About

Purpose of the DPF

The Developing Professionals Forum (DPF) shall strive to educate students of clinical laboratory science in the concept of professionalism as expressed by the organization in its philosophies, policies and procedures; and to maintain a structure through which student members can communicate their needs, concerns and opinions to the local, state, regional and national governing bodies of the Society.

Membership

The total Forum membership consists of all the Developing Professional members of ASCLS.

2024-25 Leaders

Name Role
Jen Mehltretter Staff Liaison
Demetra (Toula) Castillo DPF Advisor
Katie Guise Chair
Mindy Ingalls Vice-Chair
Tiffany Easter Secretary
Mikey Kieu Councilor
Lucien Vinyeng Councilor
Stacey Peralta Councilor
Jessica Olson Councilor
Nathan Schuver Councilor
Christen Diel Councilor

Meet the DPF Board

Katie Guise:


Chair

Recent MLS graduate from the University of Central Florida

My name is Katie Guise and I'm a recent graduate from the University of Central Florida's Medical Laboratory Sciences program. I work as a generalist, but have a soft spot for microbiology. This is my second year on the DPF and I joined to connect with young laboratory students across the country, and have had a blast doing so. In my free time I enjoy hiking, reading, and cooking with friends.

 

Mindy Ingalls:

Vice Chair

Recent MLS graduate from Denver Health

I have a special place in my heart for microbiology, and I am also your resident crazy cat lady. Outside of being the Developing Professional for Colorado and Region VIII, I spend my free time learning Japanese, doing puzzles and crafts, and playing sports like tennis and disc golf. I hope to serve you well as your Vice Chair!

Tiffany Easter:

Secretary

MLS student at Arkansas State University

I love reading and hiking with friends and family. A life in the lab has always been a dream of mine. I chose to be on the DPF to be a part of a group of constituents that value and support helping people.

Lucien Vinyeng:

Councilor-at-Large

MLS student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science (UAMS)

I love hiking and outdoor activities. I also enjoy watching soccer, football, and basketball.

Mikey Kieu:

Councilor-at-Large

MLS student at Texas State University

Hi, everyone! My name is Mikey Kieu and I'm currently a senior MLS student at Texas State University! Although I need to explore the profession more, I have soft spot for the chemisty department! In my free time, I love to play games, watch shows, or do arts-and-crafts! I decided to be on the DPF to learn more about ASCLS as a society and help advocate for the profession!

Stacey Peralta:

Councilor-at-Large

Recent MLS + DrPH graduate from the University of South Florida

I am a recent DrPH graduate from the University of South Florida, and I want to support fellow laboratory professionals through DPF. When I have free time, I enjoy hiking, attending concerts, and spending time with family and friends.

Jessica Olson:

Councilor-at-Large

MLS student at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences

Currently, I am a Generalist. My favorite department is Chemistry. Besides currently being a student, I manage a small lab in a CRO and am a mother of 2 girls. I keep busy with schoolwork, so when I do have free time (which isn't often!), I like to read or craft.

Nathan Schuver:

Councilor-at-Large

MLT student at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

I am currently in my clinical rotations at Singing River Health System, and my first department is microbiology, which I am thoroughly enjoying! In my free time, I enjoy origami, Nintendo games, anime and manga, cooking and baking, drawing, and singing. I am interested in how a medical lab operates, medicine, human anatomy and physiology, and Japanese language and culture. I decided to become involved with the DPF at ASCLS because I wanted to meet and network with new people who are currently students or recent graduates just entering the workforce.

Christen Diel:

 

Councilor-at-Large

DCLS student at Rutgers University

As a resident student, shift supervisor, and graduate teaching assistant most of my "spare time" is spent in the laboratory or thinking about it in some capacity. When I am able to decompress I enjoy going to concerts, being near the water, or trying new ways to move my body like hot yoga or step class. I am excited to share my experiences on the DPF as a long-term student who is actively engaged with other students and developing professionals from many different backgrounds and environments.