معرفی
Rita Austin serves as Associate Professor and Acting Chair of the Medical Laboratory Science Department at Farmingdale State College, where she has taught since 2010. She develops and delivers Clinical Microbiology curriculum while maintaining 35+ years of clinical practice as a New York State Licensed Clinical Laboratory Technologist.
Her educational credentials include:
- BS in Medical Technology, New York Institute of Technology (1987)
- MS in Medical Biology (Medical Microbiology), Long Island University C.W. Post Campus (2009)
- DHEd in Health Education, A.T. Still University (2019)
Dr. Austin's research centers on Interprofessional Education, specifically examining nurse-medical laboratory scientist relationships through interventions that improve knowledge and attitudes. Her work bridges clinical microbiology expertise with healthcare education reform, focusing on practical applications in diagnostic laboratory science and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Recent publications demonstrate dual expertise: 2021 book chapters on microbiology techniques and Bordetella reflect her laboratory science foundations, while her 2017 journal article establishes her leadership in interprofessional ethics education. This trajectory shows increasing focus on systemic healthcare education improvements alongside technical microbiology contributions.
No scientific awards are documented in the source material.
As Acting Chair and educator, Dr. Austin shapes curriculum development and student training in Medical Laboratory Science. Her per diem clinical work ensures current industry alignment, though specific grants or formal student advisement details remain unreported. Professional engagement through ASCLS, ASCP, and ASM drives her educational innovations.
