Nominee: Sarah Hornberg

Nominator: Anonymous

“Sarah did a great presentation to our Pathology team on LTDs. This is a complicated thing to understand, and she did a great job breaking it down for everyone.”

How long have you been working in Pathology?
Nearly 12 years. I started in Pathology back in 2012 as a student technician in the Molecular Pathology Lab. I transitioned into an MLS role in 2013 and have been here ever since!

What do you enjoy about working here?
Honestly, this work forces me to challenge myself. It’s one thing to have scientific knowledge of a process but combining that with interpersonal, financial, and organizational skills takes it to a different level. Being the laboratory supervisor inspired me to enroll in an MHA program to better understand the different facets of hospital administration. On a personal level, I know exactly what it’s like to have a family member diagnosed with cancer and navigate the complexities of treatment combined with the overwhelming financial burden of that treatment. I’ve always made it one of my main priorities to make sure we are doing testing as quickly and efficiently as possible to reduce the cost passed along to our patients.

What made you decide to become a lab professional?
I have always loved science. I didn’t have a solid plan going through college, but I like to say I kept “rolling in the right direction.” As a sophomore I was hired to work in the Wassink lab to do projects related to genetic sequencing of schizophrenia and autism cohorts. During that time, I had signed up to be a mentor for Women and Science and Engineering through the university. My mentee was actually the one who introduced me to the clinical laboratory science program. My previous genetics experience made me unique among my MLS class and allowed me to start in molecular pathology.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
When I’m not at work you can find me reading, playing video games, or playing with my two boys (7rs, 4yrs).

What is your dream vacation?
I’d love to travel to Greece to tour the temple ruins and visit their museums. I’m not a huge wine person, but I’m 100% on board for smashing some grapes in a bucket.

What is your favorite movie?
I love movies based on historical events. I think Gladiator wins this one hands down. It helps that the soundtrack was composed by Hans Zimmer, who is one of my favorite modern-day composers, but it also has such a memorable ending.  “I will see you again… but not yet… not yet.”

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would absolutely be a librarian. I’ve always been an avid reader and there’s something inherently calming about being surrounded by books. I also love the smell of new books. If anyone knows of a “new book smell” candle or air freshener, I’m all ears!

Nominee: Katie Minehart

Nominator: Anonymous

“Katie has been a huge help to me for all of my HR questions. She does a great job explaining things in a way that makes sense.”

How long have you been working in Pathology?
I have been working here for about 7.5 years.

What do you enjoy about working here?
I really like the people and seeing their dedication and how they care about the patients.

What made you decide to pursue a career in HR?
While I am not a scientist or have lab-based technical skills, I enjoy doing the behind-the-scenes work to help the people who are.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Cooking, reading, and baking.

What is your dream vacation?
I would like to go hiking through new mountain ranges while tenting outside and staying at cabins.

What is your favorite book?
My favorite book that I have read recently is The Ministry of Time.

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would be a donut maker by day and a local pub bartender by night.

Nominee: Tony Wissink

Nominator: Anonymous

“Tony has been so helpful with all of my IT needs since I have started here in the department. Sometimes they are very simple things that I should probably know, but he never makes me feel like I am wasting his time or asking dumb questions. He has been one of the most welcoming team members since I have started here.”

How long have you been working in Pathology?
I have been here 7 years.

What do you enjoy about working here?
It’s a good group of people to work with and I like that my days are never the same.

What made you decide to become a lab professional?
It’s all I have ever done. I have been an IT professional for my career.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I like spending time with my family and going on adventures big and small with them.

What is your dream vacation?
I would like to go hiking in the mountains. I have always enjoyed hiking and gotten the chance to hike though a few mountain ranges.

What is your favorite movie?
I tend to not rewatch movies, but I would say Swordfish.

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would be a chef. I enjoy cooking.