In the bustling field of biomedical diagnostics, Magen Martinez stands out not just for her academic achievements but for her role as a single parent. Graduating with a master’s degree from the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University (ASU), Martinez has seamlessly juggled her studies, a demanding full-time role as a laboratory operations manager at Tricore Reference Laboratories in New Mexico, and most importantly, raising her daughter Diana.
Assistant Teaching Professor Michael Donovan, impressed by Martinez’s dedication, described her as the most outstanding BMD student in his time at ASU. Martinez attributes her drive to her daughter, stating, “Her and I are a team, and I would like to showcase that to her and the world whenever possible.”
Diana served as Martinez’s primary motivation for pursuing a master’s degree. With a background in applied mathematics and chemistry, Martinez aimed to augment her career with advanced knowledge. ASU Online emerged as the perfect platform, offering flexibility crucial for her busy schedule.
Martinez acknowledges the pivotal role ASU Online played in her success, allowing her to balance work, motherhood, and education seamlessly. She emphasized the importance of being able to pursue her master’s without compromising her professional and familial responsibilities.
Reflecting on her time at ASU, Martinez highlights the eye-opening experience of delving into the ethics of medicine and information sharing. Dr. Donovan, her mentor, imparted valuable lessons, instilling confidence and reinforcing the significance of persistent effort.
As Martinez steps into the post-graduation phase, her plans include continuing to excel in the laboratory and advancing in her chosen field. When asked about solving a global problem with $40 million, she envisions creating programs that foster better communication and understanding among people from diverse cultures, believing it would contribute to a more harmonious world.
