March 9, 2022

Student Spotlight: Q&A with Mikayla Nayback, Clinical Laboratory Science Class of 2022

We're getting to know students from every program at the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Submit your own details for Student Spotlight consideration by filling out our brief form.

Q: What five words best describe you?

A: Hardworking, funny, reliable, calm and responsible.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? 

A: I like to spend my free time running, reading and hanging out with my friends. In the winter, I love to ski! My favorite place is Nub's Nob in Harbor Springs, Michigan, where I grew up skiing. My bucket list ski destination is probably Sölden, Austria, because they host World Cup ski racing there and I'd love to ski some of the hills my favorite racers do! 

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University?

A: When I was looking for a laboratory science program, Wayne State was one of the most highly regarded in Michigan and it seemed like a good fit for me. I also knew several medical technologists at my current job who went to Wayne State and recommended the program when I asked them about applying.

Q: Why did you choose the Clinical Laboratory Science program? 

A: I chose this field after starting at Michigan Medicine in their specimen processing lab. Once I saw what went on in the other labs, I knew that was what I really wanted to do. Five months after I started, the pandemic hit, and working through those challenging times was stressful — but ultimately it solidified my decision to go into laboratory science. So much goes into helping patients that isn’t just done by doctors and nurses. I knew that I wanted to be part of that process but without interacting directly with patients, which is what makes this field such a perfect fit!

Q: Tell us about an academic experience that you enjoyed. 

A: My favorite lab experience was during the 2021 spring/summer semester when we got to do a simulation lab that mimicked the experience of working in a real lab. All of us rotated through different roles in each clinical lab, including lab managers and various testing areas. It was a great way to get an idea of the pace of a lab and the day-to-day that we will get to experience shortly in our clinicals.

Q: If you had 24 hours free from work and school obligations, how would you spend your day?

A: Honestly, I would probably just sleep. Between work, class and other obligations, I feel like I never get caught up on my sleep!

Q: Share a recent accomplishment that made you proud of yourself.

A: Toward the end of 2021, I passed 600 miles of running for the year! The previous year I only ran 270 so I was very happy to more than double my mileage.

Q: What are your career aspirations?

A: After graduation, I’d love to settle into a full time position at a local hospital and do that for a few years. It would be really interesting to work in one of the more specialized labs where I could learn more on the job to further my education. I hope to find myself managing a lab at some point, and I’ve considered going back to school to get a master’s degree or even a medical degree at some point.

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: I am a second-career student, as I already have a bachelor of science in animal science from Michigan State University. My first job out of college was working for an agriculture cooperative in their laboratory. Since I had previous experience working with dairy cattle, they offered me a chance to learn how to breed cows and I said yes! It was a very dirty job but I loved being around cows again. It is definitely an interesting skill to have in your repertoire, and a part of cattle farming that a lot of people don’t know about.

Clinical laboratory scientists work behind the scenes to provide critical information to doctors through medical tests. In fact, lab results inform more than 70% of diagnoses, allowing doctors to tailor treatment plans and therapies to each patient. Clinical laboratory scientists may also pursue careers in medical information systems technology, research and design new testing methods, or go on to medical school. The bachelor of science in Clinical Laboratory Science is offered through Wayne State’s Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with an application deadline of May 1.

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An anchor in urban health care 
The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 25,000 students.

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