EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
TANIA SPENLINHAUER
Manager, Research and Development
How long have you been with MMQCI and how did you first learn about our company?
I just celebrated 11 years this past October! I first learned about the company when I was introduced to Joan when seeking some advice on how to best set up a molecular diagnostic laboratory for my previous employer. At that time, MMQCI was a much smaller company working in a much smaller laboratory space, however they were developing and manufacturing an impressive number of valuable products. I was immediately impressed not only with the molecular diagnostic opportunities, but how clearly the mission and values drove the company’s decisions. When looking for new opportunities, I immediately reached out to see if there were any openings for me. I started as a R&D Scientist and was able to grow with the company. It really has been a lot of fun to be a part of it!
What are your primary responsibilities?
My primary responsibility as the Manager of the R&D group is to lead my team in developing new products, as well as, updating existing products to continue to expand our product portfolio. This includes, researching and identifying new technologies and/or new areas where molecular quality controls are needed to support our goal of achieving 100% accuracy of clinical molecular testing. The R&D team is responsible for all aspects of design, development, product transfer and validation of a vast array of innovate products. It is always challenging, exciting and very fulfilling!
Describe MMQCI in three words:
Value-driven, Compassionate and Innovative
What do you like best about MMQCI?
There are many things I like about MMQCI, the first being the people. We truly have the most compassionate and caring people working here, and it truly is impressive to see how well all teams work together to achieve the same goals. The other thing that makes MMQCI unique is the vast variety of different technologies that we get to work with. By developing quality controls, we work and collaborate with many different assay manufacturers which enable us to learn and understand a very wide variety of different molecular technologies; including many flavors of qPCR, digital PCR and Next Generation Sequencing, just to name a few.
How would you describe your team?
I am very fortunate to work with the most hardworking, dedicated and fun group of individuals! They have the right balance of working hard to get things done but also know how important it is to connect at a personal level to keep things fun. It is not unusual to see the R&D team hanging out at lunch and often organizing activities to get together after work too!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I mostly enjoy reading or listening to audio books when I have some time alone. But I also enjoy hanging out with my family and keeping busy with anything my kids are in too. You can generally find me cheering my kids on the sideline of either a football or lacrosse field during the fall/spring months or at the side of ski slope watching a ski race during the winter.
Where is your happy place in Maine?
My backyard! We put a pool in a few years ago and there is nothing that makes me happier than sitting poolside reading a good book! I also really do love the beaches in Maine, but only after the tourists disperse a bit 😊.
What’s your secret talent that most people don’t know about?
I have never lost a limbo contest.
What’s one thing that’s on your “Bucket List”?
Traveling more with my husband. There are many places that I still need to visit!!
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Always do what you love and take more chances.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Lowell, MA. I moved to Merrimack, NH for middle and high school.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations, and why?
My parents and siblings are my biggest inspirations, we all are super supportive of each other and truly enjoy spending time together. My husband is also a huge inspiration of mine, he is courageous, fun and carefree and always brings out the best in me.
What is something about you that most people don’t know?
I am the second oldest of six (two sisters and three brothers).
What best advice can you give someone who might be interested in joining us here at MMQCI?
Come and join our team! We likely have a good opportunity for you!