Coe alumna helps build COVID-19 test kits
Maggie Welchhance ’08
Maggie Welchhance ’08 jumped at the opportunity to play a key role in the defense against COVID-19. Currently working as a lab technician at Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) in Coralville, Iowa, she makes COVID-19 test kit components.
“It’s exciting,” she said. “We are a big part of this effort, and it gives me a boost knowing the work I am doing is having a direct impact on what is going on, and I can watch it play out in real time. It also feels like a big responsibility. People are counting on us. It’s somewhat humbling to know that we are a part of this big thing.”
Prior to the pandemic, Maggie moved from laboratory team lead into a business analyst position at IDT. But she answered the call of duty when the pandemic hit, returning to assist in a laboratory role.
“Due to the COVID-19 situation, IDT has ramped up its manufacturing,” Maggie said. “I was offered the chance to return to the lab. I don’t think my manager even finished asking the question before I said yes. I went from working at home to being back on site. My role right now is helping to produce the highest quality products as quickly as possible.”
Maggie remembers her Kohawk experience as a time of academic and personal exploration.
“I was a biology major, but I still loved history and even took some art and music classes,” she said. “Multiple disciplines helped me learn to alter my way of thinking, experiencing and understanding events around me.”