UNC Charlotte’s campus lab dedicated singularly to processing COVID-19 tests is providing more than accurate and efficient test results for members of the University community.
Hands-On Experience for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Students are gaining valuable and practical hands-on experience during a unique global health care crisis that will make a difference when they graduate and make decisions about the direction of their careers.
“Our students contribute their experience from working in research laboratories; they are exceptionally qualified to perform complex molecular biology techniques,” said Angelica Martins, director of UNC Charlotte’s COVID-19 testing center. “More important, they are eager to help the UNC Charlotte community. I am impressed by their capacity to work under great pressure while people’s lives depend on their work, as well as their ability to be calm and do the job with perfection.”
Labs on Campus
The University’s Cameron Hall lab, which opened in late September, operates Monday through Saturday and is able to test up to 3,000 samples per week. Its one-day record is 655, which occurred during surge testing in specific residence halls where COVID-19 had been detected through wastewater testing. The COVID-19 testing center processes samples collected from the on-campus testing site managed by the Student Health Center, which serves students, faculty and staff.
Here is what the students whose work is supporting the lab say about their experience:
Amanda Reid ’16
B.A. Chemistry, Ph.D. Nanoscale Science (current)
“As it became clear that COVID-19 was a serious threat, I felt strongly that I needed to give back to the community. The techniques we use in the COVID lab are identical to those that I use in my research lab, and I knew I could provide timely and accurate results to fellow students. Occasionally I’m caught off guard when I see a familiar name on a collection tube. I am reminded that these aren't just samples, they're real people that are depending on us for results. The physicians at the student health center are extremely diligent, and they monitor results as soon as we send them over. Knowing that I played a small role to prevent the spread of COVID motivates me to work harder.”
Jessica Miller ’20
B.S. Biology, early entry master’s, M.S. Biology (current)
“I am constantly learning how the hard work, level of detail and organization and the dedication of everyone in the lab contributes to its success. Learning about the routine diagnostic/analytic testing of the virus has allowed me to learn new procedures and practice good techniques that can be applied to my own research as well as future research opportunities. My goal is to become a physician, and I believe the laboratory experience I have gained and continue to gain will lead me to becoming a more knowledgeable and better doctor.”
Adam France
M.S. Bioinformatics (current)
“I've always been interested in viruses but never have had the opportunity to work with them before, so this is a great way to do something I'm passionate about while also serving the community. The overall complexity — there are so many moving parts and things to keep track of — definitely is making me a better scientist. The actual testing is only one small part of the daily lab operations; most of what I've learned has been about regulations, budgeting, record keeping and paperwork, for which I have a new appreciation; that stuff is really important!”
Jade Takaua ’20
B.S. Biology, M.S. Bioinformatics (current)
“I previously worked in a molecular biology laboratory, but this is my first experience in a clinical setting, which is allowing me to see a different side of laboratory work. It’s impressive that the lab was set up and running in such a short period of time and that it can process hundreds of tests each day thanks to the hard work of everyone involved. A wide range of experiences will help broaden my career options and make me a more well-rounded researcher.”
Around the Lab
Read more about students who are gaining valuable experience through UNC Charlotte’s coordinated COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
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