Alumni Spotlight: Kristofer Serrano
Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the Department of Molecular Pathology at UCI Medical Center
Major & Concentration:
B.S. in Biological Science: Cell and Developmental Biology, 2017
What are you doing now?
I work at UCI Medical Center as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the Department of Molecular Pathology. I was initially hired in 2020 to perform COVID PCR testing. I am now responsible for performing various assays that test for hereditary disorders, cancer diagnosis, and pharmacogenomics. Our lab works closely with the hematology/oncology physicians to manage the treatment of internal and external patients. We extract DNA and RNA from bone marrow, tissue, and peripheral blood samples, which are then tested using an assortment of molecular methods.
What were you involved with at Cal State Fullerton?
I was a member of Dr. Brennan’s lab for three years, in which we researched immunity in Drosophila fruit flies. In this lab, I learned much about genetics and molecular techniques, which I’m able to apply to my career today.
How did you choose your career and what role did CSU Fullerton play in finding your career?
I was not aware of the existence of Clinical Lab Science until about a year before I graduated. As graduation approached, I decided that I wanted to be involved in healthcare in some way. However, I did not want to be involved in direct patient contact, so I googled hospital careers that utilize biology degrees. I came across the CLS profession and after researching more, I learned that these biologists were the individuals that perform the lab tests that physicians order. Blood counts and differentials, metabolic panels, microbiological identifications, and blood typing are all performed by CLSs, as well as many other tests. This interested me greatly, and I eventually was accepted into the CLS training program at UCI Medical Center. The knowledge and critical thinking skills that I gained from my CSUF courses helped me succeed during my challenging training year at UCI.
What are the pros and cons of your career?
Pros:
The career is in demand throughout the country due to a nationwide shortage of CLSs.
CLSs have a direct impact on patient care, as a majority of decisions that a physician makes is based on lab results that we are responsible for performing.
There are many departments that a CLS can work in depending on one’s area of interest, including Hematology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Blood Bank, Immunogenetics, and Molecular Pathology.
Cons:
Due to the shortage, it is common for a lab to be short-staffed.
The career is not well known and there are not many training programs in California, making it somewhat difficult to enter the career in this state.
What was your work/life balance like at Cal State Fullerton and what is it like now?
I spent a majority of my free time studying when I attended CSUF. However, I tried to reserve the weekends for friends and family. My work/life balance is much better now. I do not take any work home.
What advice would you give current CSUF Biology students?
I would advise current CSUF Biology students to join a professor’s lab and get involved in research. It is a great way to gain experience and make connections with others. My PI, Dr. Brennan, was a great mentor during my time at CSUF, and still is to this day. I also met some of my closest friends in her lab.
