Full Time Phlebotomist Joins Research Team
For the first time in its 10-year history, Center for Health Research has a full-time phlebotomist working on its clinical trials. Marcos Pena joined the team in May 2018 as a research assistant phlebotomist. In addition to taking participants’ blood, he oversees the lab and assists the other research assistants with screenings, assessments, data entry and patient surveys.
Pena, who has a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from UC Irvine, comes to Cal Poly from private industry. He worked as a laboratory technician for two years, first for AGQ Laboratories as a project lead. He was then at Nusil/Treylset Laboratories where he led a team of technicians studying adverse events of insertion and removal of subcutaneous biomedical devices.
After leaving his roles as a laboratory technician, Pena earned his phlebotomy certification so he could work in a more clinical environment.
"Public research at Cal Poly is an opportunity to provide a positive healthy contribution in our immediate communities as well as an impact on the professional world of knowledge,” Pena said. “This is something I am excited to be a part of."
Pena relocated to San Luis Obispo County from Ventura County.
Marcos Pena (pictured above) started in May as the Center For Health Research's first full time phlebotomist.
