Chris Cardona, Medical Laboratory Science ’13, works as a virologist at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he diagnoses infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis and influenza. He collaborates daily with physicians and laboratory clinicians and takes pride in being a vital part of the medical care team.

As an undergraduate student, Cardona performed research in Professor Paula Deming’s laboratory, which prepared him well for his career.

“Being able to interact with my professor and apply the things I had been learning to current research was phenomenal,” Cardona said. “I make a difference every day using what I learned, and my work is felt throughout the community in very substantial ways. My colleagues and I are vital in diagnosing patients with microbial infections, and tracking the epidemiology of microbial strains in our community and nationwide.”