Nicole Kocher, a graduate student and previous researcher in Laboratory Medicine, joined the division's staff in March as an Office Associate II. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Biotechnology from the UAB School of Health Professions, scheduled to graduate August 2020, and is additionally pursuing a Certificate in Leadership and Professional Development from the UAB Graduate School, scheduled to graduate December 2020. 

Kocher worked as a researcher in the lab of Dr. X. Long Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., former division director, Laboratory Medicine, since August 2015. Some of her responsibilities included maintaining research protocols for both human subjects and animal models, and, as the primary laboratory animal caretaker, she maintained a sizeable mouse colony and performed survival and non-survival surgery. As the Biorepository Coordinator, she processed research consented patient specimens for many IRB protocols. She also became the Laboratory and Chemical Safety Officer and created a new on-boarding system for the training and documentation of new students and employees in all UAB policies, safety, and laboratory procedures. 

Dr. Zheng's lab is focused on understanding the biological mechanism and discovering possible therapies for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). "My biggest accomplisment during my time there was the Thromotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) Fair and Education Day," Kocher says. "I assisted in the development of this event and have coordinated it for the past two years." She works closely with physicians, investigators, and patients to connect and inform individuals suffering from the rare hematological disease. 

In her new role, Kocher will continue to manage IRB and IACUC protocols. She is also continuing her work in helping the department coordinate a Phase II clinical trial in TTP and has had the opportunity to host meetings and lectures via Zoom during the limited-business model. She is thrilled to continue her career in Lab Medicine as a staff member. 

Please join us in welcoming Nicole "Nikki" Kocher to UAB Pathology's Division of Laboratory Medicine staff.