Dr. Meghan Starolis, MS, PhD, HCLD (ABB), is the Senior Science Director of Infectious Diseases at Quest Diagnostics where she oversees the Molecular Infectious Diseases testing. With expertise spanning chronic viral, respiratory, tick-borne, sexually transmitted, and gastrointestinal diseases, Dr. Starolis drives strategic planning for diagnostic solutions and leads key initiatives in Clinical, Medical Affairs, and Research & Development. She contributes to the development and enhancement of diagnostic assays, advancing the field of molecular diagnostics.

Dr. Starolis earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Microbiology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She pursued a Master’s in Biodefense and a PhD in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at George Mason University, with research focusing on biothreat pathogens, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing. Board-certified by the American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB), Dr. Starolis has received numerous accolades, including Quest Diagnostics’ Empowering Better Health Award in 2020 and 2021. She serves on the editorial board of Microbiology Spectrum Journal and holds leadership roles within the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology and other professional organizations She serves as the Chairperson of the Molecular Life Cycle Management team to provide expertise and oversight to all laboratories enterprise-wide that perform molecular testing at Quest. Additionally, she acts as a board-certified department director of a high complexity, esoteric infectious disease laboratory performing LDTs and FDA approved assays.