Linda J. Laatsch, Ph.D., MT(ASCP) SM
Associate Professor
Schroeder Complex 264
(414) 288-3401
Following her 1973 graduation as a medical technology major, Dr. Laatsch began her professional career as a staff technologist in microbiology and serology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee. Her fascination with infectious diseases and medical microbiology led her to specialize in this area. As she assumed increasing responsibility for teaching senior students in their clinical practicum, Dr. Laatsch became drawn to the process of student learning and pursued graduate work. Ultimately, she accepted a faculty position in the Medical Technology Program (now known as Clinical Laboratory Science) at Marquette University where she could teach medical microbiology, public health and clinical education courses.
Dr. Laatsch has been engaged in research in both microbiology and education. She has explored the prevalence of bacteria in the oral cavity and in dental infections. She has also collaborated with physical therapy faculty members to research wound and pulmonary infections. Additionally, Dr. Laatsch has investigated educational methodologies in Clinical Laboratory Science education with an emphasis on cooperative learning.
Education
- 1973, B.S. in Medical Technology, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
- 1979, M.A. in Health Care Education, Central Michigan University
- 2000, Ph.D. in Education, Marquette University. Major: Curriculum & Instruction; Minor: Educational Psychology
Certification
- 1973, Medical Technologist (ASCP), #89266
- 1978, Specialist in Microbiology (ASCP), #439
Teaching Responsibilities
- CLLS 2060 - Public Health
- CLLS 3124 - Medical Bacteriology
- CLLS 3127 - Medical Microbiology
- CLLS 4180 - Clinical Education Methods
- CLLS 4186 - Clinical Immunohematology
- CLLS 4188 - Clinical Microbiology
Employment
- 2009 - Present, Department Chairperson
- 1984–Present, Associate Professor with tenure, Marquette University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Milwaukee, WI
Assistant Professor: 1980–1984
Instructor: 1976–1980 - 1993– Present, Laboratory Technical Consultant and Technical Supervisor, Marquette University Student Health Services
Laboratory Co-Director, 1992–1993 - 2000 - Present, Consulting Faculty Member, Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, School of Medical Technology
- July 1973 – June 1976, Staff Technologist, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Milwaukee, WI
Awards
- Marquette University John P. Raynor Award for Teaching Excellence. May, 2007.
- ASCLS-WI Member of the Year Award. April, 2007.
- ASCP TechSample Editor's Choice Award for Management/Education article: Cooperative Learning in the Clinical Laboratory Science Classroom. 2004.
- Alpha Chi Omega Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Classroom, October, 1992.
- ASMT Scientific Creativity Award (Media Development) for “Specimen Collection” Videotape, June, 1988.
- Outstanding Young Educator Award, Milwaukee Jaycees, 1984.
Membership in Professional Societies
- American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
Service
- Editorial Review Board, Clinical Laboratory Science, 1987-present.
- Co-Editor, ASCLS-WI BadgerLab Times, 2005-present.
- Board of Directors Chairperson, Wisconsin Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Scholarship Fund, Inc., 2009-present
- ASCLS-WI: President 2005-06; Board of Directors 2000-2005.
