Marine Science Careers: Meet Clinical Lab Scientist Carlos Rios

As the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, The Marine Mammal Center cares for hundreds of animals each year, all with varying conditions. This gives us a unique opportunity to learn from our patients and gain critical insights into our ocean’s health.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist and Manager Carlos Rios, CLS, ASCP facilitates many of our learnings through processing and analyzing samples from our marine mammal patients. Carlos’ contributions go beyond our hospital, too. Through collaborating with outside institutions on research projects and training Teaching Hospital participants who come from around the world to learn from our experts, Carlos plays a critical role in advancing global ocean conservation.

As a teenager, Carlos’ interest in science was ignited thanks to his older brother’s influence. He dreamt of becoming a teacher, doctor or marine biologist.

It was during Carlos’ time in college that he discovered his favorite subject to be laboratory science, inspiring him to pursue the field as a career. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology and Clinical Laboratory Science Certification from the University of the Sacred Heart in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Working in hospital settings, such as Stanford Hospital and Clinics, and Minneapolis Children’s Hospital, Carlos began his career performing laboratory analysis directed to human health. Little did he know that years later he would later be able to combine his passion and skills with his dream of working in marine biology and apply them to the world of marine mammal health.

When moving to the Bay Area, it was Carlos’ partner who discovered the Center was in search of a laboratory scientist. “I was a little apprehensive about applying since I had never worked with animals before,” Carlos says. “But when I came for the interview, I fell in love with the people and the work they were doing. I knew I wanted to be part of it.” Sixteen years later, Carlos is still here.

Since day one, Carlos has been the Center’s Clinical Laboratory Scientist and Manager. Back then, he was a one-man-show, processing samples, creating laboratory protocols and budgets, as well as maintaining the overall quality assurance of the laboratory.

Today, the laboratory has expanded with Carlos leading a team of scientists.

As hundreds of marine mammals come through our hospital doors during an average year, Carlos and his team process thousands of samples collected from our patients, helping to generate research findings and scientific outputs at volumes similar to an academic research laboratory. Samples such as blood, tissue and fur are analyzed for hematology, biochemistry, microbiology, parasitology and urinalysis.

I love working with our team learning about these amazing animals. Every animal that comes through our gate teaches us so much about their health and how we can apply that knowledge to advance ocean conservation.

Results from these samples that Carlos and his team process support our clinical and pathology teams in identifying diseases and pathogens, investigating the reasons why marine mammals strand and determining how these factors are connected to ecosystem and human health.

In fact, research from our scientists has revealed information about underlying causes of disease in marine mammals, such as a high prevalence of cancer rates in sea lions and the impacts of biotoxins on wildlife, which has informed how we treat these diseases.

Outside laboratories and institutions also request samples from our patients for diagnostic and research purposes. As a member of the Center’s research team, Carlos collaborates with these groups to process and ship their requests.

Some of Carlos’ proudest moments from his time at the Center include adding new instruments to the laboratory and reinstating the microbiology department, which expanded our ability to perform in-house diagnostic tests.

Prior to this, samples were sent to outside laboratories. It would take a day or so for results to come in, which delayed treatment for our patients. Now with these new tools and systems, Carlos can provide our veterinarians with same-day test results, helping to give our patients the best possible care.

In addition to processing samples and managing the laboratory’s quality, Carlos uses his role to train and mentor the next generation of scientists—from students and professionals who visit the Center as part of our Teaching Hospital to scientists who work with him in our laboratory.

Carlos’ favorite part of his role is working in the laboratory, running samples and looking under the microscope to investigate which microorganisms are responsible for different infections and to learn new things from the animals we care for. “I liked science growing up so, this career was a perfect match for me. It is funny that now I have been able to combine what I really like doing with a dream I once had of being a marine biologist. I couldn’t ask for anything better,” Carlos says.

What’s Carlos’ advice for someone who wants to work as a clinical laboratory scientist? “If you are passionate about science, go for it. Whether you’re in school or not, do the research and find out more about what opportunities are out there that combine science and conservation,” Carlos says. “Don’t pigeonhole yourself in one thing within your profession—learn everything you can and expand your knowledge.”