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From R&D and product development to manufacturing and medical affairs, we’re highlighting the scientists, engineers, and clinicians supporting the solutions found in labs across the world.
Product Applications
For senior staff applications scientist, Michele Hollingsworth, her first memory of science is clear as day. It stems from her childhood, having been raised in the picturesque Catskill Mountains of New York, surrounded by nature.
“As a child, I remember lying on my back in my backyard, fascinated by beautiful cloud formations. I was amazed by how many types there were, how they moved and interacted. When I went to school and found out exactly how clouds were created, how different configurations were formed and what they meant, I became increasingly interested in making further discoveries.”
Those early days of cloud gazing inspired Michele to pursue science. She went on to earn her undergraduate degrees in zoology and clinical sciences/medical technology, and a master’s degree in clinical sciences. An alumna of Howard University and California State University Dominquez Hills, Michele’s career has spanned research, clinical science, education, and lab management. In her current role at Beckman Coulter, she provides technical support and serves as a subject matter expert to several cross-functional teams, including new product development.
“I chose to pursue science because of my passion and dedication to discovering how systems in nature work,” said Michele.
Medical Affairs
And in the case of medical director Lindsay Sun, her first introduction to science was anything but a traditional textbook experience.
“When I was in middle school, I remember my biology teacher introduced me to a biology book, which was not about textbook concepts, but it had a lot of fun facts on biology,” said Lindsay. “That has opened a door for me to a world outside of textbooks.”
After earning her medical degree from Shanghai Medical University, Lindsay worked as an Endocrinologist at Zhongshan Hospital in Shanghai. Lindsay joined Beckman Coulter China as their first medical affairs manager tasked with educating physicians on the clinical use of our products. Today, she’s part of our global medical affairs team, providing clinical insights to help inform and shape new products and research activities.
She’s currently working on immunoassay products, including tests for reproductive and prostate health, blood viruses, and cardiac biomarkers. “What I love most about my job is the opportunity to work with experts on research studies to generate clinical evidence, especially those that explore novel uses of our product which could have a significant implication for clinicians and patients,” said Lindsay.
Her advice to young girls interested in the field: “Be curious about things happening around you: ask yourself lots of whys and leverage all the great resources, including social media to help find the answers.”
Product Marketing
As a daughter of a registered nurse, Kanochia Johnson had an early appreciation for the medical field, and knew early on that she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and pursue healthcare.
“I enjoy knowing that what I do and the products I support have an impact on patient lives,” said Kanochia. “And that I contribute to the well-being of patients and their families.”
As a global product marketing manager, Kanochia has extensive experience not only using laboratory products and solutions, but also researching, developing, and commercializing them. She has also been noted for her experience in animal health with her contributions to the development of the first chemotherapy drug for dogs. With an undergraduate degree in clinical laboratory sciences from Northern Illinois University and master’s degrees in business administration and project management from Keller Graduate School of Management, she’s worked on some of the leading diagnostics products found in laboratories today.
“We focus on our customers and the innovative approaches we make every day make a difference,” said Kanochia, whose most recent product portfolios included hematology and urinalysis.
Her advice to young girls interested in the field: “Education is key to everything you do in life. Always work and study hard and follow your dreams. Do not be afraid to explore the unknown and be challenged by what the world throws your way.”
Clinical Content
From bench scientist to professor to scientific marketer, Mary Anne Sullivan Lofstrom is a self-described life-long student. A biology major who went on to earn a doctor of philosophy in microbiology/immunology at Northwestern University, learning about and educating others on science has been a constant.
“In science and medicine, there’s always something new to discover and always something interesting to learn—new techniques, new diagnostics, new species!” said Mary Anne. At Beckman Coulter she serves as an educator and liaison, developing clinical and scientific global marketing content across all product areas, including hematology, urinalysis, and chemistry. Previously, she worked on induced pluripotent stem cell-derived platforms for neural and cardiac drug discovery.
Of her initial interest to pursue a career in science: “A lot of it goes back to my early memories,” said Mary Anne, recalling an elementary school assignment of sketching the human brain. “I remember bringing it home, and my mom, who is a nurse, exclaiming that she didn’t know the structure of the brain until she was in nursing school.” That interest continued as she learned about additional areas, including genetics. “There were so many traits that didn’t fit nicely into the Punnett Square. So many questions left unanswered,” said Mary Anne. “Science is like a mystery—and I love mysteries.”
Her advice to anyone interested in our field: “Do it! Science is for everyone. And really, everything we do is science.”
