Faculty Spotlight: Jennifer Dupont and the Online BS in Medical Laboratory Science

Meet Jennifer Dupont

1. Please tell us about yourself and your background.

My name is Jennifer Dupont, and I am an instructor in the Medical Laboratory Science program at LSUA with a background in clinical laboratory practice as well as online and face-to-face education. I am passionate about helping students connect laboratory science to real-world patient care and understand the critical role laboratory professionals play behind the scenes in healthcare. I focus on making complex laboratory concepts accessible while helping students build confidence and professional skills.

I earned my associate’s degree in clinical laboratory science from LSUA in 2008. In 2014, I was among the first students to graduate from the newly established online bachelor’s program in Clinical Laboratory Science at LSUA. In 2023, I chose to further my education by pursuing a master’s degree in health administration from LSUS. Having experienced online education firsthand, I am passionate about supporting students as they navigate and succeed in an online learning environment.

1. Are there any innovative projects or assignments you’ve developed for your online courses?

I was awarded a grant to implement SchuyLab software in our face-to-face laboratory courses. This virtual laboratory system allows students to experience realistic laboratory workflows and become familiar with professional laboratory interfaces before entering clinical settings. By using SchuyLab, students can practice navigating lab processes, managing specimens, and understanding system functionality in a safe, supportive environment, helping bridge the gap between coursework and real-world laboratory practice.

1. How would you describe the Medical Laboratory Science program to someone who isn’t familiar with it?

The Medical Laboratory Science program prepares students for rewarding careers as medical laboratory professionals who play a critical role in patient care. Graduates are equipped with scientific knowledge, technical skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to work in hospitals, clinics, reference laboratories, public health settings, and research environments. While much of the work happens behind the scenes, medical laboratory scientists contribute directly to accurate diagnoses, treatment decisions, and overall healthcare quality.

1. What is your favorite topic to teach? Why?

Clinical chemistry is my favorite topic to teach because it’s often where everything really starts to click for students. I enjoy helping them see how laboratory values connect to real physiological processes and why those results matter for patient care. It’s especially rewarding to watch students gain confidence as they move from memorizing numbers to truly understanding what the data is telling them—skills they’ll rely on every day in the laboratory.

1. How does the online format enhance—or challenge—the learning experience for students in a lab-focused field?

The online format gives students flexibility and the ability to learn at their own pace, which is especially helpful when working through complex scientific concepts. Students can revisit lectures, review demonstrations, and take extra time with material that may be challenging. That said, learning in a lab-focused field can be more difficult online because hands-on techniques and laboratory workflows are harder to fully replicate. The goal is to ensure students feel prepared, confident, and successful as they move from online coursework into real-world laboratory settings.

1. How has your academic and professional background prepared you to navigate the unique challenges of online teaching?

My academic and professional background has helped me see online learning from both the student and instructor perspectives. Because I completed part of my education online, I understand the challenges students may face and how important clear communication and structure can be. My clinical experience allows me to share real-world examples and practical insight, while my academic training helps me break down complex concepts into manageable, understandable pieces. This combination helps me support students effectively and create an online learning environment where they feel confident and engaged.

1. What trends or changes in healthcare do you find most exciting right now, especially as they relate to medical laboratory science?

One of the most exciting changes in healthcare right now is the rapid advancement of laboratory technology and automation, which is expanding career opportunities for medical laboratory professionals. As testing becomes more advanced and data-driven, laboratorians are taking on greater responsibility in areas such as quality management, informatics, molecular diagnostics, and leadership. The flexibility of online programs allows students and working professionals to continue their education while balancing work and personal responsibilities, helping them stay current and position themselves for long-term career growth in this evolving field.

1. What do you hope graduates will take away from this program beyond technical skills?

Beyond technical skills, I hope graduates leave the program with confidence, strong critical thinking skills, and a clear sense of professional responsibility. I want them to understand how important accuracy, ethics, and teamwork are in the laboratory and how their work directly impacts patient care. I also hope they begin to see themselves as future leaders—whether that means mentoring others, taking initiative, or helping improve processes in their workplace. Most importantly, I want graduates to feel prepared to keep learning and growing as the field continues to evolve.

1. How do you stay engaged and motivated as an instructor in a field that continually evolves with new medical technologies?

I stay engaged and motivated by maintaining connections with former students and hearing about their experiences in their current laboratory roles. It’s rewarding to see how they apply what they learned in the program and grow into confident professionals as they adapt to new technologies. Serving as a mentor and continuing those relationships beyond the classroom reminds me why teaching matters and encourages me to keep refining my courses to best support student success in an evolving laboratory environment.

1. Is there anything else you want us to know?  

I want students and colleagues to remember me as someone who genuinely invested in their growth and development. I strive to be approachable and supportive, while encouraging confidence, accountability, and continuous learning. Above all, I hope I’m remembered as a mentor who helped others see their potential and supported them as they progressed in their professional journeys.

Learn Critical Healthcare Support Skills through LSU Online

Laboratory scientists are essential to a patient’s healthcare plan. By testing biological samples and analyzing and processing the results, these professionals play a critical role in the majority of clinical decisions. The top-ranked online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLT to MLS) from LSU Alexandria offers students the opportunity to learn from instructors like Jennifer and provides them with a comprehensive skill set to advance their careers in the field. This degree is designed for students who have graduated from an NAACLS-accredited associate degree program and currently hold certification as an MLT (ASCP), CLT (NCA), or equivalent.