On any given weekday afternoon, you’ll likely find Colin Thibodeau, M.S., carefully pipetting reagents, arranging lab benches or chatting with a group of Medical Laboratory Sciences students gearing up for their next hands-on experiment. Just a few years ago, Thibodeau was a student himself – navigating lab protocols, mastering microbiology techniques and in many ways trying to figure out what was next.

Today, as the new office and laboratory manager for the department that trained him, he’s handling day-to-day operations – and he’s giving back to a program that launched his career.

“I really loved working in the clinical lab,” said Thibodeau, who worked two years in a VCU Health laboratory after earning his master’s degree from VCU in 2023. “But when I heard this job was open, it felt like the perfect fit. It was still hands-on and still in the lab, but now I get to be part of something bigger. I get to help the next group of students come up.”

Thibodeau started out in environmental science, thinking he might work in conservation. But a stint in a veterinary diagnostic lab piqued his interest in clinical microbiology, leading him back to VCU for a categorical master’s degree focused on microbiology. His graduate research in developing a new agar to better identify Cryptococcus species allowed him to blend science and creativity.

Now, in his current role, he’s the behind-the-scenes engine powering the department’s bustling student laboratories. His day might start with emails and budget spreadsheets, but by lunchtime, he’s prepping specimens for student labs or helping the instructor run through a last-minute supply list.

“I think for me, my favorite thing about this job is being able to give back to a program that I know firsthand is so amazing,” he said, noting that the hands-on learning experiences translate immediately to the workplace after graduation. “This program really kick-starts people’s careers in a way that a lot of other undergraduate programs don’t really do.”

Thibodeau stepped into big shoes left by Miriam Mayhew, who retired after nearly 40 years. He spent two weeks in intensive on-the-job training to glean as much information as possible from her, and she also had built a library with nearly every lab assignment and detailed notes. With technology and research advancing the discipline at lightning speed, Thibodeau is grateful to have that foundational knowledge to build on as he is asked to support new types of labs and introduce new analytical and other testing equipment.

“Colin has been a spectacular addition to our department,” said Maiya Picott, M.S., laboratory instructor. “He is always eager to help, and he is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that every lab runs smoothly. I am incredibly grateful for all of his assistance and support.”

Though his academic concentration was microbiology, Thibodeau is responsible for setting up labs across laboratory disciplines, with the 6th-floor student laboratory – featuring nearly 50 wet-lab stations – hosting a different area each afternoon. Those include chemistry, hematology and blood banking, which is giving him an opportunity to deepen his knowledge.

“I love it,” he said with a grin. “If I could afford it, I’d be a student forever.”

Thibodeau nurtures his curiosity by often sitting in on lectures and listening to lab instructions, which adds to his expertise each week. He was drawn to the academic role for greater balance than when he had to work rotating shifts and missed holidays and family time. 

Thibodeau’s return comes as awareness of laboratory science careers is growing, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment in the program has nearly doubled since he was a student, and he credits the faculty and leadership for their outreach and adaptability. “It’s exciting to see how far the program’s come, and I’m proud to be part of it,” he said.

Beyond the lab, Thibodeau recharges with outdoorsman activities or by turning up the volume as a vocalist and guitarist in local punk bands. But it's in the lab, surrounded by glassware, analyzers and students, where he’s truly found his groove.

“This is where I’m supposed to be,” he said. “It’s the best of both worlds – education and science. And I get to give back to the place that gave me my start.”

by Kyra Newman