Joanna Ellis
Joanna graduated from the Texas State University Clinical Laboratory Science Program in 2007, and worked as a generalist at Dell Children’s Center of Central Texas. She began teaching in 2010 in the Medical Laboratory Technology Program at Austin Community College. Mrs. Ellis became an Associate Professor at ACC in May of 2011 and completed her Masters of Science in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University in August of 2012. In January of 2014, Joanna returned to her alma mater as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator in the CLS department at Texas State. She created one of only a couple CLS-specific study abroad programs in the nation in 2018 in which she created the Health Education Advances with Laboratory Science (HEALS) workshop. She was promoted to Clinical Associate Professor in 2019. Joanna completed her PhD in Adult, Professional, and Community Education at Texas State University. Her research interests include community health education, service-learning, social determinants of health, and cultural humility in healthcare. Dr. Ellis left the MLS Program at TxSt in Spring 2024 to work in industry for Sysmex. She continues to teach for the MLS program as a per course instructor.
Joanna was elected Student Forum Chair of TACLS and ASCLS Region VII Student Forum Representative in 2007. She continued her professional involvement by serving as the TACLS New Professional Board Member and then Board Member at Large. She has been the Membership Committee Chair 2007-2010, served on two Convention committees, then served as Chair of TACLS 2013 Weird Science Annual Meeting in Austin. Joanna completed the ASCLS Leadership Academy 2012-2013. She has been active in the 2013 Licensure for Lab Professionals initiative through website creation (texaslabquality.org), petition designer, testifying, and Facebook page creator. She was TACLS Member of the Year in 2015. Joanna was awarded the honor of 2016 ASCLS Voices Under 40 Spotlight Recipient. Joanna is a TACLS Past President. She is a mother of two twenty-something daughters who are her pride and joy.
FROM WHEN JOANNA WAS A STUDENT IN THE CLS PROGRAM
Bobcat – Joanna Howard Ellis
Joanna's Thoughts on Texas State
Why Texas State
I chose Texas State because of the variety of health professions degrees offered, the academic reputation, majestic Old Main and the San Marcos River.
Career Goals
I will work in a lab for a few years and potentially go into public health or clinical laboratory science education. I want to work on research that will effect policy changes that will lead to improvements in global health.
Favorite Professor
I have three fantastic professors: Dave Falleur, Rodney Rohde and Phillip Kostroun. Professor Falleur is an excellent role model. He donates time to free clinics, orchestrates blood drives and stem cell registry booths, and attends leukemia walks. He is also always willing to participate in our student organization’s activities and has shown great enthusiasm in helping us create it. Professor Rohde inspires me to achieve great things. His ability to juggle family, research, teaching and working toward his doctorate helps me stay focused. Professor Kostroun is always encouraging and understanding. When things went wrong in a blood banking lab practical and tears were ready to flow, Mr. K’s calm and stoic manner brought me through it. I have learned a great deal about education as well as life from these three men.
Best Studying Advice
Keep procrastination to a minimum. Write notes. Ask questions. Play an active role in class. Appreciate your education and work to get as much out of it as possible.
My Organizations
The Society of Clinical Laboratory Scientists, past president
Alpha Chi Honor Society
Golden Key Honor Society
Student Bowl Team at the Texas Association of Clinical Laboratory Scientists Student Bowl
The Non-Traditional Students Organization
Why I was Involved at Texas State
Being a member of the Society of Clinical Laboratory Scientists has given me more enthusiasm for my profession and my education. We taught fourth- and fifth-graders parasitology and microscopy. Their faces were priceless.
Hobbies
I have two daughters, Alexandria and Riley. They are my hobby.
Honors, Awards and Scholarships
Outstanding Clinical Laboratory Science Student Award 2007
Lois Blaney Health Professions Scholarship
Presidential Upper Level Health Professions Scholarship
American Society of Clinical Pathologists Scholarship
Texas Association for Clinical Laboratory Science Scholarship
American Society for Clinical Pathology National Honor Student Award (2006 and 2007)
Research Forum Poster Award 2006
Who’s Who at Texas State
National dean’s list
Texas State Brightest Stars honoree
Second place in Student Bowl Competition at TACLS Annual Convention 2007
What I Tell Future Texas State Students
Texas State is an affordable, highly regarded, beautiful university where you can learn from accomplished and inspiring professors.
Joanna Howard Ellis Stats
MAJOR: Clinical Laboratory Science
HOMETOWN: Corsicana, Texas
HIGH SCHOOL: Corsicana High School
Bobcat Quote
"Texas State is an affordable, highly regarded, beautiful university where you can learn from accomplished and inspiring professors."