UWO medical technology alumna Nussbaum earns Outstanding Young Alumni award

A laboratory information systems professional who is an active volunteer for her profession and community, will be presented with a 2024 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Outstanding Young Alumni award on Homecoming weekend this fall.

Alexandra "Ali" Nussbaum '16 of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is employed by Park Nicollet (HealthPartners), working as a laboratory information systems technical specialist-a liaison between the labs and the information technology department on an enterprise level-while still practicing as a certified medical laboratory scientist.

Nussbaum is active volunteering for the Special Olympics Minnesota chapter while also devoting a significant amount of time to professional organizations.

"If it wasn't for my time at UWO, I would not be in the position that I am today," she said. "I was a returning student pursuing another bachelor's degree solely to work in a hospital laboratory. Upon entering the program, I was encouraged by (former director) John Strous to join a professional society. At that time, I was shy, a follower, and very intimidated at the idea of participating in something like a professional society."

The encouragement from Strous led her down a path that she could not have imagined. She started slowly, volunteering as a student member of a committee at the national level. She had never been to a conference, spoken publicly, ran in an election, wrote articles, or been recognized by colleagues.

"Now just eight years later, I am on a national board of directors for ASCLS (American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science), a state director of ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathologists) , a community council member for my local neighborhood group and a coach for a local Special Olympics team," she said, adding that she has spoken publicly at conferences, written articles, ran in several elections and has been recognized by peers for her contributions to medical laboratory science.

Nussbaum earned a UWO degree in medical technology in 2016 after earning a bachelor's degree in genetics and cell biology and development and biochemistry in 2010 from the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. She added a master's degree in health and human services administration in 2020 from St. Mary's University of Minnesota.

"The proudest achievement of mine is being inducted into the Alpha Mu Tau Fraternity with American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science in 2023," she said, adding that once eligible for induction (after minimum service requirements are met), a pair of members is needed to sponsor the induction. Nussbaum was eligible in less than 7 years of membership, when most inductees take 10-20 years.

Pat Tille, ASCLS national president-elect, said Nussbaum transitioned from lead technologist training new staff, monitoring quality control contributing to project to improve laboratory workflow and supervised regular daily activities, to her laboratory information systems technical specialist role.

She works with all the laboratory locations to improve and standardize processes to ensure document management is properly maintained and that customers have efficient and effective access to the information they need and coordinate any updates required throughout the health system.

Tille called Nussbaum "a true servant leader" with a deep compassion for others, citing her many volunteer roles in the community and with Special Olympics.

Colleague Jeana Houseman said Nussbaum is not only an excellent employee but serves as a leader and role model for the next generation. Nussbaum organized a student-focused night at a hospital with nearly 30 attendees. Students, she said, were treated to presentations about medical lab science and a tour of the lab.

"She has excelled in the field of medical laboratory science and I am confident she will continue to make significant contributions to the profession and society," Houseman said.

Learn more:

UWO Alumni Association

13 UWO alumni to be honored at Alumni Awards Celebration Homecoming weekend

UW Oshkosh Homecoming

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