Weber State student ‘loves a challenge,’ builds future in the medical field
OGDEN, Utah — Medical laboratory sciences student Sam Wright has made it his mission to stand out. Through research, two student leadership positions, and a passion for making a difference in the medical field, he’s shaping his future in medicine before graduating.
The East Millcreek, Utah, native is pursuing multiple academic minors: criminal justice, American Sign Language, chemistry, and neuroscience.
“I want to set myself apart,” Wright said. “The medical field is very competitive, so I want to do everything I possibly can to make my chances the best.”
The 27-year-old graduated with an associate’s degree in biotechnology from Salt Lake Community College. While deciding what his next steps would be, he talked with a recently-retired U.S. Air Force biomedical officer who said Weber State’s MLS program would be the “best course of action” for future opportunities.
“MLS is not an easy path, but it’s not meant to be easy,” he said. “We’re dealing with people’s lives and their outcomes. If we are to be the next generation of healthcare providers, then I wouldn’t want anything less than the most stringent and difficult programs for our students. Plus, I love a challenge.”
Since starting at Weber, Wright has taken advantage of various scholarship opportunities, including the 2024–25 High Honors Scholarship, 2025–26 Weber State University CATapult Scholarship, and the 2026–27 Stewart Education Foundation CATalyst Scholarship Fund.
Wright is the vice president of the MLS club and president of the WSU American Red Cross club, which co-organized the 23rd annual American Red Cross Blood Battle last month.
In addition to his student leadership positions, he’s working alongside his peers in a research course. Together, they attended the 2026 National Conference on Undergraduate Research. They presented research on nasal bacteria, its impact on allergenic presence, and the influence of Utah’s environmental factors.
Over time, Wright said he’s developed a deep appreciation for the critical role laboratory professionals play in patient care. He said he wants others to know how important the role of an MLS professional is.
“Physicians don't just throw darts at a board and say, ‘You know what, their symptoms kind of line up with this, this, and this.’ It comes down to the analytical values, and medical laboratory scientists are the ones actually processing all the things in the background for the physicians to then make the final call,” he said. “We're essentially the backbone of everything.”
Wright said Weber State’s MLS program has given him real-world clinical experiences, a community he can rely on, and opportunities to expand his educational background.
He appreciates having professors with well-rounded careers that can explain difficult topics in a holistic view. Associate Professor Justin Rhees, for example, helps Wright feel confident that he’ll succeed after graduation.
“It’s been inspiring to watch Sam grow, both as a medical laboratory scientist and as a student leader over the past few years,” said Rhees. “He brings a genuine intellectual curiosity and commitment to learning, consistently seeking to deepen his knowledge, refine his skills, and identify ways to improve his practice. His initiative, service, and dedication make him an outstanding student and emerging professional.”
Even with 14 credit hours, homework, and a full-time job, Wright makes time on his calendar for his wife and 22-month-old daughter. He said without them, he wouldn't be as motivated as he is.
Wright works as a reagent manufacturing lead at bioMérieux, where he oversees a team that works on the chemical processing for polymerase chain reaction tests, often used to detect infections in patients. After graduation, Wright hopes to work as a medical laboratory scientist while he prepares for a physician assistant or medical doctor program.
“In a world full of competition, be kind and understanding,” Wright said. “Go down to other people’s level and help elevate, empower, and build them up. Because you might be sitting next to your future colleague.”
Elva Mora, Marketing & Communications
- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu