Texas State University-Medical Laboratory Science Program

July 4, 1776 -- The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. Source: History Calendar

Thanks America! 🇺🇸 ❤️🇺🇸🔥

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)