Medical Technologist Tarrah Oliver (’04) recently helped to develop a Hantavirus 5-point peripheral screen for patients. Through the work of the lab at TseHootsooi Medical Center in Fort Defiance, Arizona, Tarrah has helped with an ongoing project to create a lab screen for lab technicians to perform for patient treatment and extend community outreach for the screen.
Tarrah works in a growing number of roles and focuses on mentoring and, most recently, as the safety-training supervisor in the lab. Students from the University of New Mexico rotate through the lab and work on their curriculum alongside Tarrah.
Being passionate for her work in the lab has allowed her to travel to other labs to collaborate on trainings of the screen and attend career days at local schools and colleges. Tarrah visited St. Michael Indian School in May with fellow staff members of the lab of TMC to present on the various job roles inside a medical lab and on the type of education required.
Oliver graduated from SMIS as salutatorian. Earning a Chief Manuelito scholarship, she attended Arizona State University and completed her biological sciences degree in 2011. This past June, she celebrated eight years at TMC. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, outdoor activities, and serving as a board member for Rez Refuge.
Having participated in many student clubs and activities in high school, Tarrah remembers the days of yearbook and prom committees, student council events, and cheering at SMIS games.
After visiting big fancy schools, she recalled that “St. Michael wasn’t a rich school with things like a pool or swim team but what it didn’t have, it made up for in its faithful environment. Good morals were reinforced, challenging academics were always there, and we were all a family. I really appreciate that now raising my own boys.”
Her advice to the senior class or new freshmen at college? Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask for help, and go meet people.