Recognize Leaders in Laboratory Science and Pathology: ASCP’s 40 Under Forty Application Is Open!

Nominations and applications are now open for ASCP’s 2026 40 Under Forty cohort. The nomination form closes on March 27, 2026, and the application deadline is May 8, 2026. 

The ASCP 40 Under Forty cohorts are an inspiration to their professional communities today and to tomorrow’s laboratory science professionals and pathologists. Being selected for the 2026 ASCP 40 Under Forty cohort is a recognition of your individual skills, the impact of your career on your community, and reveals the diversity of professional roles, educational paths, and career opportunities offered by laboratory science and pathology.  

ASCP eNews spoke with honorees from the 2025 40 Under Forty cohort to learn what the award has meant to them and what inspired them to apply on their own behalf. 

“Being recognized as a leading professional in laboratory science means a lot to me. The recognition also reflects well on my training and the institution I graduated from,” reflected Joshua Jefferson, EdD, HTL(ASCP)^CM, 40 Under Forty 2025 cohort member. 

“The recognition was a stamp of approval on the work I’d been doing. I applied right after I started a new faculty position. So, when I was selected for 40 Under Forty during my first year in the department, it really established me as a new faculty member and highlighted the experience I brought with me,” shared Christopher Attaway, MD, MSc, FASCP.  

When asked what inspired him to nominate himself, Dr. Jefferson shared, “The best person to represent you is you. No one else can tell your story better than you. Believe in yourself and put yourself out there.” 

The 2026 ASCP 40 Under Forty cohort recognition provides examples for future generations of laboratory scientists, pathologists, medical students, patients, families, and community members about the career paths available to them.  

“Being selected for the 2025 cohort was important for me because the Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) is such a new degree. The recognition brings more attention to this new degree, informing MLT and MLS of an additional option to expand their careers and voices in the laboratory,” shared Jenelle Vargas Musick, DCLS, MPH, MLS(ASCP)^CM, and cohort 2025 member. 

Dr. Attaway also noted, “If you are seeing something in one of your colleagues and are thinking about nominating them, know that other people are seeing that too. Your nomination speaks for lots of people on behalf of the nominee. The person you nominate would be totally blown away by your recognition and effort.” 

ASCP 40 Under Forty honorees join past cohorts of distinguished alumni and  including complimentary access to one of ASCP’s Certificate Programs, inclusion in ASCP’s Critical Values, and more.  

Nominations are due on Friday, March 27, 2026. Know someone who deserves to be part of this year's 40 Under Forty program? Nominate them! 

Questions about your application? Join past honorees on Monday, March 30th at 2 pm EDT to learn more about what to include and what to do. Register here for the webinar.  

Applications are due on Friday, May 8, 2026. Celebrate your professional achievements and apply to become part of this prestigious program!