Anel Lizcano, PhD., MPH, PHM-CA(AAB)

Laboratory Quality Manager (PHM)/ APHL-CDC Fellow/ LabAspire Fellow

San Jose, California, United States

About

Experienced Infectious Disease Researcher & Public Health Microbiologist specializing in molecular diagnostics and quality systems management. Currently, I lead laboratory quality operations as Laboratory Quality Manager at Santa Clara Public Health Laboratory, ensuring rigorous CLIA compliance through robust test validation, verification, and staff development programs. As an APHL-CDC and LabAspire Fellow, I am dedicated to advancing laboratory excellence and public health leadership. My career is focused on the path toward becoming a Public Health Laboratory Director in California, where I can drive innovation and diagnostic accuracy at scale.

Experience

  • APHL-CDC Fellow at APHL - Association of Public Health Laboratories
    Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    In partnership with Santa Clara County Public Health Laboratory, I was selected for a competitive national APHL-CDC Fellowship that provides applied training in public health laboratory science, quality systems, and leadership development.

  • County of Santa Clara Public Health Department (On-site)
    • Laboratory Quality Manager (PHM)
      Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

      Rejuvenation of Santa Clara County Public Health Laboratory Quality Assurance Program. This will include enhancing laboratory workflows, regulatory compliance, and quality management systems to ensure alignment with CLIA requirements and public health standards.

    • Public Health Microbiologist (Trainee)
      Jan 2025 - Jul 2025 · 7 mos

      Trainee in the 2025 Public Health Microbiology (PHM) Training Program, a comprehensive program designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills required for the detection and identification of microbial, fungal, parasitic, and viral pathogens in a public health laboratory setting. The program aims to prepare participants for obtaining a California PHM license.

  • LabAspire Fellow at CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY DIRECTORS
    Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    The LabAspire Public Health Laboratory Director Fellowship Program is designed to train and prepare qualified professionals to direct California Public Health Laboratories.

  • Faculty Lecturer at San Diego State University
    Jul 2023 - Jul 2025 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Created class curriculum focused on scientific communication, critical thinking, hypothesis-building strategies, and experimental design for Fundamentals of Microbiology and General Microbiology courses

  • San Diego State University Research Foundation (San Diego, California, United States · On-site)
    • Research Specialist
      Sep 2024 - Dec 2024 · 4 mos

    • Research Assistant
      May 2024 - Sep 2024 · 5 mos

      Conduct extensive research on host-pathogen interactions between Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro and in vivo to understand the inflammatory response against the parasite Assist in monitoring and reporting positive cases of Trichomonas vaginalis infections to the Health and Human Services Agency