A team of NIU Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) students showed their hematology acumen during the 2022 National Cell Bowl sponsored by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Under the guidance of Professor Rouzbeh Chegeni, MLS students Theresa Andrews, Alexander Barrett, Salma Geith, Madelyn Gluck, Emma Lamarca, Lina Opanasiuk, Bethany Schoepski, Samantha Ortiz, Rachel Kelly, Jeffrey Kuiphof and Suzan Weiland earned third place in the Midwest bracket and ninth place out of more than 80 programs across the nation.
“Our students showed that they have the knowledge and skills to correctly and quickly identify mature and immature white blood cells, platelet abnormalities, and various inclusions that can be found within white blood cells,” said Ellen Olsen, NIU MLS program coordinator. “They have demonstrated determination to keep improving their individual cell quiz scores and teamwork.”
Chegeni shared the sentiment. 
“Our team did an amazing job, and I am so proud of everyone involved,” Chegeni said. “Placing third in the Midwest and ninth overall is an incredible achievement.”
The Cell Bowl is a seven-week interactive competition between medical laboratory science programs nationwide that culminates in the National Super Cell Bowl Championship. Over a four-week period, students take weekly quizzes while competing in the regional championships, and the winner of each region advances to the playoffs, semifinals and them championship.
“These opportunities promote healthy competition among students which will help them prepare for the Board of Certification Exam and prepare them for working in a hematology department after graduation,” Olsen said. “It also demonstrates the importance of working as a team to reach a common goal.”
0lsen said events like this not only motivate students, but they help students gain confidence in a particular laboratory skillset.
“It teaches them to commit to improve at something and then feel the pride that comes with their accomplishments,” Olsen said. “They not only want to do well as an individual, but also as a team representing NIU.”
Learn more about Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) at NIU.
