EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
LAURA F. H. LENART, PhD
Discovery Scientist, Discovery
How long have you been with MMQCI and how did you first learn about our company?
I started at MMQCI about a year and a half ago. I found the company through LinkedIn while searching for chemistry jobs in Maine at the end of my PhD.
What are your primary responsibilities?
The Discovery team explores advancing technologies and platforms in the rapidly growing field of molecular diagnostics. We have the freedom to tinker in the lab and conduct experiments to gain a deeper understanding of new and upcoming quality controls as MMQCI develops new products and processes to enhance the accuracy of clinical laboratory tests worldwide. Additionally, we assist R&D and manufacturing in troubleshooting and improving our existing processes and products. The best part about my role at MMQCI is teaching others about polymer chemistry and discovering together how important these concepts are in molecular biology – DNA is an amazing polymer with fascinating structural dynamics and properties!
Describe MMQCI in three words:
Innovative, compassionate, thriving
What do you like best about MMQCI?
The mentorship at MMQCI is exceptional. I am encouraged to think freely and explore new ideas every day, which has enabled me to grow professionally and personally. One of my favorite things about the company is watching other employees grow. There are endless opportunities for collaboration and mentorship across departments, and everyone is always willing to dive in and help each other out. Also, I love the location – we work in Maine!
How would you describe your team?
Passionate and dedicated. My manager and I come from different scientific backgrounds, making us a remarkable team. We are both passionate about chemistry and there are always exciting topics to discuss and upcoming technologies to explore, which is what Discovery is all about. MMQCI’s mission drives us every single day and our role is to bring new technologies into MMQCI that have a direct impact on patients around the world. Being a relatively new department at MMQCI, it is exciting to contribute to the growth of Discovery.
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen since joining MMQCI?
Growth, both in quality control products and people. We are always hiring and there are new faces every week which is exciting to be a part of. We recently expanded upstairs into a beautiful new office space that has exceeded everyone’s expectations – we have a large patio with a view!
What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work?
A challenging and rewarding experience has been learning a diverse set of molecular biology techniques, which required studying a lot of new terms and acronyms. When I started it felt like everyone was speaking a completely different language! Handling tiny PCR tubes has also been a great challenge.
What has your experience been with our company culture?
The culture at MMQCI is exceptional. Everyone is welcoming and easy to talk to, which makes it easy to ask for help. As our co-founder Clark Rundell, PhD states on our website, “The people of MMQCI are the DNA of our company.” The recognition and appreciation we receive from coworkers, management, and customers inspires a passionate and creative work culture that I am proud to be a part of.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love exploring the coast and mountains with my husband and our dog, Thoreau. The best time of year is the off-season when dogs are free to play and run along the beaches off-leash. My favorite hobby is lying on my beach blanket with a good book and eventually falling asleep to the sound of ocean waves crashing on the shore.
What’s the most unique part about working at MMQCI?
The most unique part is the direct impact we have on our customers and patients around the world who rely on accurate diagnostic tests to make critical medical decisions every day. There is more fulfillment in this than simply launching a new product for the sake of making money.
Where is your happy place in Maine?
The rocky Midcoast has always been my favorite place in the world; I could stare at the sparkling water (Raman light scattering!) forever. The ocean is breathtaking and moody, and I love watching lobster boats meander through the harbors. My favorite spot is Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, the place I dreamed of getting married since I was a little girl. This summer, my dream finally came true!
What’s your secret talent that most people don’t know about?
My secret talent is singing and dancing in my car – do they give gold medals for that? Do not come near me at a pop-punk or alternative rock concert if you want to keep your hearing and not get smacked in the face.
In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?
A great deal of my pride comes from learning the art of organic synthesis to design beautiful, complex molecules and polymers. The hands-on experience I gained while working in a synthesis lab was invaluable and gave me confidence in performing column chromatography by hand and reactions involving pyrophoric materials. Nothing is more satisfying than finally getting that pesky reaction to work and purifying your product into pretty crystals.
What’s one thing that’s on your “Bucket List”?
I would love to visit an elephant sanctuary. If I could hug an elephant and ride one, my life would be complete.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Do not compare yourself to others.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
The people. One of my favorite aspects of MMQCI is the strong, powerful female leadership that continues to grow. I love the passion in the room when R&D discusses new data and dives in to solve problems together. There is always someone eager to talk to about the weather, the changing seasons, and the next beach to explore.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Hartford and raised in North Granby, Connecticut on the Massachusetts border.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations, and why?
Passionate and crazy polymer chemists. They come up with the most outlandish, brilliant, and daring ideas. The polymer-loving friends I met in academia, my PhD advisor, and my husband inspire me in countless ways. As well as my wonderful family, who have seen me through it all and have always been there for me. Thank you for inspiring me to stay true to myself.
What’s one thing that surprised you about your current role?
There is so much to learn about DNA!
What’s the last song you listened to?
“Jersey” by Mayday Parade
How have you grown professionally since you’ve joined the MMQCI team?
I have learned so much about the molecular diagnostics industry and how much work goes into the process of developing quality controls. Coming in with a completely different background and skillset has taught me how to participate more deeply in interdisciplinary research. Having the opportunity to work in a field that directly impacts customers and patients has given me an invaluable perspective on the world.
What, if anything, are you currently binge-watching? Or reading?
The book Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus tells the story of a female scientist in the early 1960s who strives to become a great chemist. Despite sexism threatening to destroy her career, Elizabeth Zott persevered and never gave up on striving to become someone she could be proud of, regardless of where her career took her. It is an inspirational and powerful book for women in academia today.
What is something about you that most people don’t know?
I find mental health and psychology fascinating. My passion for academic mental health in graduate school motivated me to chair two committees on the Student Health Advisory Board, advocating for other professional students on campus. I am also certified in Mental Health First Aid, which I recertify every three years.
What best advice can you give someone who might be interested in joining us here at MMQCI?
Visit MMQCI's website, especially the employee spotlights, and get in touch if MMQCI's mission resonates with you.