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Inspired by her blood bank professor when she was a student at ����ý, , MSTM, MLS (ASCP), SBB, set a goal of leading a class of her own someday.

“I knew I wanted to teach from the very beginning, when I was a student in this program,” said Wafford, an assistant professor in the Division of Medical Laboratory Sciences. “I didn’t realize I would teach this early in my career, but it’s something I really love. I love watching the students grow. It comes full circle.”

The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) recently selected Wafford as one of 10 honorees in the U.S. to be featured in the 2023-2024 Spotlight, which recognizes ASCLS members who have demonstrated “exceptional commitment to ASCLS, the laboratory profession and their community at large at a young age in their professional careers.”

“I think it really shows the impact we have on students and that our voices matter,” Wafford said of her nomination by one of her students. “Younger faculty can have an impact, not only on our students but also on the lab community.”

The award “speaks to her exceptional overall commitment to the laboratory profession,” said Terri Murphy-Sanchez, MS, MLS: CSMLS, ASCP^CM , assistant professor and program director of the Division of Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Wafford continues to serve in professional organizations, and she encourages students to do the same.

“It’s all about advocacy for our profession,” she said. “In order for us to make changes, we have to push for that.”

“Getting students involved early on helps them stay involved after they enter the profession,” she said. “It’s not just working in the lab but being involved in the professional society."