The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Achievement Award recognizes an MLS professional who has made significant contributions to the MLS community, their institution(s), and the broader field of laboratory medicine. This award honors individuals whose professional service, leadership, and commitment have strengthened the practice, visibility, and impact of medical laboratory science.
In addition to professional and institutional contributions, educational achievements are strongly considered, including efforts to advance the MLS profession through mentoring, teaching, and guiding the professional development of early‑career medical laboratory scientists. Honorees are recognized for their dedication to supporting the next generation of MLS professionals and for elevating standards of practice and education within the field.
This award is reserved for non‑PhD and non‑MD candidates. Nominees must be MLS professionals and members of the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM). MLS professionals typically serve in laboratory management and operational roles, including laboratory supervisors, managers, technologists, and educators in MLS education programs.
Congratulations to the 2026 winner
Shawn Luby MS, MLS(ASCP)CM
Shawn W. Luby, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM, is an assistant professor in the division of clinical laboratory science at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he lectures in clinical chemistry and immunology. Prior to joining the UNC-CLS faculty in 2018, he worked as a medical laboratory generalist with UNC Health’s McLendon Clinical Laboratories, gaining broad experience across core laboratory disciplines in a high-volume academic medical center.
His contributions to medical laboratory education focus on instructional design and innovation in clinical laboratory science curricula, emphasizing active learning approaches that support student engagement, clinical reasoning, and confidence in complex subject areas. He has developed and evaluated educational innovations including simulation-based learning activities and interactive digital tools to enhance student understanding of laboratory operations and immune system function. His scholarship examines the outcomes of these initiatives, demonstrating how innovation supports learning and better prepares graduates to translate laboratory knowledge into practice.
His scholarly interests center on laboratory engagement in patient education and the ways in which medical laboratory scientist involvement can improve professional visibility and impact patient care. This work advances how laboratory professionals are prepared to communicate, educate, and engage more directly in patient-centered care, strengthening the role of the profession within modern healthcare systems.
This commitment to strengthening the professional role of medical laboratory scientists is further reflected in Shawn’s professional service. He contributes through service on state boards, national committees, and interprofessional education initiatives within his institution.
Across his teaching, scholarship, and service, Shawn works to advance the role of medical laboratory professionals as essential contributors to patient-centered care, reflecting a sustained commitment to the advancement of the profession.
How to submit a nomination
To nominate a colleague for this award or ask questions, please submit the following to Jordan Bradford at [email protected]:
- A letter containing an evaluation and appraisal of the nominee’s accomplishments related to the award.
- Two to three letters of support detailing the nominee’s accomplishments related to the award.
- The nominee’s resume/curriculum vitae.
Please note that this award is available for non-PhD and non-MD candidates.
Learn more about submitting a nomination and about other ADLM awards here.
The award selection process
The MLS Council will review all nominees and select the awardee based on the overall achievements of each candidate. Once the awardee is selected, the nomination packet will be sent to the ADLM Awards Committee for final approval. This process is recommended so that the nominees are evaluated by their peers and colleagues in the MLS community.
The awardee will then be recognized at the ADLM Annual Meeting and will receive the award from the ADLM president.
Previous winners
2025 - Michelle R. Campbell, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM,MBCM,SCCM
2024 - David Shiembob, MBA, C(ASCP)
2023 - Elia M. Mears MS, MT(ASCP)SM
2022 - Peggy Mann, MS, MT(ASCP), CPP
