Lab Scientists Under the Microscope: Meet Elizabeth White

In celebration of Lab Week 2026, we’re putting names and faces to some of the thousands of public health laboratory professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes protecting America’s health. In this special edition of “Lab Scientists Under the Microscope,” we’re focusing on APHL committee members, who serve the public and the organization as it turns 75.

Over the course of Lab Week, we’ll introduce you to some of these dedicated professionals and shed light on what led them to laboratory science, what they find most fulfilling about their jobs and what they wish people outside the lab knew about their roles.

Meet Elizabeth White, LIMS Administrator, Wyoming Public Health Laboratory

How did you get interested in lab science?

When I was younger, I envisioned a career in marine biology. However, I eventually realized that my professional interests were better suited for shallower waters when, after a trip to California, I realized I have a fear of deep ocean water! My passion for laboratory science was ignited during my first year of college when I was introduced to microbiology. I loved the idea that we could solve a biological puzzle using techniques that eventually led to the identification of a specific bacterium.

What’s the most fulfilling or exciting aspect of your job?

After taking on Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) duties in 2012, my focus has been on optimizing laboratory infrastructure to enhance scientists' daily workflows. The most rewarding aspect of my role is designing and implementing processes that yield tangible improvements for both our staff and the communities we serve. Efficiency is a win for everyone. Over the years, I’ve spearheaded several modernization projects, starting in 2014 with the transition from manual mailings to an automated faxing system to reduce turnaround times. More recently, I’ve led the implementation of our Laboratory Web Portal (LWP) and the deployment of DETOR in collaboration with our Public Health Nursing Offices. By integrating LWP and DETOR, we’ve transitioned our operations from manual data entry to a streamlined electronic workflow that accelerates clinical decision-making and enhances community health outcomes. This modernization doesn't just improve efficiency; it ensures that critical diagnostic information reaches the front lines in real time, enabling our rural population to receive rapid, high-quality care. 

What jobs have you had outside the lab? Did any of them prepare you for lab work?

My early career was diverse, ranging from working as a medical courier to spending summers at a plant nursery, where I managed custom client projects and time-sensitive operations. These roles instilled a strong sense of autonomy and attention to detail. Later, working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) provided me with a profound understanding of the human element behind every lab sample. It taught me the importance of active listening and navigating complex tasks under pressure, skills that are vital in my current leadership role. Even my time in retail, where I was quickly promoted to managing high-value assets, reinforced the importance of integrity and precision. While not every role was clinical, each one was a lesson in people work and leadership, preparing me to advocate for both patients and my team.

APHL turns 75 this year. What kind of impact do you think the organization has had on your lab? On your work as a lab scientist?

APHL is an indispensable partner whose influence is woven into our daily operations, ranging from high-level legislative advocacy to “just-in-time” technical training. Personally, APHL has been a catalyst for my professional growth, providing space to contribute to initiatives such as the Electronic Test Orders and Results (ETOR) Taskforce and the Informatics Training Curriculum. There isn't a phase of our laboratory workflow that hasn't been strengthened by APHL’s commitment to elevating laboratory professionals.

What is your committee role at APHL? How (and why!) did you get involved in committee work?

I currently serve as the co-chair for the APHL Informatics Committee, driven by the conviction that informatics is the backbone of rapid disease response and informed clinical decision-making. Like many professionals entering a high-level space, I initially struggled with imposter syndrome, but the committee members' welcoming, down-to-earth nature quickly put those doubts to rest. Their approachability transformed my uncertainty into a drive to lead and contribute to the future of laboratory informatics.

Laboratory work is often invisible. What’s one thing you wish the average person knew about public health laboratory work?

I want the public to know that public health laboratories are, at their core, service organizations dedicated to you. Our scientists are committed to the health and safety of their communities and bridging the gap between clinical providers and public health oversight. By ensuring that individual patient data is transformed into actionable intelligence for the community, we provide the data necessary to stay ahead of threats. Public health is the invisible safety net that catches the weight of a crisis when everything else fails; we don’t just process samples, we safeguard populations.

Public health lab work can be serious and complex. How do you inject fun into your workplace?

Maintaining morale is essential in a high-stakes environment, which is why I’m an active member of our Activities Committee. Throughout the year, we strive to balance our serious work with community-building events, ranging from chili cook-offs and arcade nights to our signature Lab Week celebration. During Lab Week, we host creative activities like Petri Dish Shuffleboard and Create a Microbe. These moments of levity allow our team to decompress and return to the bench with renewed camaraderie and focus. 

You’re speaking to a high school science class about public health laboratory work. What are some things you are sure to tell them?

High schoolers often think of medicine only in terms of doctors and nurses. I’d tell them that while doctors treat the patient in front of them, public health labs treat the entire community. We are the detectives who solve the mystery of what is making people sick, whether it’s a specific bacterium in the local water supply or a new strain of the flu, so that the right actions can be taken to stop the spread. I’d also tell them that public health is a high-tech frontier and we use incredibly cool, cutting-edge technology to see what the naked eye cannot. From whole genome sequencing (reading the "fingerprints" of a virus) to advanced robotics that handle thousands of samples, the lab is a playground for anyone who loves gadgets, data and precision. Lastly, I’d tell them our work saves lives on a massive scale. A single person in a lab can impact thousands of lives. In public health, your patient is your entire city or state. What I might not mention are the less exciting things about lab science. For example, they don't need to hear about the 400-page standard operating procedure updates or the complexities of state budget cycles.