By Lauren Whitman

At the LuminexPLORE Lab, our scientific team develops custom assays and performs other custom services for clients around the world. While lab scientists work with clients to deploy the unique xMAP^® Technology that powers assays with the speed and precision of multiplexing, our project management team ensures that clients’ needs are effectively met in a timely manner. For such a task, we’re proud to rely on people like Rachel Badillo, project manager for the LuminexPLORE Lab, to work with clientele and keep everything on track. Rachel joined Luminex in 2018 and holds a bachelor’s degree in forensic science from St. Mary’s University in Texas.

Q: What are your responsibilities at Luminex?

A: I manage all projects in LuminexPLORE Lab. My day-to-day routine can involve participating in client meetings with our scientists, helping to keep our timelines on track, and ensuring all necessary materials are ordered. I also work with prospective clients to keep new project proposals on target.

Q: How did you get started on this career path?

A: I was always interested in science and got a degree in forensic science. Once I graduated from college I got into manufacturing, and I worked in that area for about seven years — including several years here at Luminex building bioassays — before joining the LuminexPLORE Lab and switching to a project management role. I like being able to see all the different projects we’re working on and learn from the scientists I work with about how they troubleshoot and how to start an assay from the ground up.

Q: What drew you to the company?

A: The background of beads with multiplexing capabilities was highly interesting to me; I had not seen anything like that technology anywhere else. I recall leaving the bioassay team interview and telling a close friend, I want this job. I can learn so much. I had the same feeling when I interviewed for LuminexPLORE Lab, I knew I wanted it and could excel in this role.

Q: What is something you wish more people knew about the LuminexPLORE Lab?

A: That we can do anything any customer wants — whatever they have their mind set on, we are here to help them succeed. The LuminexPLORE Lab mindset is to challenge the boundaries of existing science and explore beyond.

Q: If you could solve any clinical or genetic challenge, what would it be?

A: Cholesteatoma. It’s a very rare condition where a noncancerous mass of skin cells grows behind the eardrum and can lead to hearing loss. My son was diagnosed with it when he was around six years old, and since then, he has had four surgeries to remove it. Even the most microscopic amount of tissue left behind during surgery will grow back. My son lost two out of three of his hearing bones behind his eardrum to this condition and will have hearing loss for the rest of his life.

Q: If you weren’t at Luminex, where would you be?

A: Forensic toxicology. When families lose members to drug abuse, or to poisoned drug use, forensic toxicology can allow them to find out what drugs contributed to their death. Forensic toxicologists can also provide this information to health officials to support research into physiological and behavioral side effects.

Q: What is something about you that no one at Luminex knows?

A: I’m scared of apples! When I was young, I didn’t know that people naturally lost their baby teeth and grew adult ones. One day I bit into an apple, and when I pulled it away, my tooth was stuck in it—it was terrifying! Ever since then, I have avoided eating apples.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do in Austin on the weekend?

A: Trying new food. I’m a foodie, despite being told I’m a picky eater. Austin offers so many variations and fusions of food; I haven’t tried them all yet! My Yelp list of eateries is never ending.

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