Alumni Spotlights
Lerenza Howard '07
Employer
Infection Preventionist
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lerenzahoward
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
With my degree in biomedical science from GVSU I subsequently
acquired a role as a microbiologist within a nutrition laboratory at
Silliker Mérieux Nutrisciences. I then transitioned into working for a
radioactive pharmaceutical laboratory as a microbiologist at GE
Healthcare. My desire was to attain a role within an acute care
hospital therefore I had the opportunity to work for the University of
Chicago Medical Center's (UCM) microbiology lab as a medical
technologist. While working at UCM I was exposed to the field of
infection prevention which was very intriguing to me, and I developed
the desire to seek how I could transition into the infection control
field. I later became a medical technologist at Northwestern
University working in their histocompatibility laboratory whereby we
assisted with the facilitation of solid organ transplants. I pursued
my master's degree in Healthcare Administration at National Louis
University, and I graduated in May 2020. I later attained a role as an
infection preventionist at an acute care hospital with Advocate Aurora
Healthcare which is where I currently work. I was accepted into the
University of Indianapolis' Doctor of Health Science program in which
I started the program in Fall of 2021. I recently passed my board
certification in infection control, and I am looking forward to
advancing infection prevention and control practices in healthcare.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
My favorite memory was being a member of the Voices of GVSU. I
met some amazing individuals while participating in the choir
including our choir director Mama CC. I thoroughly miss our practice
sessions and performing together at various events. Additionally,
through GVSU I had the opportunity to study abroad to Ghana, Africa
which was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Through my
involvement in the study abroad program my worldview was forever
shifted in gaining a deeper understanding of my heritage and the world
around me.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Wherever you go be a unicorn! One of my professors within my
master's program gave me poignant advice regarding the advancement of
my career, and one thing he noted was to make yourself standout. It's
easy to go along with the flow but you want to be the flow and sharpen
your skills and talents such that others will seek your knowledge.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Immersive, empowering, and worthwhile
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I would like to be the change that I desire to see in the world,
and to be an inspiration to others. During my experience at GVSU I was
an introvert, and I did not know the value of being involved in
various activities on campus and the importance of networking with
faculty/staff and other students. I currently encourage and mentor
young girls on the importance of being active and involved in various
activities that cultivate their personal and professional skills.
Therefore, I fervently desire to make the path for purpose seeking
more intuitive and for future generations to seek mentors such as
myself that are willing to be open and honest about our foibles and
the lessons in which we've learned along the way to assist with
providing adequate guidance that I wish sought out in my youth.
October 2022
Interest Area(s)
Biomedical Sciences
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