Commencement is coming up on Saturday, May 11, and we’re highlighting some of the incredible students who will soon be alumni of the College of Health Sciences.

Read on to learn more about Jordan Elliot Richards of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, who is completing a Master of Health Science in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences with a Clinical Laboratory Science emphasis.

Favorite Quote:

“It is revolutionary for any trans person to choose to be seen and visible in a world that tells us we should not exist.”

–Laverne Cox

What does graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences mean to you?

This will be my second degree from the College of Health Sciences, and it has been a life-changing experience. It means I succeeded despite any doubts I had about my abilities or any challenges I faced. It means all my hard work, dedication and time are culminating in this degree. I am extremely grateful to be where I am.

What was one of your favorite classes within your degree track?

My favorite class was Current Topics in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, which I took in the summer semester of 2022 as the first class for my degree track. It was interesting to delve deep into areas of the clinical lab, and I was challenged to complete different types of projects I had never done before. I am very proud of the work I completed in that class, and it really set the stage for what I chose to focus on for the rest of my program and final capstone project.

What activities have you been involved in along the way?

During my time in the MHS CDS program, I presented during the ASCLS-MO annual meeting, taught immunohematology at Moberly Area Community College, and was a coordinator for the PRISM youth group at The Center Project.

Who helped you during your college journey?

My wife Roxie was my biggest supporter and the person I could always lean on, and my friends and family were also invaluable sources of encouragement. Alese Thompson was an amazing advisor and resource, she gave me encouragement and advice that I couldn’t have finished the program without. My project advisors Dr. Detlef Ritter and Amanda Ramsay were also essential in helping me complete my capstone project.

What memories stand out from your time at Mizzou?

The most meaningful memory I have is when I was able to do a presentation during my Current Topics in Clinical Laboratory Sciences class for the pathology department at University of Missouri Health Care. The presentation was about transgender laboratory values, and it really spurred my desire to continue to educate and work on issues for transgender health care within the clinical laboratory setting. I gained a lot from doing this presentation in the form of confidence and goals for my capstone project, but it also helped me pinpoint what I want to focus my future career on.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am currently the laboratory supervisor for Hematology, Coagulation and Flow Cytometry at University of Missouri Health Care, and I plan to continue in that position for the foreseeable future. I also have identified future projects with my medical director that we want to continue to work on after I am finished with my degree, so I will still be focused on improving transgender health care.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

Even if you are scared to do something, take the leap and do it. Sometimes the things that scare you the most give you back the most reward and best experiences.