BGSU professor nationally recognized for contributions to medical laboratory science profession

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – A Bowling Green State University professor has been nationally recognized among the best in the medical laboratory science profession after being named to the American Society for Clinical Pathology's prestigious Top 40 Under Forty list for 2024.

As a member of the quality and innovative faculty at BGSU, Jessica Bankey, medical laboratory science (MLS) program director, was selected among this year's honorees for her contributions to the profession and the laboratory leadership she provides.

"Being selected is a great honor and I really appreciate the recognition," Bankey said. "There's always more work to be done in promoting and advancing this profession, and I am excited to be a part of that effort."

Part of Bankey's recognition stems from when she spearheaded the creation of the medical laboratory technician (MLT) to MLS degree completion program at BGSU. The flexible BGSU Online program provides laboratory technicians a pathway to earn a bachelor's degree while continuing to work full time. With classes taught by the same expert and supportive faculty who teach in the University's in-person medical laboratory science program, more professionals are able to advance their education and improve the profession as a whole.

As part of the recognition, honorees were asked to outline how they could improve the profession going forward. Bankey highlighted her plans to bring more visibility to MLS careers by improving access to education in pathology, increasing interdisciplinary collaboration and growing awareness of the profession to the public.

"I'm working to actively incorporate cutting-edge technology and methodologies into our curriculum and ensuring that students possess the skills and knowledge required to thrive in a swiftly evolving landscape," Bankey said. "Additionally, I'm advocating for expanding the role of pathology and laboratory science beyond our traditional boundaries. By encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, I aim to enhance the impact of laboratory medicine on patient outcomes and public health."

Bankey took over as the BGSU MLS program director in 2017 and immediately began working to grow the program while increasing the number of clinical sites for students to gain hands-on experience. A few years later during the global pandemic, demand soared for medical laboratory professionals and Bankey embraced online learning to help meet a critical workforce need during a crucial time in healthcare.

Under her guidance, the program took on a major role, supporting the learning community by conducting COVID-19 testing and partnering with local hospitals' clinical laboratories.

"My colleagues and I started working together to create different, innovative methods in order to bring the lab piece to the online environment," Bankey said. "From there, it sparked the idea of completing a degree online, while allowing students to complete 18 weeks of clinical internships closer to home."

In addition to spearheading the MLT to MLS program, Bankey also collaborated with the BGSU biology department to structure a micro program that allows graduate students to earn their degrees and sit for certification exams that will empower them to work as microbiologists.

Bankey's efforts to elevate the program, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and drive enrollment were noticed by Dr. Carrie Hamady, chair for the Department of Public and Allied Health at BGSU, well before the 40 Under Forty rankings were announced.

"Jessica is one of the most innovative educators and program directors I have worked with," Hamady said. "The online MLT to MLS program has allowed her to engage students who otherwise would not have been able to advance their careers, and she is incredibly passionate about the work of medical laboratory scientists.

"To be one of the 40 people chosen from a pool of professionals across the world is a major statement to everything that Jessica has accomplished. We are incredibly fortunate to have her here at BGSU, and our students benefit from her knowledge and experience."

While colleagues and current and former students continue to congratulate Bankey on her achievements and recognition, she remains humble yet honored.

"I don't want to diminish my accomplishments, but there are definitely some amazing people who work in the field and are doing amazing things too," she said. "We are a hidden profession and that's why I've made it my mission to ensure we are getting the word out there, not just to increase interest at BGSU, but within all MLS programs across the nation."