Most days of the week you will find Tamires Matias, a B.A. in Health Science student here at FAU, assessing biopsies of cancers, ulcers, polyps, and even an odd finger or toe as an intern at the Boca-Delray Pathology Lab. The lab is one of the top in the state, with a 24-hour turnaround for area hospitals in south Florida, in addition to serving hospitals in Jacksonville.

Through Tamires’ internship, she works as a lab histology technician trainee, working alongside senior techs. “I really like the environment - it’s very fast-paced. We all work together well as a team and help each other in all corners of the lab,” Tamires states.

She was recently offered a position as a Histology technician in the IHC (Immunohistochemistry) lab, which reviews complex cancer, prostate, and many more biopsies. Her next step is taking the test to earn a permanent tech license.

Following coursework at Palm Beach State College, Tamires transferred to FAU where she took the science courses that allowed her to be eligible to earn the trainee technician license. She is currently enrolled in  FAU’s Science Internship Course, which helps students source internships and makes the most of the experience.

“I love school. I’ve had a great experience at FAU. The flexible schedules allowed me to take online classes to accommodate my work hours, and courses I took on campus were offered at hours that worked for me,” says Tamires. She goes on to say, “the professors were very helpful, and always answered my questions right away, and allowed me to leave early or arrive late because of my work schedule.”

Tamires plans to graduate from FAU in the Summer of 2019 with her Health Science degree with the goal to soon become a Physician Assistant.