Leonard Lawani

Experienced biomedical scientist, clinical microbiologist, educator, and researcher with extensive expertise in medical microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, genetics, medical biochemistry, and clinical laboratory science. More than three decades of combined experience in academic medicine, clinical diagnostics, public health, laboratory management, and biomedical research. Demonstrated success in teaching undergraduate, graduate, medical, and dental students while conducting translational research and directing high-complexity clinical microbiology laboratories.

Experienced in curriculum development, mentoring students, laboratory quality management, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dedicated to advancing healthcare through excellence in teaching, research, and clinical laboratory practice.

Clinical Microbiologist - PIH Health - Whittier, California

(2023-01 - 2025-12)

• Performed high-complexity clinical microbiology testing.
• Interpreted microbiological findings to support patient diagnosis and treatment.
• Maintained compliance with CAP, CLIA, and laboratory quality standards.
• Collaborated with infectious disease physicians and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Clinical Microbiologist - Kaiser Permanente Regional Laboratory - North Hollywood, California

(2010-01 - 2023-12)

• Performed bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, and molecular diagnostic testing.
• Ensured compliance with laboratory accreditation and regulatory standards.
• Assisted in quality assurance, method validation, and laboratory improvement initiatives.
• Participated in laboratory education and staff training.

Clinical Microbiologist - Boston University Medical Center - Boston, Massachusetts

(2007-01 - 2010-12)

• Conducted diagnostic microbiology testing in a tertiary-care medical center.
• Assisted in laboratory quality improvement and diagnostic protocol implementation.

Technical Supervisor - Los Angeles County Public Health Laboratory - Los Angeles, California

(2001-01 - 2003-12)

• Supervised public health microbiology laboratory operations.
• Directed laboratory personnel and maintained quality assurance programs.
• Supported disease surveillance and outbreak investigations.
• Ensured compliance with state and federal laboratory regulations.

Research Assistant Professor - Department of Periodontology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California - Los Angeles, California

(2000-01 - 2001-12)

• Conducted research in oral microbiology and periodontal infectious diseases.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary research teams.
• Participated in graduate student education and mentoring.
• Published peer-reviewed scientific research.

Adjunct Research Assistant Professor - Department of Periodontology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California - Los Angeles, California

(2003-01)

• Continue collaborative research activities.
• Mentor students and junior investigators.
• Participate in scientific discussions and research initiatives.

Clinical Microbiologist - USC University Hospital - Los Angeles, California

(1992-01 - 2000-12)

• Performed diagnostic microbiology testing.
• Assisted physicians in infectious disease diagnosis.
• Maintained laboratory quality assurance and accreditation standards.

Research Faculty - Department of Kinesiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Los Angeles, California

(1991-01 - 1992-12)

• Conducted diabetes-related biomedical research.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary investigators.

Lecturer - Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA - Los Angeles, California

(1990-01 - 1991-12)

Courses taught included

• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology

Lecturer (Part-Time) - Ross University School of Medicine

(2004-01 - 2005-12)

Courses taught

• Immunology
• Genetics

Lecturer (Part-Time) - Xavier University School of Medicine

(2005-01 - 2006-12)

Courses taught

• Microbiology
• Genetics

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Microbiology - University of North Texas

Doctor of Medicine (MD) - Xavier University School of Medicine

Postdoctoral Fellowship - Medical Microbiology - University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Master of Science (MS) - Molecular Biology - The University of Texas at Dallas