Joanie Brocato, Ph.D. MLS(ASCP)
Email: jbroc3@lsuhsc.edu
Phone: 504-568-4430
Clinical Associate Professor of Medical Laboratory Science
Betty Lynne Theriot Endowed Professor
Licensure/Certifications:
- National Certification, Registry of Medical Technology of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), 1992
- Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, Clinical Laboratory Personnel, Generalist, #G00790, 1994 - Present
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification by the Council for Six Sigma Certification, 2018"
Education/Degree(s):
Doctor of Philosophy – College of Human Science and Education, Kinesiology
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; May 2008
Bachelor of Science of Medical Technology
Louisiana State University Medical Center New Orleans, Louisiana; August 1992
Dr. Brocato’s expertise and interests includes forensic DNA, Lean Six Sigma, and Laboratory Management. She has taught the following courses:
- MLS 3140 Quality Management and Laboratory Math (Jan 2020 – Jan 2024) – Joint Course Coordinator
- MLS 4130 Chemistry/Immunology Practicum (Jan 2020 – Present) – Joint Course Coordinator
- MLS 3140 Statistics and Quality Assurance (Jan 2024 – Present) – Course Coordinator
- MLS 5109 Biochemistry (Jan 2020 – August 2024) - Course Coordinator
- MLS 4120 Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory (Jan 2020 – August 2024) - Course Coordinator
- MLS 4118 Laboratory Management (Jan 2024 – Present) - Course Coordinator
Dr. Joanie Brocato’s research and scholarly activities focus on laboratory efficiency, forensic DNA analysis, and clinical laboratory science education. Her primary research interests include Lean Six Sigma and Efficient Work Processes, with significant contributions to laboratory workflow optimization and backlog reduction in forensic DNA laboratories. She has conducted internationally recognized Lean Six Sigma projects that increased efficiency in forensic and clinical laboratories.
Her grant-funded research includes projects on forensic DNA analysis, Rapid DNA technology implementation, and improving laboratory workflows. She has secured funding from the National Institute of Justice, Louisiana Department of Health, and American Society for Clinical Pathology, among others. A recent research focus is on medical laboratory science education, including the development of electronic learning tools and simulators in partnership with the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Brocato has authored peer-reviewed journal articles and books, including Clinical Laboratory Science Review – A Bottom Line Approach. She has delivered international, national, and regional presentations on topics such as forensic DNA, Lean Six Sigma, and laboratory education. Her teaching innovations include the development of multiple certificate programs and an MLT-to-MLS program, expanding access to medical laboratory education.
Dr. Brocato has a record of service at LSUHSC, professional societies, and regulatory agencies. At the state and national levels, Dr. Brocato has worked with law enforcement agencies, forensic science organizations, and medical laboratory professional societies. She has served on ASCLS’s Government Affairs Committee, the Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference Steering Committee, and the FBI Rapid DNA Implementation Committee. Her leadership roles include Co-Chair of the National Technology Validation and Implementation Collaborative (NTVIC) Technical Validation Working Group.
Dr. Brocato has extensive clinical expertise in forensic DNA analysis, clinical chemistry, and medical laboratory science education. Her clinical background includes DNA forensic casework, CODIS database management, and newborn screening laboratory oversight. She has been qualified as an expert witness in forensic DNA analysis in multiple Louisiana parishes, testifying in high-profile criminal cases.
Her expertise also includes Lean Six Sigma applications in clinical laboratory settings, where she has successfully implemented laboratory workflow improvements. She has a strong interest in emerging laboratory technologies, including Rapid DNA testing, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory automation.
As an educator and department head, Dr. Brocato focuses on bridging the gap between clinical laboratory practice and education. She has assisted in the developed electronic learning tools and simulators that provide students with real-world clinical laboratory experiences.
Dr. Brocato’s philosophy on education centers on innovation, engagement, and application-based learning. She believes that students learn best when education is active, relevant, and technology-driven. Her teaching approach integrates real-world case studies, simulation-based learning, and Lean Six Sigma principles to prepare students for the evolving field of medical laboratory science. She is committed to expanding educational access, as demonstrated by her leadership in developing hybrid medical laboratory science programs.
Dr. Brocato also believes that collaboration between academia and industry is essential for the future of healthcare education. By fostering partnerships with hospitals, professional organizations, and regulatory agencies, she ensures that students receive a comprehensive and practice-oriented education that aligns with workforce needs.