Alumni Spotlight: Nicholas Barron
From his early days in the MSU Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics (BLD) Program to his current success as a medical student, Nicholas Barron exemplifies what it means to lead with discipline, passion, and purpose. Barron’s dedication and curiosity to the field of pathology has recently earned him the 2025 CAP Distinguished Medical Student Award and the 2025 CAP Foundation Sparking Interest in Pathology Award.
Barron’s interests in biology and working in lab settings is what led him to the BLD program. “BLD seemed like a great fit that combined my interests with solid job opportunities” he said. After graduating and completing his internship, he began working as an MLS. While it was a great experience and provided a stable career, he felt like he could do more to help. It was his fascination of the biology behind the cases he saw and visits with the pathologists to go over peripheral smears and fluid consults that sparked his interest in medical school.
BLD courses like Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, and Hematology helped him develop a strong foundation, which gave him an edge when entering medical school. “During our first microbiology lab we were divided into small teams and given patient cases—gram stain, colony morphology, and susceptibility results—to interpret. I was politely sidelined after identifying the organism within seconds so my teammates could use the allotted 10 minutes per case to work through the exercise themselves.” he said. All of these experiences not only prepared him but has set him apart in medical school—where he now ranks in the top quintile of his class.
At MSUCOM, Barron has taken his passion for pathology beyond the classroom. Noticing that pathology exposure was limited for students, he led efforts to expand access to a student-run pathology elective by securing grant funding for microscope camera technology. A project that now benefits learners across multiple colleges at MSU. His leadership and commitment for this project were recognized with the 2025 CAP Foundation Sparking Interest in Pathology Award. He was also nominated by mentor Dr. James Richard for the 2025 CAP Distinguished Medical Student Award, a national honor celebrating students with a strong commitment to pathology and professional development.
Beyond his academic excellence, Barron stands out for his intentionality and work ethic. “Time management and discipline are key,” he shares. “I always aim to finish what I need to do early so I can take on meaningful extracurricular work—like advocating for pathology and promoting lab science.”
His advice for aspiring medical students from BLD? Take a gap year and work as an MLS. “Medical school is tough and expensive. Working first helped me grow, save money, and gain valuable perspective.” He also emphasizes mental health, “I wish I hadn’t been so hard on myself during undergrad. Now, I make it a rule to stop working at 8 p.m. every night. Prioritizing your well-being is crucial.”
Throughout his journey, mentorship has been instrumental. Dr. James Richard has offered guidance and encouragement throughout Barron’s journey in pathology, and fellow BLD alum Dr. Meredith Herman has been a cornerstone of his development through research, shadowing, and professional mentorship.
Their support, combined with Barron’s initiative and passion, continues to inspire the next generation of BLD students—showing us all that the lab is not just a place of discovery, but a launchpad for a lifelong impact in healthcare.
