Lab Design Conference Speaker Profile: Jessica Scholl
2026 Lab Design Conference speaker—Jessica Scholl, quality assurance program manager, Nationwide Children's Hospital
Jessica Scholl, quality assurance program manager at Nationwide Children's Hospital, will present at the 2026 Lab Design Conference in Orlando, FL. She and her colleague Aimee McKinney will deliver their session, “Move Magic: How to Successfully Execute a Lab Space Transition” on May 12 from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm.
In this session, Jessica and Aimee will examine how thoughtful planning can support successful laboratory relocations in an era of rapid change in medical laboratory science. They will highlight strategies for using existing space efficiently while preparing for future growth, with attention to workflows, adjacencies, equipment placement, and regulatory considerations. Drawing on lessons learned from three real-world lab transitions, the speakers will share practical insights on coordinating diverse stakeholders—including scientists, planners, architects, and facility managers—to anticipate challenges, align priorities, and ensure that new spaces support safe, efficient operations for years to come.
Lab Design News spoke with Jessica about how lab managers must take on multiple roles during relocations, creative ways to optimize existing lab space, and the real-world challenges of coordinating with design and construction teams during expansions. Register now to get your conference ticket!
Q: What key takeaways should attendees expect from your session, and how can they apply these insights in their own labs?
A: Lab managers get to fill lots of different roles. When you are preparing for a move, expansion, or renovation, make sure that you flex your inner architect, interior-designer, air traffic controller … your new “team” has likely never worked in a lab and won’t know your needs unless you share them.
Q: What practical tips can lab users apply to optimize their current space, without a major renovation or rebuild?
A: I like to play “Tetris” when team members come to me with requests for adding utilities or expanding their lab space. Sometimes you can find creative, cost-effective solutions with the resources already available by re-arranging and reorganizing the existing space in a more efficient way.
Q: Why should lab design and operations professionals attend your session, and what will they gain from it?
A: My lab is five times larger than when I first started over a decade ago. We have outgrown our space multiple times, and moving to a new space is not something that becomes a reality overnight. This presentation aims to demonstrate from the user end the challenges and triumphs in working with all the teams outside of the lab who help to make renovations and new builds successful.
Q: Is there a piece of advice you received in your career that has shaped the way you approach lab design?
A: “You can’t do that.” This statement is more motivating than a double-dog dare and has often lead to creative working solutions.
Q: Can you tell us about your favorite vacation spot or travel destination?
A: I went to Epic Universal [recently] for the first time, and it was … epic. I may have missed a workshop …
Join us in Orlando to hear Jessica’s insights on helping lab users plan smoother, more efficient laboratory transitions. Get your ticket now!
