Nominee: Brendan Klutts

Nominator: Anonymous

“Brendan was working the evening shift when he received a phone call that a possible Ebola patient was coming to MCU for care and someone from the State Hygienic Lab would be coming to collect the biohazardous specimen. This was not a routine phone call that the microbiology lab receives. Brendan understood the seriousness of this possibly infectious patient and contacted the microbiology medical director, Dr. Brad Ford. This alert started a cascade of responses throughout the hospital and clinical laboratories. Specimens collected from this patient were identified in the laboratory and held for testing. Special precautions were taken in the handling of the microbiology specimens. Brendan assisted staff on the weekend to isolate and flag specimens of concern. These are the events that often get overlooked on a Saturday evening when there are limited staff working. Brendan used critical thinking without an on-site supervisor to notify the correct individuals of this suspicious lab order which saved many lab employees from being exposed to this agent. He then spent much of his shift addressing questions and concerns from hospital employees about these samples. Brendan deserves to be recognized for helping raise the alert in this rare and unusual case of Lassa fever.”

How long have you been working in Pathology?
I started working in Pathology in May 2024, and I’ve really enjoyed the experience so far.

What do you enjoy about working here?
I enjoy the problem-solving aspect as well as knowing that every time a patient sample comes to the lab, I am contributing to patient diagnoses.

What made you decide to become a lab professional?
My dad is a pathologist, so I have always had some exposure to the field. I’ve always been fascinated by the science behind the microbiology process—how tiny organisms can have such a massive impact on health and how we can use data and lab techniques to uncover answers.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Outside of work you will find me in the gym, studying, shooting pool, or golfing when the weather is nice.

What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is somewhere tropical like the Maldives or Bora Bora.

What is your favorite movie?
Interstellar. Christopher Nolan is my favorite director, and this film perfectly captures what I love about science fiction – space, time, and the unknown. Also, Hans Zimmer.

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would be a scout for a professional soccer team.

Nominee: Ben Merriss

Nominator: Immunopathology Team

“Benjamin is a new addition to the Procurement Management Team. He has been working with our laboratory since he started in Pathology. Benjamin has made our ordering processes easy to handle and gets to any problems we may have with any deliveries or order errors right away! He is a very pleasant person to work with and always ready to help. We really appreciate his work ethic and responsiveness.”

How long have you been working in Pathology?

Since May of 2024.

What do you enjoy about working here?

Everything. I love the job and enjoy the people I work with.

What made you decide to come to Pathology?

I didn’t choose Pathology directly, but it because available and it fit my skillset. 

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy playing cards on the weekends with friends and enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter. 

What is your dream vacation?

A tour of Europe. I want to learn more of the history and it’s easy to hit multiple countries since they are so compacted. 

What is your favorite movie?

I can’t really say I have a favorite. 

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?

I would like work in as part of a think tank.