Lab Scientists Under the Microscope: Meet Kristina Hsieh

Last spring, in celebration of Lab Week, we published a series of profiles highlighting the lives and work of public health laboratory professionals around the country.

Lab professionals excitedly told us about their favorite lab instruments, spared no details when describing the most “interesting” specimen they ever worked on and just generally gave us a fascinating look at their lives inside and out of the lab. The response to that blog series was so positive, we decided to keep the party going for Public Health Laboratory Appreciation Month (PHLAM) and put more scientists under the microscope. Each week of PHLAM, we’ll highlight another scientist and give you an insider’s glimpse into their lives on the bench—and beyond. What fulfills them? What fuels them? And where do they find fun along the way?

Kristina Hsieh, director, San Mateo County Public Health Laboratory

What was your first job?

I worked as a receptionist at a radio station! It was a temp job, and I had NO idea what I was doing, but it was fun to answer the phones and transfer calls to different programs at the radio station.

What was your first lab job?

My college roommate and I just so happened to get lab assistant jobs at a research laboratory. We took out waste, washed dishes and took care of mice that were part of research studies. Later, we went from being lab assistants to helping grad students with their doctoral projects, and now I have a career in the lab!

What’s one thing you love about lab science?

I love that there is endless learning.

Laboratory science is serious work. What do you do to unwind in the lab? How about when you’re not working?

It’s nice to switch off my mind with Korean dramas! I’m addicted!

What’s your favorite lab instrument and why?

The ABI7500 has a special place in my heart. I used it often in graduate school and saw it again in public health laboratories (PHLs). It made the transition from an academic lab to a PHL a little easier.

What’s your favorite non-science item in your lab?

Our lab’s snack table! Sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up!

What’s the last book you read? Thumbs up or down?

Does listening to an audiobook count? If so, I recently listened to “Never Split the Difference,” by Chris Voss. It’s a book about negotiation tactics written by a former FBI negotiator.