Volume 40 Number 2 | April 2026

The ASCLS Nominations Committee is pleased to present the following candidates for office in the 2026-27 Society year. Candidates selected by ASCLS members will take office during the 2026 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting. Members will elect one president-elect; three 3-year term directors; one 5-year term member for the Judicial Committee; and three 2-year term members for the Nominations Committee.

In an effort to create more touch points between the candidates running for national positions and the members electing them to those positions, the ASCLS Nominations Committee scheduled virtual Meet and Greet and Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions in April and May to provide an opportunity for members to ask questions of the candidates running for national positions. For members who cannot attend, recordings of the events will be shared.

You Can Vote in the Upcoming ASCLS Election

Changes to the ASCLS Elections Procedure and How to Prepare

Last June, the ASCLS House of Delegates approved opening voting to all eligible members of ASCLS (Professional, Ascending Professional, Developing Professional, and Emeritus) for national officers, Board of Directors, and elective committees. Previously only the House of Delegates members voted in national elections.

How to Vote
  • All eligible members will receive a link to vote electronically by email and text (if a mobile phone number is provided in your member profile).
When to Vote
  • Voting will open on Wednesday, May 13, at 11 am Eastern and will close on Wednesday, May 20, at 11 am Eastern.
Review Your Contact Information
  • Members are responsible for making sure your contact information is accurate in your member profile, especially your email and mobile phone, if you prefer to receive text message. Review your profile (login required).
Meet the Candidates
  • Read the biographies and watch videos submitted by the candidates running for office.
  • Attend virtual Ask Me Anything sessions to learn more and ask questions. If you can’t attend in real time, recordings will be posted online.

Candidates for President-Elect

Vote for one.

Meet Your President-Elect Candidates – Sunday, April 19, 2 pm ET
Panelists: Demetra “Toula” Castillo and Edward J. Peterson, Jr.

Demetra Castillo

Demetra “Toula” Castillo, MEd, MLS(ASCP)CM, AHI(AMT)

Edward Peterson

Edward J. Peterson, Jr., MBA, MLS(ASCP)

Constituent Society: Illinois

Join Year: 1997

Current Job Title: Associate Professor, University of Cincinnati

Educational Degrees: BS-Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science, MEd-Adult Education

Certifications: MLS(ASCP)CM, AHI(AMT)

Years attended ASCLS Annual Meeting (last 5 years, virtual or in-person): 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

State Board/Committee Positions (5 yrs): 2021-2025; Officer/Treasurer; Board of Directors, ASCLS-IL

Regional Board Positions (5 yrs): n/a

National Board Member (5 Yrs): n/a

National Committee or Task Force (5 yrs):

  • 2021-Present; Advisor, Developing Professionals Forum
  • 2024-2025; Chair; Awards Committee
  • 2021-2024; Member, Vice-Chair, Chair; Nominations Committee
  • 2021-2024; Member, Vice-Chair, Chair; Leadership Academy Committee
  • 2024-2025; Member; Elections Taskforce

Professional Practice Setting: Higher Education

Community Type (employment): Urban

Clinical Focus:

  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Hematology
  • Immunology/Serology

Professional Practice Focus: Educator

Why are you interested in this role?

I am seeking the role of president-elect because I am committed to the mission, members, and future of our association, and I believe this moment calls for thoughtful, inclusive, and development-focused leadership. My interest is grounded in years of service through committee leadership, program development, and initiatives that support members across career stages. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of our association’s operations, strengths, and opportunities for growth. I approach leadership intentionally, centered on listening, alignment, transparency, and sustainability. I view the president-elect role as a responsibility to support leaders, develop future leaders, and ensure mission-driven progress. I am motivated by the evolving needs of our members. The expansion to all member voting reflects shared ownership and inclusivity—values that guide my professional work. While I have not served on the national board, I have led nationally with accountability, by collaborating closely with volunteer leaders to navigate complex organizational processes. I am prepared to contribute with purpose, learn continuously, and serve with integrity and professionalism.

Constituent Society: Florida

Join Year: 1991

Current Job Title: Vice President of Laboratory Services, Memorial Healthcare System

Educational Degrees: BS-Biology and Medical Technology, MBA-Business Administration

Certifications: MLS(ASCP)

Years attended ASCLS Annual Meeting (last 5 years, virtual or in-person): 2023, 2024, 2025

State Board/Committee Positions (5 yrs): 2021-present; Committee Member, Board Member/Treasurer; Florida Society for Clinical Laboratory Science

Regional Board Positions (5 yrs): n/a

National Board Member (5 Yrs): n/a

National Committee or Task Force (5 yrs): 2021-present; Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) Oversight Committee

Professional Practice Setting: Integrated Health System

Community Type (employment): Urban

Clinical Focus:

  • Administration
  • Blood Bank
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Hematology
  • Microbiology

Professional Practice Focus:

  • Administrator of Clinical Practice
  • Educator Instructor
  • Vice President

Why are you interested in this role?

I seek this role because I believe deeply in ASCLS’s mission and in the power of strong, inclusive leadership to advance our profession during a time of rapid change and opportunity. Throughout my involvement with ASCLS and the clinical laboratory profession, I have seen firsthand the critical role laboratorians play in patient care, public health, and healthcare innovation. Yet I have also seen the challenges we face—workforce shortages, evolving regulatory demands, and the ongoing need for greater visibility and advocacy. These realities have strengthened my commitment to serve and to help position ASCLS as a bold, unified voice for laboratory professionals at every career stage.

If elected president-elect, I would prioritize advocacy, engagement, and professional development. I am particularly committed to strengthening collaboration across local, state, and national levels; supporting students and early-career professionals; and promoting leadership development to ensure the sustainability of our profession. I believe ASCLS must continue to be proactive in shaping policy, educating stakeholders, and telling our story—clearly and confidently—to the public and to decision-makers.

Candidates for Director

Vote for three.

Meet Your Director Candidates – Saturday, April 25, 2 pm ET
Panelists: Dani Stroughton Duncan, Nicholas M. Moore, Leah L. Narans, and Heather Santaniello

Dani Stroughton Duncan

Dani Stroughton Duncan, EdD, MLS(ASCP)

Nicholas Moore

Nicholas M. Moore, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM, D(ABMM)

Leah Narans

Leah L. Narans, MBA, MLS(ASCP), AHI(AMT)

Heather Santaniello

Heather Santaniello, MLS(ASCP), MB(ASCP)

Constituent Society: Maryland

Join Year: 2019

Current Job Title: Director of Education, COLA Inc

Educational Degrees: BS-Medical Technology, Master of Education, Doctorate of Higher Education

Certifications: MLS(ASCP)

Years attended ASCLS Annual Meeting (last 5 years, virtual or in-person): 2022, 2024

State Board/Committee Positions (5 yrs): None

Regional Board Positions (5 yrs): None

National Board Member (5 Yrs): None

National Committee or Task Force (5 yrs): Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference (ELMC2) Steering Committee

Professional Practice Setting:

  • Community Hospital (<100 beds)
  • Accreditation Organization

Community Type (employment): Urban

Clinical Focus:

  • Administration
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Generalist
  • Point of Care

Professional Practice Focus:

  • Administrator of Clinical Practice
  • Educator Instructor
  • Educator/Clinical Coordinator

Why are you interested in this role?

I am interested in serving on the ASCLS Board of Directors because it represents a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the laboratory profession. I have been fortunate to gain experience across multiple areas of laboratory education and administration, and these roles have strengthened my belief in the importance of active engagement within professional organizations like ASCLS.

Through this involvement, I hope to support initiatives that create impactful, positive change in both the current landscape and the future direction of our industry. Serving on the board would allow me to lend my knowledge, experience, and commitment to furthering the mission of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and to help guide progress for the laboratory community as a whole.

Constituent Society: Illinois

Join Year: 2008

Current Job Title: Associate Director of Clinical Microbiology & Associate Professor, Rush University Medical Center

Educational Degrees: BS-Investigative & Medical Science, MS-Clinical Laboratory Science, PhD-Health Science

Certifications: MLS(ASCP)CM, D(ABMM)

Years attended ASCLS Annual Meeting (last 5 years, virtual or in-person): 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

State Board/Committee Positions (5 yrs): None

Regional Board Positions (5 yrs): None

National Board Member (5 Yrs): 2023-present; Director

National Committee or Task Force (5 yrs): 2021-2024; Joint Annual Meeting Steering Committee; Vice-Chair, Chair, Past Chair

Professional Practice Setting: Academic Medical Center 

Community Type (employment): Urban

Clinical Focus:

  • Administration
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular

Professional Practice Focus: Administrator of Clinical Practice

Why are you interested in this role?
I am honored to have served on the board since being elected in 2023. I am seeking reelection to the ASCLS Board of Directors because our profession is at a critical moment. Workforce shortages, evolving technologies, and changing reimbursement models demand steady, informed leadership. My first term on the board has been spent learning the ins and outs of the Society, and I see reelection as a way to both preserve institutional knowledge and maintain consistency in strategic priorities that have been set by the board. ASCLS and our profession continue to face enormous external pressures. I am dedicated to advocacy at all levels, especially as it relates to legislation and policies that directly impact the laboratory profession, science, and public health. I think it is vital to continue and promote the visibility of laboratory medicine as essential to patient care. Lastly, I have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful in serving on the board. Reelection will allow me to continue advancing these priorities, build on initiatives underway, and ensure that ASCLS remains a powerful voice for the laboratory professionals who safeguard patient care every day.

Constituent Society: Wisconsin

Join Year: 1991

Current Job Title:Laboratory Education Director, SSM Health

Educational Degrees: BS-Medical Technology, MBA-Business, Management Emphasis, EdD-Doctorate of Education Leadership in progress

Certifications: MLS(ASCP), AHI(AMT)

Years attended ASCLS Annual Meeting (last 5 years, virtual or in-person): 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

State Board/Committee Positions (5 yrs):

  • 2022-2026, Member, Chair, ASCLS-Wisconsin State Conference Committee
  • 2021-present, Consultant Member, ASCLS-Wisconsin Scholarship Committee
  • 2021-2023, Past-President, Member, ASCLS-Wisconsin Board

Regional Board Positions (5 yrs): 2021-2023, 2025-2026, Member, ASCLS Region V Annual Meeting Committee

National Board Member (5 Yrs): None

National Committee or Task Force (5 yrs):

  • 2024-present, Education and Research Inc, Board of Trustee
  • 2025-present, Member, Association of Medical Laboratory Education Programs Committee

Professional Practice Setting: 

  • Higher Education
  • Hospital (>100 beds)

Community Type (employment): Urban

Clinical Focus:

  • Administration
  • Blood Bank
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Generalist
  • Hematology
  • Immunology/Serology
  • Microbiology
  • Point of Care
  • Education

Professional Practice Focus:

  • Administrator in Higher Education
  • Educator Instructor
  • Educator/Clinical Coordinator

Why are you interested in this role?
I have been an active member of ASCLS since 1991. This organization has been my professional home where I learned, grew, and found my voice as a leader. Most of my service has been grass roots in Wisconsin where I believe meaningful change occurs. My early involvement was as the student forum chair (now developing professional chair) for Wisconsin from 1993-1994, and a couple of decades later, I had the honor of serving as state president from 2020-2021. I have held roles on many state committees including our State Scholarship Committee, the Future Directions Task Force, and the Sustainability Committee. In the last five years my service has expanded into regional and national committees, giving me a larger perspective on our professional needs.

In Wisconsin I am know to be a problem solver. I often joke that I use my ADHD powers for good, but it is true: my brain naturally sees patterns, gaps, and unconventional solutions. I enjoy building programs that address long standing challenges. I am a hard worker who is energized by helping people and improving systems. On the national board I will be able to use my neurospicy problem solving to support ASCLS on a national level.

Constituent Society: Kansas

Join Year: 2017

Current Job Title: Medical Laboratory Scientist, Lawrence Memorial Hospital

Educational Degrees: BS-Clinical Laboratory Science, DCLS-Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science in progress

Certifications: MLS(ASCP), MB(ASCP)

Years attended annual meeting (last 5 years, virtual or in-person): 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

State Committee/Board Positions (5 yrs):

  • 2022-2024; President-Elect; ASCLS-Kansas

  • 2024-present; President; ASCLS-Kansas

  • 2021-present; Public Relations Chair; ASCLS-Kansas

Regional Positions (5 yrs): None

National Board Member (5 Yrs): None

National Committee or Task Force (5 yrs):

  • 2022-present; Political Action Committee; Member
  • 2022-2024; Political Action Committee; Chair
  • 2021-2022; Ascending Professionals Forum; Councilor at Large
  • 2025-present; Bioterrorism Preparedness Position Paper Task Force

Professional Practice Setting: Hospital (>100 beds)

Community Type (employment): Suburban

Clinical Focus:

  • Blood Bank
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Generalist
  • Hematology
  • Immunology/Serology

Professional Practice Focus: Bench Practitioner

Why are you interested in this role?
I am passionate about advancing the clinical laboratory profession and supporting the mission of ASCLS. Serving on the board would allow me to contribute my leadership experience, advocate for laboratory professionals, and help with initiatives that would strengthen ASCLS and out profession. I want to bring my experience, energy, and commitment to fostering collaboration and advocating for our profession.

Candidate for Judicial Committee

Vote for one.

Meet Your Nominations and Judicial Committee Candidates – Saturday, May 2, 2 pm ET
Panelists: Hassan Aziz, Karen Beck, Emilia Marrero-Greene, and Samanta Peterson

Hassan Aziz

Hassan Aziz, PhD, MLS(ASCP)

Constituent Society: Texas

Join Year: 1994

Current Job Title: Dean, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Educational Degrees: BSc-MedicTechnology, MSc-Medical Technology, PhD-Science Education

Certifications: MLS(ASCP)

Years attended ASCLS Annual Meeting (last 5 years, virtual or in-person): 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

State Board/Committee Positions (5 yrs): None

Regional Board Positions (5 yrs): None

National Board Member (5 Yrs): 2020-2023; President-Elect, President, Past President

National Committee or Task Force (5 yrs): 2022-2023; Nominations Committee

Professional Practice Setting: Higher Education

Community Type (employment): Urban

Clinical Focus:

  • Administration
  • Microbiology

Professional Practice Focus:

  • Administrator in Higher Education
  • Consultant
  • Educator Instructor

Why are you interested in this role?
I am interested in serving on the ASCLS Judicial Committee to continue supporting the Society’s commitment to fairness, integrity, and due process. Having served ASCLS in multiple leadership roles, including president of the Society, I bring a deep understanding of the Society’s bylaws, governance structure, and professional expectations. My career spans academic leadership, laboratory practice, accreditation, and regulatory compliance, requiring sound judgment, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making. As a longtime professional and ASCLS member, I have extensive experience reviewing complex cases objectively and applying policy consistently while respecting diverse perspectives. I am committed to upholding ASCLS standards and ensuring that all matters before the Judicial Committee are addressed with transparency, professionalism, and respect for our members and the profession.

Candidates for Nominations Committee

Vote for three.

Meet Your Nominations and Judicial Committee Candidates – Saturday, May 2, 2 pm ET
Panelists: Hassan Aziz, Karen Beck, Emilia Marrero-Greene, and Samanta Peterson

Karen Beck

Karen Beck, EdD, MLS(ASCP)CM

Emilia Marrero-Greene

Emilia Marrero-Greene, MEd, MT(AAB), M(ASCP)CM, MLT(ASCP)

Samantha Peterson

Samantha Peterson, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM

Constituent Society: Maryland

Join Year: 2017

Current Job Title: Professor & Clinical Coordinator, MLT & Histotechnology Programs, The Community College of Baltimore County

Educational Degrees: BS-Medical Laboratory Science, MA-Instructional Systems Development (Education track), EdD-Higher Education and Adult Learning

Certifications: MLS(ASCP)CM

Years attended ASCLS Annual Meeting (last 5 years, virtual or in-person): None

State Board/Committee Positions (5 yrs): None

Regional Board Positions (5 yrs): None

National Board Member (5 Yrs): None

National Committee or Task Force (5 yrs): 2023-present; Member, Vice-Chair, Chair; Association of Medical Laboratory Educational Programs (AMLEP)

Professional Practice Setting:Higher Education

Community Type (employment): Suburban

Clinical Focus: Microbiology 

Professional Practice Focus:

  • Bench Practitioner
  • Educator/Clinical Coordinator

Why are you interested in this role?

My involvement within ASCLS has evolved since the pandemic. I was a member who attended the Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference (CLEC) annually at first. Then I joined the board for my state society and helped bolster engagement. I also gave a state society workshop with a colleague. I was then selected as a founding member for the Association of Medical Laboratory Educational Programs (AMLEP). The following year, I was vice-chair and am currently chair. As we prepare to launch our website and accept members, I am excited to lead a passionate group of educators to bolster institutional progress and support our programs. I have also served on our Nominations Committee during my entire tenure and find the work valuable. Selecting people to lead initiatives is essential work that must consider the needs of the committee and the skills they could bring to the initiatives.

Constituent Society: Florida

Join Year: 2016

Current Job Title:Microbiology Supervisor, Lakeland Regional Health

Educational Degrees: AS-Medical Laboratory Technology, BS-Biology, MS-Health Care Education

Certifications: MT(AAB), M(ASCP)CM, MLT(ASCP)

Years attended ASCLS Annual Meeting (last 5 years, virtual or in-person): 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

State Board/Committee Positions (5 yrs):

  • 2020-2022; President-Elect; Florida Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
  • 2022-2024; President; Florida Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
  • 2024-present; Past-President; Florida Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
  • 2021-present; Member and Chair; Annual Symposium Planning Committee; Florida Society for Clinical Laboratory Science

Regional Board Positions (5 yrs): none

National Board Member (5 Yrs): none

National Committee or Task Force (5 yrs):

  • 2021-2023; Diversity Advocacy Council (DAC); Secretary
  • 2024-present; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Position Paper Task Force

Professional Practice Setting: Hospital (>100 beds)

Community Type (employment): Suburban

Clinical Focus:

  • Administration
  • Generalist
  • Microbiology 
  • Quality Assurance

Professional Practice Focus:

  • Administrator of Clinical Practice
  • Bench Practitioner
  • Educator Instructor
  • Educator/Clinical Coordinator

Why are you interested in this role?
My time as an officer in the Florida Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (FSCLS) is coming to a close, and while I am planning to remain involved in my constituent society, I am looking forward to expanding my role in the larger organization. I am excited for Nominations Committee because I hope to actively recruit new talent to the board. During this time of political uncertainty and turmoil in the United States, and with science and our work continually being questioned and even attacked, we need to continue the pattern of strong leadership on our board. We need our voices to become collectively stronger for the betterment of our profession. I would love to help promote eager, scientific minds who want to make a difference in the organization and ultimately in the health of our country.

Constituent Society: North Dakota

Join Year: 2014

Current Job Title: Associate Professor, University of North Dakota

Educational Degrees: BS-Medical Laboratory Science, MS-Medical Laboratory Science, PhD-Teaching and Learning

Certifications: MLS(ASCP)CM

Years attended annual meeting (last 5 years, virtual or in-person): 2024, 2025

State Board/Committee Positions (5 yrs):

  • 2024-present; President-elect, President; ASCLS-North Dakota
  • 2025-present; Newsletter Editor; ASCLS-North Dakota
  • 2025; Planning Committee Co-Chair; ASCLS-North Dakota

Regional Positions (5 yrs): 2024-present; Planning Committee Member; Region V Annual Meeting (2025, 2026)

National Board Member (5 Yrs): None

National Committee or Task Force (5 yrs): None

Professional Practice Setting: Higher Education

Community Type (employment): Urban

Clinical Focus:

  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Generalist
  • Hematology
  • Immunology/Serology
  • Microbiology
  • Point of Care

Professional Practice Focus:

  • Administrator in Higher Education
  • Bench Practitioner
  • Educator Instructor

Why are you interested in this role?

I am interested in serving on the Nominations Committee because I value strong, transparent leadership and believe that thoughtful, inclusive recruitment is essential to the success of any organization. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to help publicize position vacancies in a way that reaches a diverse and qualified pool of candidates and encourages members who may not otherwise consider leadership roles to step forward.

I also look forward to working collaboratively to identify and evaluate nominees based on their qualifications, experience, and potential to contribute meaningfully. My background has helped me develop strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to assess individuals fairly and objectively. Serving on the Nominations Committee would allow me to contribute to the long-term strength of the organization by helping ensure that capable, committed leaders are identified and supported.