, red cells, plasma, and platelets. Her training also helped her investigate reasons for certain results, including if other medications are interfering with a test. 

“The skills I learned have become second nature. I have the ability to confidently and accurately perform blood tests that have a direct impact on patient care,” says Thach. “I feel great about providing exceptional care to patients in my community.” 

During the tour, students learn about the inner workings of all sections of the CVMDL, from accepting samples to finalizing test results. The tour begins with an overview of the diagnostics performed as well as the research that is done in the service center. Students also learn about the CVMDL’s accreditation by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics. CVMDL is the only diagnostic laboratory in New England to possess this accreditation. It allows diagnostic testing on any type of animal. 

For this accreditation and other designations, such as being a Level 2 Laboratory of USDA National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), a member of the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (VetLIRN), and a member of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) program, students learn how the CVMDL works with partners at the local, state, and national levels while explaining its internal quality control and competences as a nationally recognized laboratory. 

After the presentation, students tour the CVMDL’s admissions area and the Necropsy, Histology, Pathology, and the Diagnostic Testing Services (DTS) sections. The DTS sections include serology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and next generation sequencing labs where samples are tested using different methodologies. The tour follows how samples are received, documented, prepared, tested, and then how the results and data are collected to be reviewed, reported, and shared. 

“The background knowledge, critical thinking skills, and adeptness at various lab techniques is all from learning from the phenomenal CVMDL supervisors and UConn professors. Everything they’ve taught me has helped me to become a successful medical laboratory scientist and provide exceptional care to patients in my community,” says Thach. 

The CVMDL is part of the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science (PVS) in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). For students interested in gaining experience at the CVMDL, they can apply for consideration online. 

Students interested in learning more about opportunities in Allied Health Sciences should visit the department’s website at alliedhealth.uconn.edu.

Follow UConn CAHNR on social media