High School Speaker Series
The High School Speaker Series aims to increase awareness and understanding of careers in medical laboratory science among high school students. Through school-based engagement, such as classroom presentations, science fairs, and career events, this program provides students with opportunities to learn about laboratory medicine and the many roles it plays in modern healthcare.
Program Overview
The speaker series brings ADLM members into high school settings to:
- Introduce students to the field of medical laboratory science
- Share personal career journeys and real-life lab stories
- Highlight diverse career paths
- Offer tools, resources, and inspiration for students considering STEM careers
The series is implemented by ADLM Local Sections in coordination with individual schools.
Careers in Laboratory Medicine
Students who pursue careers in medical laboratory science may work in many areas, such as:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Public health and epidemiology
- Forensics
- Biotechnology and research
- Informatics
View the career wheel below to explore common roles and pathways.
Resources
ADLM provides a variety of materials to support the High School Speaker Series and help Local Sections deliver successful events. Available resources include:
- Presentation templates
- Flyers and handouts
- Speaker guides and examples
For questions or additional support, please contact Caitlin Mone.
Past events
Capital Local Section
March 2026
Members of the Capital Local Section judged science fair projects at the Fairfax County Regional Science Fair. They handpicked 40 posters relevant to ADLM and laboratory medicine, then independently judged and presented awards on behalf of the Section. Each winner received a one-year free ADLM membership as part of their prize, promoting both ADLM and the field of laboratory medicine.
Northeast Ohio Local Section
March 2026
The Northeast Ohio Local Section participated in the Northeastern Ohio Science & Engineering Fair for middle and high school students. Volunteers hosted an information table where students could interact and learn more about the field of laboratory medicine. The Section was also proud to sponsor special awards for five posters relevant to diagnostic medicine, titled the "Emerging Scholar Award in Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine".
Capital Local Section
March 2026
ADLM held its second annual High School Speaker Series event at Wheaton High School, where speakers had the opportunity to engage with students in the Biosciences Academy. The event featured a professional member from the Capital Local Section and a recent graduate of the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program at Howard University. They shared their experiences in the field of laboratory medicine, highlighting the vital role that laboratory professionals play in healthcare and raising awareness of the many career paths that it offers.
"Many students shared how much they enjoyed the session, especially hearing both the professional perspective and the CLS college experience. I'd love to see more Lunch and Learns were structured this way!"
- Jeannette Cruz, Bioscience Academy Leader, Wheaton High School
Southern California Local Section
December 2025/January 2026
Through in-classroom visits at local high schools, over 80 students in the greater Los Angeles area had the chance to learn about the many rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, including the tools used in the field, what a typical day looks like for a lab professional, and how they can start exploring these career options while still in high school.
Pacific Northwest Local Section
March 2025
Through live demos in hematology, clinical microbiology, and clinical chemistry, students from across Oregon and Southwest Washington had the chance to explore hands-on science while learning more about the field of laboratory medicine.
Capital Local Section
March 2025
ADLM launched its new High School Speaker Series in March 2025, which featured a professional from the Capital Local Section and Howard University student members speaking to the Biosciences Academy at Wheaton High School.
Interested in bringing the series to your area? Reach out to Caitlin Mone, Membership Coordinator.
HEADQUARTERS
900 Seventh Street, NW Suite 400
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202.857.0717 or 800.892.1400
Fax: 202.887.5093
Email