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By Kate Hunger 

Cordelia Kudika, MA, CHS (ABHI), discovered her passion for medical laboratory science by accident. 

Kudika, assistant professor of medical laboratory sciences, major in biology as an undergraduate but encountered a tough job market upon graduation. So she decided to apply to a Physician Assistant Studies program. She signed up for an introductory medical laboratory science class and was hooked. 

"I did a 180 on my path," said Kudika, who joined the Medical Laboratory Science faculty in August. 

After graduating from ����ý in 2010 with a bachelors of science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Kudika began working as a histocompatibility specialist for Southwest Immunodiagnostics. Her work included performing tests to prevent rejection of donor organs. Kudika earned a master's of health administration while working full-time, a knowledge base she believes will serve her well in her new role. 

When asked about what she loves about the field o medical laboratory sciences, Kudika doesn't hesitate. 

“It’s really powerful to know that you might not be the person to tell the patient their laboratory results, but you are there with them,” she said. “You’re a huge part of people’s lives.”

Kudika was an effective preceptor for the program’s MLS students during their rotations at Southwest Immunodiagnostics, said, Professor George B. Kudolo, Ph.D., CPC, FAIC, FAACC, director of the department of health sciences.

“We are glad to have Cordy back, this time as a full-time faculty member to help train the next generation of medical laboratory scientists,” Kudolo said.

Working alongside some of her own former professors has been a homecoming of sorts for Kudika.

“It’s great,” she said, “It’s very difficult to call them by their first names. Old habits died hard, but I’m very comfortable. It’s like a family here.”