Pathologists’ Assistant Students Mark Milestone with Graduation Ceremony at Duke

By Jonathan Chen, MHS, PA(ASCP)
Graduates holding diplomas Left to right: Mady Riegel, CJ Cousins, Erin Robinson, Alex Helms, Melissa Prescott, Olivia Bell, Kyle Steele
Left to right: Mady Riegel, CJ Cousins, Erin Robinson, Alex Helms, Melissa Prescott, Olivia Bell, Kyle Steele

On May 12, 2026, Duke Pathology’s pathologists’ assistant (Path A) students participated in a graduation ceremony at Duke’s Wallace Wade Stadium, celebrating the close of the didactic component of the Pathologists' Assistant Program:

Graduates in caps and gowns Left to right: Erin Robinson, Melissa Prescott, CJ Cousins, Alex Helms, Olivia Bell
Left to right: Erin Robinson, Melissa Prescott, CJ Cousins, Alex Helms, Olivia Bell
  • Olivia Rowe Bell
  • Cadey Julianne “CJ” Cousins
  • Alexandra “Alex” Nell Helms
  • Melissa Justina Prescott
  • Madyson “Mady” Sierra Riegel
  • Erin Elizabeth Robinson
  • Kyle Matthew Steele

Following the ceremony, Program Director Michelle Johnson, MHS, PA(ASCP), hosted a luncheon for the graduates and their families and friends, featuring a taco bar.  Johnson was joined by several of the program's preceptors to congratulate the students, including Jonathan Chen, MHS, PA(ASCP), Jess McMahon, MHS, PA(ASCP), Fern Szulgit, MHS, PA(ASCP), and Nicole Tomsho, MS, PA(ASCP). 

 Following graduation, the students will have two more months of clinical rotations, including hosting their final senior seminar presentations in July. Then they will receive their clinical certificate, marking the conclusion of the clinical training component of the program.  

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