Ms. Rhena Salazar Singh is the Program Director 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 a 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 Department in all aspects and ensure it's overall success as well as maintenance of NAACLS Accreditation.
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)
Hailing from Waipahu High School, Clarence Bermejo is a Quality Improvement Manager at Clinical Labs of Hawaii. As an alumnus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, John A. Burns School of Medicine's Medical Technology Program, he started his Clinical Laboratory career at Wahiawa General Hospital (now Queens Wahiawa). Then he became the Medical Technologist Supervisor at Adventist Health Castle. He later returned to Wahiawa General Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic as the Laboratory Manager before entering his current CLH position.
Mr. Bermejo obtained his Master’s degree in Public Health from George Washington University and worked as a contracted public health advisor for the CDC. In addition to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, John A. Burns School of Medicine's Medical Technology Program, he teaches Phlebotomy and MLT courses at Kapiʻolani Community College. When Clarence is not working in the clinical laboratory, he likes to be in his kitchen's baking laboratory or out in nature, hiking or running.
Courses: MEDT 151 (Online)
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
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. Violet Nxedhlana is an 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)