Four employees from the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) have been honored with the prestigious 2025 Eugster Award. This award program is named in honor of Dr. A. Konrad Eugster, TVMDL’s former executive director, who served the agency for more than 30 years.
Dr. Eugster exemplified a lifetime of service to others. In that same spirit, TVMDL proudly honors the following employees whose dedication, outstanding performance, and commitment continue to advance the organization’s mission.
Administrative Category
Alexis Templeton, histopathology assistant section head at TVMDL-College Station, is the 2025 recipient in the administrative category.
Templeton is the kind of leader whose skill and compassion leave a lasting impression. Serving at TVMDL for 18 years, Templeton has transformed the histopathology section by leading its seamless relocation to a new facility in 2017, helping implement the lab’s first digital pathology program, managing surges in Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing, and continually finding innovative ways to improve efficiency and service quality for clients.
Beyond her technical and operational accomplishments, Templeton invests in the growth, well-being, and motivation of her colleagues. With gestures like celebrating yearly anniversaries and creatively recognizing staff contributions, she has cultivated a workplace where team members are valued, encouraged, and motivated to give their best.
According to her nominator, Maritza Anguiano, “It’s very evident that the lab’s success and efficiency are a direct result of Alexis’s leadership. She continues to drive improvements through new technologies and workflow enhancements.”
Professional Category
Karena Tang, DVM, MS, DACVP, clinical pathologist at TVMDL-College Station, is the 2025 recipient in the professional category.
Though she has been part of the clinical pathology section for only three years, Tang has become someone others instinctively turned to. Since 2022, she has consistently earned the highest performance ratings, quickly becoming a trusted resource for technicians, diagnosticians, and clients alike. Considered “remarkably responsive” by her colleagues, Tang, is known to selflessly and skillfully step in to provide immediate, hands-on support. Especially during periods of staffing shortages and high caseloads, Tang’s willingness to check in, stay late, and offer help wherever needed ensures continuity of high-quality service for clients. Additionally, she has strengthened laboratory operations through the development of practical tools, expanded testing capabilities such as the bone marrow panel, and ongoing support in areas including endocrinology, CAPA workflows, and first-pass CBC evaluations.
According to her nominator, Julie Piccione, DVM, MS, DACVP, “While extremely intelligent and skilled in her field, Dr. Tang still maintains an approachable personality and can clearly and concisely explain concepts to any audience. Her welcoming demeanor and wealth of knowledge are assets to TVMDL clients.”
Technical Category
Emma Jones, clinical pathology laboratory coordinator at TVMDL-College Station, is the 2025 recipient in the technical category.
Jones exemplifies technical excellence and dedication to the mission of TVMDL. Her ingenuity and dedication are evident in the way she tackles challenges directly, always keeping the lab and her colleagues at the center of her efforts.
In her seven years with clinical pathology, Jones has grown from diagnostic technician to laboratory coordinator, demonstrating full proficiency at every testing station and earning a reputation for accuracy, efficiency, and problem-solving.
One example of her exceptional dedication is her transformation of inventory management for both the College Station and Canyon labs through the implementation of streamlined systems that ensure uninterrupted testing, reduced costs, and support efficient operations.
According to her nominator, Julie Piccione, DVM, MS, DACVP, “Jones isn’t afraid of hard work, and we more than appreciate her superb work ethic. Her dedication to laboratory functions and client services is unparalleled.”
Student Category
Katelyn Meister, client services student assistant at TVMDL-College Station, is the 2025 recipient in the student category.
Even though her busy student schedule could have restricted her to lab duties, Meister proactively sought additional training and responsibilities and is now in the phone rotation alongside full-time staff.
In just two and a half years in the client services section, Meister has become a trusted and valued member of the team, always striving to learn more and take on new responsibilities.
She embraces challenges with enthusiasm and adapts well to changes in workflow. Always willing to help, she steps in to assist her peers, suggests improvements to make processes more efficient, and consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to ensure clients receive top-tier service.
According to her nominator, Shelly Franciour, “Not only does Meister provide excellent service to our clients, but she also brings so much positivity to our section with her can-do attitude. She asks for extra tasks to help make our day run smoothly and is always willing to lend a helping hand to her peers.”
Honoring years of service and dedication
The following individuals are recognized for their dedication and years of service to the agency:
- Dr. Randi Gold, Anatomic Pathology, 5 years, | College Station
- Sherry Moloch, 5 years, Serology | College Station
- Madaline Morse, 5 years, Quality Assurance | College Station
- Torey Pryde, 5 years, Analytical Chemistry | College Station
- Bailey Schulz, 5 years, Client Services | College Station
- Dr. Julie Piccione, 10 years, Clinical Pathology | College Station
- Juan Castro, 15 years, Analytical Chemistry | College Station
- Dr. Megan Schroeder, 15 years, Molecular Diagnostics | College Station
- Meredith Verango, 15 years, Administration | College Station
- Bennie Jacobs, 20 years, Bacteriology | College Station
- Rod Lemburg, 20 years, Operations | College Station
- Dr. Amy Swinford, 20 years, Administration | College Station
- Sonia Lingsweiler, 40 years, Bacteriology | College Station