Nominee: Derek DeSotel
Nominated by: Anonymous
“He goes above and beyond for his patients. He is very knowledgeable and willing to help new employees and students with any questions they may have. His wiliness to help resolve issues and create a better workflow for his co-workers."
How long have you been working in pathology?
12 years. I was originally with Mercy for 10 years and continued with the University.
What do you enjoy about working here?
I enjoy the different challenges each day brings; no two days are similar. A big one is patient satisfaction; no one enjoys getting their blood drawn so I strive to make it an easy experience and somewhat enjoyable and quick. And being in a professional setting.
What made you decide to become a lab professional?
After I was laid off at my first job, I needed a new profession and my grandma mentioned to me about going to school and getting my CPT as she worked in the lab previously. So, after my clinicals I was hired by Mercy. I enjoyed the fast pace, always on the go, and how everyone has urgent labs that need to be done. After my 10th year I recently had a son, and the fast pace was just getting too fast, so I moved out to Heartland Drive Draw Station to find a little calmer setting than the hospital and after that shut down I moved to North Dodge Clinic.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy going on walks with my wife and son. I enjoy hanging out with friends and family or just hanging out with my son listening to the music I used to listen to (to make sure he has good taste in music when he grows up, lol).
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be to take the whole family to Glenwood Springs Colorado and just soak up in the natural springs surrounded by the mountains. And enjoy a little solitude away from the busy world.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie would have to be Edward Scissorhands (can’t watch it without one tear coming out).
If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would probably be some kind of absent-minded professor somewhere. There were so many thing I found fascinating in undergrad that I just didn’t have time to explore.
Nominee: An Pham
Nominated by: Anonymous
"She has actively contributed to having positive work environment by supporting all team members during each season and taking the load upon herself like in the lab week. She has always shared her knowledge and assisted in resolving operational challenges that we face. Open conversation is a quality that she has across functions and her willingness to step in during peak workload periods. Whenever she talks to us regarding an issue, she prioritizes team success over individual recognition. Our team has built a strong working relationship that enhanced coordination, morale, and collective performance because of her. I have never seen her get angry at anyone, instead she works on how to resolve things for the better of the job we do."
How long have you been working in the Department of Pathology?
I have been in the department for about 7 years.
What do you enjoy about working here?
I really enjoy the support I receive and having such wonderful coworkers.
What made you decide to become a lab professional?
I have always been interested in research and science, but I also wanted to work in a clinical setting. Becoming a lab professional allows me to combine both of these interests.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Traveling and spending time with family and friends.
What is your dream vacation?
A trip to Bora Bora.
What is your favorite movie?
The Gladiator.
If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would become a painter or pursue a career in the fine arts.
Nominee: Kiarash Salari
Nominated by: Anonymous
"Kiarash consistently goes above and beyond as a team player in the lab. He is always willing to step in and support others, especially when it comes to bioinformatics and R-based analyses. His depth of knowledge and technical skill make him an invaluable resource, and he never hesitates to share that expertise to help move projects forward. Whether troubleshooting code, offering guidance, or teaching new approaches, Kiarash plays a major role in strengthening the lab’s overall productivity and collaborative environment. His dedication, generosity with his time, and impressive range of skills truly deserve recognition."
How long have you been working in Pathology?
I have been working here for 6 years.
What do you enjoy about working here?
What I’ve enjoyed most about working at the University of Iowa has been the opportunity to work on a project that I find both challenging and rewarding. Throughout my time here, I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with many talented students whose support, collaboration, and enthusiasm have greatly contributed to my work. I also appreciate the culture of openness and collaboration across labs, where sharing materials, knowledge, and resources is common practice. This spirit of teamwork has made for a very positive and productive research environment.
What made you decide to become a lab professional?
I decided to become a lab professional because I have always been fascinated by how research helps us better understand the world around us. I enjoy working with laboratory equipment, designing experiments, and analyzing results. What keeps me motivated is that research is never static. There is always something new to discover, and every project offers an opportunity to learn and grow.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active by playing volleyball and working out at the gym. These activities help me maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, and I enjoy the teamwork, discipline, and energy they bring.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be going on a European cruise. I would love the opportunity to visit multiple countries in one trip, experience different cultures and cuisines, and see some of Europe’s famous landmarks and coastal cities.
What is your favorite movie?
I don't have a single favorite movie, but I generally enjoy fantasy and drama genres. Some of my favorites include the Harry Potter series, and I also enjoy television dramas such as Breaking Bad.
If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
If money were not a factor, I would love to be a private jet pilot. The combination of advanced technology, continuous learning, and the opportunity to travel and see different parts of the world is something I find very appealing.