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Melainie Duckworth, MLS (ASCP)

  • Maniilaq Health Center Laboratory
  • Kotzebue, Alaska

About Me

I am a Medical Laboratory Scientist with several years of clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings. My first degree was in Clinical Laboratory Technology and my second degree was in Biology. I am currently certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology and maintain my continuing medical education.

I have also been a hobby writer and blogger for several years. My expertise in the medical field and love of science have inspired much of my writing but I also enjoy writing about parenting and my family adventures.

After moving to the Northwest Arctic Borough for four years, I have developed an appreciation for life and unique circumstances. Alaskan villages can be exciting but strenuous places, cut off from the modern world. Finding adventure was easy there and developed an intrepid spirit that continues to color my viewpoint even after switching to the more mundane life of an Alabamian.

Our restless spirits have called us to delay settling down and now we have found ourselves moving into an RV. This way, we don’t have to establish roots just yet and we are free to explore a little still. We are having fun as a family!

Academic Honors & Prizes

  • 2015

    Excelsior School of Science

    Cum Laude

  • 2006 - 2008

    Wallace State College

    Honor Society

  • 2006 - 2008

    Wallace State College

    President’s List

  • 2008

    Wallace State College

    Summa Cum Laude

  • 2008

    Wallace State College

    Phi Theta Kappa

  • 2004 - 2006

    University of Alabama in Huntsville

    Academic Excellence Scholarship

  • 2004

    Bethel Baptist School

    Valedictorian

Education & Training

  • Certificate 2015

    Grant Writing Training & Certification

    Fort Hays State University

  • Certification 2015

    Medical Laboratory Scientist

    American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

  • B.S. 2015

    B.S. in Biology

    Excelsior College

  • Certification 2008

    Medical Laboratory Technician

    American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

  • A.A.S.2008

    A.A.S. Clinical Laboratory Technology

    Wallace State Community College

  • Clinicals2008

    Clinical Rotations

    Marshal Medical South, AL

Employment History

  • 2016- Present
    Freelance Writer
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    I produce website copy and blog posts on various subjects that are often ghostwritten research pieces and medical articles. I also write lifestyle magazine and newspaper articles and engage with clients to promote their brand and products.
  • 2012 - 2016
    Maniilaq Association
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    Provides information for patient diagnosis and treatment by performing laboratory tests in toxicology, chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology laboratories; receiving, typing, testing, and recording blood bank inventories and specimens.
  • 2008-2011
    Decatur General Hospital
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    Organizes work by matching computer orders with specimen labeling; sorting specimens; checking labeling; logging specimens; arranging reports for delivery; keeping work surfaces clean and orderly. Maintains quality results by running standards and controls, verifying equipment function through routine equipment maintenance and advanced trouble shooting; calibrating equipment utilizing approved testing procedures; monitoring quality control measures and protocols. Serves as technical resource by participating in staff training; answering questions of other professionals; participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations. Identifies and communicates abnormal patient conditions by alerting supervisory personnel, the pathologist, the patient physician, or nurse; reporting mandated information to the public health department or other designated officials.

Scientific Background

Melainie has been involved in research for the Alaska State Department of Fish & Game, working as a local research assistant to gather data for a comprehensive subsistence mapping project. She has also been in communication with researchers from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Arctic Investigations Program to provide data and clinically significant bacterial isolates from the Northwest Arctic Borough population. Melainie provides data and compiles reports that are utilized for the hospital’s infection control and prevention program as well as presents findings of clinical reports to medical staff.

Having developed a fervor for microbiology and a yearning for knowledge, she has achieved a firm foundation in the biomedical sciences, research skills, and medical microbiology that will ensure her success as a medical writer. Her interests lie in bacteriology and antibiotic resistance, but she is excited about exploring new areas of science and broadening her horizons. Melainie plans to work with companies and organizations worldwide to educate the public about the importance of communicating science for everyone. By presenting complex facts in an easy-to-understand manner, she hopes to make scientific discoveries available for general public consumption.

Research Personnel

Anna Godduhn, PhD

Researcher for Alaska Department of Fish & Game

Zach Stevenson

Subsistence Mapping Project Coordinator

Damian Satterthwaite-Phillips, PhD

Anthropologist and Data Analyst

Melainie Duckworth, MLS (ASCP)

Local Research Assistant - Kotzebue

Scientific medical writing requires a firm foundation in order to communicate effectively and accurately. I have developed a strong understanding of the medical sciences and a well-rounded writing ability to provide a comprehensive package for communication through the written word. Whether an essay or blog post is needed, I can adjust to fulfill the role.

Selected Publications

Melainie Duckworth has experience writing a wide range of publication types. She has extensive experience writing scientific research papers and manuals, as well as informational medical papers for public use. Melainie can serve clients in need of any health or medically-related writing, including white papers, brochures, informational pamphlets, articles, blog posts, advertorials, research papers, procedure manuals, or other forms of literature. Here are a few examples of her work.

Reality check: Alabama ain't so sweet

Melainie Duckworth
Opinion Piece Regional News Website AL.com

Abstract

Growing up in one place can leave you disillusioned to the local problems. After moving away from my home state, I realized the serious problems ingrained in the people and culture of my home state. Hearing the viewpoint of outsiders really opened my eyes to the sad reality instead of the rose-colored glasses viewpoint.

Adopting A Special Needs Puppy

Melainie Duckworth
Blog Post Barkswell Dog Blog

Abstract

Adopting a puppy is a huge commitment of time and love. This story explores a first-hand account of struggles that can arise with a new pet and how I coped with it. We are all happy and healthy now.

Underlying Danger of a Medical Laboratory Shortage

Melainie Duckworth
Article Medical Laboratory Blog

Abstract

There is a crisis brewing in the medical field that most people will not see until it is too late. As CMS attempts to open the doors for unqualified personnel in high complexity lab testing, patients will inevitably suffer. This blog post points out the dangers of hospitals lacking qualified medical laboratory employees and how to resolve it.

Commentary from a Pregnant Medical Laboratory Scientist

Melainie Duckworth
Blog Post Medical Laboratory Blog

Abstract

In this personal story, I document my issues with working as a pregnant scientist in a hospital lab. Many people do not realize the struggles that a healthcare worker must face while pregnant. Trying to stay healthy without inducing preterm labor from being overworked is a serious issue in an understaffed lab, as well. It is important for lab management to consider these issues with pregnant workers.

Microbiomes in Human Health: The Future of Biomedical Science

Melainie Duckworth
Research Paper Medical Research Paper

Abstract

With all of this evidence accumulating on the importance of microbiomes, the study of pathophysiology needs to take a closer look at microbiomes of the human body and integrate these findings with treatment of diseases. The future of microbiome research has many opportunities available, and this analysis of microbiome studies and the resulting implications prove the importance of understanding human microbiomes in relation to disease states and applying information obtained from microbiome research.

Interdisciplinary Research in Microbial Agroecology Provides Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture

Melainie Duckworth
Research Proposal Research Paper

Abstract

There has been a more recent trend in agriculture to provide for solutions that will be better over time for humanity and the environment. The interdisciplinary collaboration of microbial agroecology may be new but there has been a great deal of progress towards the goal of sustainable agriculture. How can these research findings be applied to sustainable agriculture, and will it make much of a difference? The collaborative research of microbiology and agroecology has found solutions to providing sustainable agricultural practices that need to be implemented for reducing agricultural pollution and the world hunger crisis in developing countries.

Contact & Meet Me

I would be happy to talk with you if you need any assistance in scientific writing or the medical laboratory field. Feel free to contact me with any queries or articles that you would like me to write for you. I am available for ghostwriting, guest blogging, and writing in-depth medical or scientific articles. I also enjoy writing fun lifestyle articles, like our stories of bush Alaska.

In The Lab

While I no longer work in a laboratory, I am available for consultations and short term contracts.

At My Office

Although my work day is not set in stone, I can usually be reached during normal business hours corresponding to the Central Time zone. Please don’t hesitate to send me a message via email or social media any time. I will try to respond expediently.

Contact hours:
Weekday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, after hours - by request
Weekend: Appointment only