Our Department

Dr. Violet Nxedhlana is the Program Director and Associate Professor in the Medical Technology department at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii. She earned her degree in Medical Technology from Tarleton State University in Texas and brings over 20 years of experience as an ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist. In her role at UH, Dr. Violet is dedicated to mentoring and supporting the next generation of scientists, ensuring that students develop the clinical applications and problem-solving skills essential for baccalaureate-level practitioners.

Dr. Violet is passionate about fostering an environment rich in educational opportunities, emphasizing the critical role of laboratory education and clinical testing in patient health promotion, diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and treatment. She is committed to teaching students to uphold the high standards of quality and ethics expected in the healthcare field. Her goal is to prepare students for board certification exams, such as those offered by ASCP, and to equip them with the competencies needed for entry-level careers and industry roles.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Violet enjoys swimming, hiking, cooking, baking, and playing the piano.

Courses: MEDT 331 (Online)

Ms. Rhena Salazar Singh is the Program Lead and Faculty member for the Medical Technology program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and the John A. Burns School of Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Saint Louis University and an Master of Business Administration from Cornell University.

She has a decade of experience as a MLS(ASCP), including roles at SSM Health, UCSF Medical Center, and UCLA Health. In addition to her clinical background, she has advised startups and Fortune 500 biotechnology companies on strategy and operations. Ms. Rhena draws on this diverse experience to lead the Medical Technology program in all areas and maintain accreditation. She serves as the primary point of contact and works closely with clinical affiliates and senior leadership to drive lasting impact.

Originally from Moloka'i and Oahu, she is passionate about sustaining Hawai'i's lab workforce and giving back to her community through education and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Outside of work she enjoys hiking at national parks, experimenting in the kitchen, and relaxing with a good book.

Courses: MEDT 151, MEDT 251, MEDT 471 (Online), MEDT 472 (Online)

Ms. April Aquino is the Program Specialist for the Medical Technology program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. April is dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journey. With over a decade of experience in operational and managerial roles, she works behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of administrative tasks, student services, and program development.

April can frequently be found around the department, always available to assist with any questions, provide guidance, or engage in conversation. Her goal is to ensure that students have a positive and rewarding experience in the program.

Her creature comforts include long walks, cats, and visiting art museums.

Dr. Edwin Kamau is the Chief and Medical Director of the Microbiology Laboratory in the Department of Pathology and Area Laboratory Services at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Louisiana State University and a D(ABMM) from the University of California Los Angeles, where he completed a CPEP Fellowship. Dr. Kamau also earned a Master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Maryland University College.

With extensive experience in basic, applied, and clinical microbiology, Dr. Kamau specializes in infectious diseases, focusing on diagnosis, epidemiological studies, and the development of vaccines and drugs. He is proficient in clinical microbiology and molecular assay development, including PCR tests, next-generation sequencing, and immunology. As the medical director of a clinical microbiology laboratory, he oversees a wide range of clinical microbiology functions.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Kamau enjoys running, hiking, and physical fitness, as well as traveling. He has authored or co-authored 145 peer-reviewed articles, with 62 of those published in the past five years, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of microbiology.

Courses: MEDT 477, MEDT 478

Dr. Ji-Sook Ha is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Technology at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. She holds a Master of Science in Physiology from Seoul National University in Korea and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (Biochemistry) from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Since joining the department in 2009, Dr. Ha has been committed to teaching clinical biochemistry. Her courses explore a broad range of topics related to the biochemical basis of human diseases. Through her engaging teaching style, which blends theoretical biochemical knowledge with clinical applications, Dr. Ha effectively helps students connect basic science with clinical practice.

In addition to her teaching, Dr. Ha is a distinguished researcher with a focus on human blood proteins, including serum albumin, ferritin, and lipoproteins. Her research aims to characterize the functions of these proteins under various physiological conditions, contributing valuable insights into their roles in health and disease.

Courses: MEDT 471, MEDT 472

Dr. Washington Joao De Carvalho was born in a small town in Brazil, in the State of Minas Gerais. He moved to Uberlândia at 20 to attend Biology School and later completed his Master’s and Doctorate. As part of his doctorate, he worked as a Visiting Doctoral Fellow at the University of California, Davis, before moving to California in 2015. After visiting Hawai’i, he felt at home and relocated in January 2019. Passionate about nature, outdoor sports, and coffee, he enjoys hiking, jogging, and a hot cup of coffee, all of which Hawai’i offers in abundance.

During his undergraduate studies, Washington interned in the Genetics Laboratory at Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, sparking his passion for genetics. He pursued a Master’s in Health Science with a focus on molecular biology of prostate cancer. His doctoral research explored caste development in stingless bees and led to publications on various topics, including Myosin proteins in diabetes, immunological biomarkers in type 1 leprosy, and insect odorant receptors. After moving to California, he discovered medical laboratory science and returned to school to earn a second Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology. He is now a generalist medical technologist, ASCP certified, working at Kaiser Permanente.

Courses: MEDT 301, MEDT 302, Clinical Rotations