Amanda Duke

Amanda Duke’s journey with DLS began shortly after she moved to Hawaiʻi in 2013. After meeting the Workforce Planning team at a job fair, she applied and was hired as a Laboratory Assistant. With a bachelor’s degree in biology and a strong desire to make a difference, she quickly found that the clinical laboratory field aligned perfectly with her values. “Every test I touch is directly tied to a patient that needs care,” she says. That connection between her work and the well-being of others remains a central motivator in her career.

Amanda started in Accessioning, later moved to Microbiology, and eventually pursued a second degree in Medical Technology from UH. “The leadership in Microbiology worked with me on my schedule because I needed to be able to continue working full time while attending school full time,” she explains. “It was very difficult, but I received a great deal of support from my supervisor.” After becoming a certified technologist, she was invited into a leadership cohort and began gaining experience in management. “This created a knowledgeable foundation for me to build from to later be considered for positions in management.”

Today, Amanda finds deep meaning in both the work itself and the people around her. She values the impact that quality testing brings to patients and communities, and the camaraderie of a team she calls “kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable.” For those considering a career at DLS, Amanda encourages them to explore the wide range of opportunities available, from laboratory testing to other departments across the organization. “There are so many ways to grow here,” she says. “And the work truly matters.”